Vista Verve Tableware Collection for Air India

The challenge was to create a fine dining experience whilst adhering to exact specifications for inflight service across multiple aircraft & menu types, and ensuring products are light weight and commercially durable. The collection not only had to align with Air India’s new brand identity but had to be delivered within unprecedented timelines for new A350 aircraft launch within a matter of few months from design brief. Air India team desired products that would redefine their premium dining experience for travellers with signature pieces that are not only elegant and luxurious but also reminiscent of the uniquely warm Indian hospitality.

The brief was interpreted with a focus on luxury and quintessential Indian hospitality, ensuring that elements reflected Air India’s brand identity through innovative and progressive design. The chinaware design was inspired by the curves of the window brand element, with the addition of a decorative mandala pattern in elegant semi-matte gold and silver on the flared rims. After a few iterations of the initial designs, the Global-C designers conducted a design workshop in Delhi with the Air India team. During this time a true design collaboration took place, enabling efficient development of ideas and finalisation of the core design work.

The result of this fantastic collaboration is the Vista Verve Tableware Collection, which includes original signature pieces that introduce moments of delight in the meal service; The aubergine glass dessert/canape plates and nut bowl add a pop of colour and sophistication to the dining experience. The marble look cheese plate adds a touch of luxury to the presentation of cheese. The tiffin box-shaped salt/pepper metal cruet set, inspired by traditional Indian design, perfectly embodies Air India’s new identity and service principles, reflecting their commitment to becoming a world-class airline with an Indian heart.

One of the key features of this collection is the use of a hybrid formula porcelain material in the ceramics. This material not only enhances the whiteness and translucency of the ceramic body but also makes the articles extremely lightweight, resulting in less fuel burn and fewer emissions. The durability and workmanship of this product has been independently tested and certified to exceed international limits specified in BS 8654-2015 standard. The focus of these performance tests, conducted by ISO 17025 accredited Lucideon laboratories is to certify that the collection of products are in compliance to international ceramic standards of food safety and durability expected in commercial use i.e. they are fit for purpose. To add a touch of elegance, the chinaware is adorned with beautiful semi-matte metallic gold and silver metallic decal decorations that are dishwasher safe. There is intentional use of diverse materials in this collection including ceramics, glass and metal. Many signature metal pieces have been specially hand-crafted in India using traditional techniques that reflect Indian hospitality design. Overall, this collection redefines the premium dining experience for travellers that is not only elegant and luxurious but also reminiscent of the uniquely warm Indian hospitality.