FLY91 Becomes First Indian Regional Airline to Offer UPI for Inflight Meals

India’s regional carrier FLY91 is changing the inflight experience by becoming the first Indian regional airline to offer UPI payments for onboard purchases, including hot meals, snacks, and beverages. This innovation brings flexibility and convenience to travellers flying short distances.

Unlike many airlines that require meals to be booked during ticket purchase or paid for in cash, FLY91 now allows passengers to pre-book meals right up to boarding. On the day of travel, passengers can scan a QR code available at check-in counters, boarding gates, or on their seat-back and complete their payment using UPI — all before the flight takes off.

Manoj Chacko, MD and CEO of FLY91, said, “As a regional carrier, our focus has always been on enhancing the overall travel experience through practical innovation using an easy-to-use digital framework. Introducing UPI based digital payments on board is a step towards offering our passengers greater convenience, flexibility and warm meals too. FLY91's digital-first initiative reflects 

This cashless option is part of FLY91’s broader digital-first approach, focused on ease, choice, and comfort. The airline also offers auto check-in, operates fuel-efficient ATR 72-600 aircraft, and uses chatbots for customer service.

FLY91’s onboard menu features ready-to-eat Indian dishes like poha, biryani, dal rice, and noodles, along with a variety of teas, coffees, and snacks such as ragi chips, cookies, and dry fruits. Refreshing juices like mango, aam panna, and jamun are also available — all at affordable prices.

Launched in March 2024, FLY91 currently connects Goa with cities like Hyderabad, Pune, Sindhudurg, Jalgaon, and Agatti (Lakshadweep). With plans to reach 50 cities across India in the next five years, the airline is making regional flying simpler and more customer-friendly.