Rita Dumra. Pic/Sameer Markande

“I’m taking the ‘Jumbo’ to London” — that’s what we would say if it was the 747 because it was a huge aircraft. I flew with Air India for six years. Soon after I joined the airline in 1974 at just 18, they told us the Jumbos were coming. Everyone lovingly called it the Jumbo Jet because it was large and luxurious. Flying it was an experience, and nothing matches up to it even today. The food, service and interiors — they really set a standard. As you know, the theme Palace in the Sky was so apt because the livery and branding were truly a royal affair.

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A photograph of Rita Dumra (second from the left) and crew at London’s Heathrow Airport in 1976 in front of Air India’s Boeing 747

The wallpaper at the upstairs lounge was princely; the crockery was ceramic, and the beer mugs were made from pure silver with elephants engraved on them. Even the flight attendants were dressed elegantly in sarees and lehenga cholis. And the passengers loved it; it was like they had reached India even before we landed in the country. Plus, it was spacious and they could move around the upper floor and mingle at the bar. It was also the smoothest ride. You didn’t know when you landed or took off. And did I mention that we flew the fourth Prime Minister Morarji Desai in 1977? It was grand. I was trained for the 747, and even though I was a flight attendant for six years, operating on that aircraft was such a highlight. I still dream about those days, getting up in a rush thinking I have a flight to catch and a uniform to press.