Air Meal ~~~ WHO WIN and taste of superb [Archive]

huaiwei

September 1st, 2004, 06:14 AM

Singapore Airlines does operate the A340-500 (Affectionately known to SIA as A345 Leadership) on its Singapore-Los Angeles route (2nd longest non stop flight) and the Singapore-New York route (Longest non stop flight in the world).

In 2006, it will also be the launch/first customer for the A380.
Just to point out, the A345 is no longer dubbed the leadership.

Also, SIA isnt the first customer for the A380, but it will be the first operator.

Anyway, SIA has this "book the cook" service for its First and Raffles class passengers, which seems to be far better then what they usually serve to the passengers if we were to take their general comments at face value in international surveys? Otherwise, the food seems to be one of the most dissapointing aspects for SIA, besides the lounges? ;)

Then again, I dont know. Some survey respondants have stated that they expect the BEST in everything, including the food, because they are supposed to be on one of the best airline on the planet, so I suppose it just sets expectations way too high even before the purchasing of the ticket!

Isan

September 1st, 2004, 08:03 AM

CX and SQ are both used of A340-600 recently as the fleet carrier
But carbin is slightly been narrow than any other Bieing 777 series

Less spacious and comfort in economy zone :)

heirloom

September 1st, 2004, 11:02 AM

why is it no longer called the leadership?

huaiwei

September 1st, 2004, 02:44 PM

CX and SQ are both used of A340-600 recently as the fleet carrier
But carbin is slightly been narrow than any other Bieing 777 series

Less spacious and comfort in economy zone :)
SIA dosent have the A346 in its fleet, and most likely never will. In fact, rumours has it that even the A345 may be sold.

As for why its no longer called the leadership, plenty of stories abound, but reportedly the most viable one was a disagreement between some members of management. I cant remember who exactly, so when the guy who supported the name left the company, the name dissappeared along with him! :D

Isan

September 1st, 2004, 03:07 PM

IC thanks huaiwei

Why did SQ wanna sold out to its A345?
Was any bad sight from that aircraft ????? since it was a high praise for what they called latest tech & advance :D

Boeing 777-200/300

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid137/pabeb08e442307a45d5da45591a871058/f733503a.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid123/p8c7ed60de2feebb1944dd23b91c25d7f/f82dbdac.jpg

Airbus A330-300

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid136/p20c30248384fb2ca3692d9418ecb4440/f75bc29b.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid136/p0f523e7ef65f175f56be6623836de47b/f75bc27e.jpg

Isan

September 1st, 2004, 03:13 PM

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid137/pa8f99953237a2f4037c14c0d4beb6fe6/f734dcce.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid137/p4e4721d0d16ea12c28b201cf5270c5a4/f734dcc1.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid137/pd4d258539c97bbf285810d7f3d3ecf6d/f730c7c1.jpg

huaiwei

September 1st, 2004, 03:23 PM

IC thanks huaiwei

Why did SQ wanna sold out to its A345?
Was any bad sight from that aircraft ????? since it was a high praise for what they called latest tech & advance :D
Well.....SIA has an obvious love affair with the B777. They just made a massive 31-plane order for B777-300LRs, and I am almost quite sure that once the B777-200LR appears, SIA will jump ship without a second tought! :D

But all is not lost for Airbus it seems as far as its relatively sad history with SIA is concerned. Apparantly SIA is planning to practically get rid of all her B747-400s, and replacing most of them with A380s, complimented by existing higher capacity B777 models for slightly less busy and long-haul routes.

Anyway, I would be sad to see the A345 go. At least they can take pride in allowing SIA to introduce the snack bar concept which isnt available on any other airline or airliner just yet! :D

heirloom

September 1st, 2004, 03:48 PM

what's the difference between 777-300lr and 777200lr?

Isan

September 1st, 2004, 04:35 PM

what's the difference between 777-300lr and 777200lr?

Some picture discussing on this thread

Boeing's design of 777-200LR (http://skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=119734)

huaiwei

September 1st, 2004, 04:44 PM

Er btw.....its supposed to be the 777-300ER..not LR. My mistake! :bow:

LtBk

September 1st, 2004, 08:28 PM

LH's food is terrible.

Skyblade

September 5th, 2004, 08:13 AM

This was the best in-flight meal I've had so far...

http://airlinemeals.net/images/meals/philippineairlines016.jpg

Photo taken by: Joe Pallon (i.e. me :D)
Route: Manila (MNL) to Los Angeles (LAX), 1 Jan 2004
Aircraft type & class: B 747-4F6 (N753PR), Economy/Fiesta Class
Business or leisure trip: leisure trip
Meal type: Dinner
Contents of the meal: Beef fillet topped with gravy with potatoes, carrots, and string beans. Served alongside with some sort of salad with turkey in it, a dinner roll with butter, and a brownie for dessert.
Drink: 7UP
Comments: The beef fillet was tender and juicy. Certainly one of the best in-flight meals I ever had!
Rating 1-10 (worst-best): 10

Airlinemeals.net: Philippine Airlines (http://airlinemeals.net/meals/PhilippineAirlines.html)

Isan

September 9th, 2004, 03:08 PM

Breakfast for 2 selection

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid138/pf8d455be11ebba3dfe2a51814bce12c6/f71525e8.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid138/p0c96129f1e9ead0fdc49297f9b0a88a4/f71525d5.jpg

Lunch [Chicken rice or fish noddle]
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid138/pb8f2f4b958f860893ba71268ba6009ef/f71525af.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid138/pf0a4fbf94716855bece4dfc55eef7de0/f71525c9.jpg

TASTE better than before and yummy
:cheers:

hkskyline

September 9th, 2004, 04:45 PM

Air Canada Meals - AC15 Toronto - Hong Kong (Business Class)
http://www.ofoto.com/BrowsePhotos.jsp?Ucollid=497316526105&Uphotoid=261426526105&Uselected_photo=67762822405.572126526105&collid=497316526105&page=1&sort_order=0

Isan

October 2nd, 2004, 07:16 PM

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid137/p9ce4656724cc409f4d5e824527bccce0/f734da6f.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid137/p8afe6e3042ace8cff5850bca3ccd3c5f/f734dbab.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid137/p32ba66e59d2c753963abe88864ff3039/f734da61.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid137/pcce7fcfcafbaf7852b6fdf997a7fe095/f734dcad.jpg

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid137/pf49c113b05d3c33e99a94fd54f4fd4c5/f734dc31.jpg

Darkknight

October 3rd, 2004, 11:28 AM

Some pics from Emirates!!!

http://www.airlinemeals.net/images/meals/emirates079.jpg
http://www.airlinemeals.net/images/meals/emirates078.jpg http://www.airlinemeals.net/images/meals/emirates077.jpg http://www.airlinemeals.net/images/meals/emirates076.jpg
http://www.airlinemeals.net/images/meals/emirates075.jpg http://www.airlinemeals.net/images/meals/emirates074.jpg http://www.airlinemeals.net/images/meals/emirates073.jpg http://www.airlinemeals.net/images/meals/emirates072.jpg http://www.airlinemeals.net/images/meals/emirates071.jpg http://www.airlinemeals.net/images/meals/emirates070.jpg http://www.airlinemeals.net/images/meals/emirates069.jpg http://www.airlinemeals.net/images/meals/emirates067.jpg http://www.airlinemeals.net/images/meals/emirates066.jpg http://www.airlinemeals.net/images/meals/emirates065.jpg http://www.airlinemeals.net/images/meals/emirates064.jpg http://www.airlinemeals.net/images/meals/emirates063.jpg http://www.airlinemeals.net/images/meals/emirates062.jpg http://www.airlinemeals.net/images/meals/emirates061.jpg
http://www.airlinemeals.net/images/meals/emirates060.jpg

What do u think??

Courtesy: Airlinemeals.net

Dong Ha Lee

October 3rd, 2004, 06:26 PM

omg, Emirates is a five star hotel.

liping_t

October 10th, 2004, 08:25 AM

Are you guys showing pics of 1st/Business class meals? Dudes...which airline has bad 1st/Business class grub?? The key thing for us plebs is to kno which airline dishes out the best Economy class munches!

Me? I just flew Korean (economy of course), and whoo...I'm in LOVE with their Bibimbap :) Had salmon in there too! yeeee

beijinggreg

October 10th, 2004, 10:46 AM

i've flown most of the major airlines, though not all business class. But the best business class food i've had was - surprisingly - Air France (Beijing to Paris, Paris - LA and Chicago - Paris). I say surprisingly because it disagrees with many reviews. It was superb. I like good wine, bread and cheese and go figure, Air France does pretty well in this area. Also, teh service was surprisingly very good. I've flown biz class with them i think 8 times, and it was consistently good. The worst i've had was United. Again, i've only flown business class on a handful of airlines, so it's a small sampling. The most "disappointing" i've had was Cathay Pacific, simply because the reputation was so high. The food (and experience) did not meet or exceed my expectations. Singapore Airlines was also a little disappointing, but again the reputations are so high. The service on Sing is great, no complaints there.

The worst economy class food i've ever had is a tie. Both unedible, bordering on poisonous. Kuwait Air from Chicago to Amsterdam, and China Eastern from Beijing to Munich. When i say poisonous, i am being partially serious. When i put whatever it was into my mouth, i had a strong adverse reaction to it. Anyway, take that for what it's worth.

Guy Phil

October 12th, 2004, 09:47 AM

http://www.airlinemeals.net/images/meals/emirates066.jpg

Oh My God, they even surve caviar on board the Emirates !!!!

hala

October 12th, 2004, 11:10 AM

Oh My God, they even surve caviar on board the Emirates !!!!

CX does that too!

heirloom

October 12th, 2004, 12:09 PM

i think many first class meals have caviar.

huaiwei

October 12th, 2004, 12:15 PM

Maybe he is just surprised by what he considers a "desert airline" will serve caviar? :D

Isan

October 13th, 2004, 10:03 AM

Salmon and Duck are my favorite appetizer if I flown J Class

Isan

December 1st, 2004, 06:39 AM

Lounge Reception

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid148/p267fa0d1e0b63e57ce46a25fde74e76b/f61058c3.jpg

Welcome Drink
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid148/p09797c036ede75092412e5ad4d970463/f61c3cb3.jpg

Pre-Meal
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid148/p663b11b1984d6cd60525e0cc6a2700f8/f61c3a44.jpg

Appetizer
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid148/p311de0f2a5d3d6d547b25cf553f48d31/f61c3a27.jpg

Dinner
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid148/p644b8f5653411b13238f8130b879766d/f61c39f5.jpg

Dessert
http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid148/p7ce65476db0a6b1dbaece8dee67e364c/f61c3c9c.jpg

Breakfast

http://www.imagestation.com/picture/sraid148/p7e38cfa934bc5595d751ac8c30a86545/f61c3a76.jpg

Isan

March 5th, 2005, 06:08 AM

Air New Zealand beefs up plane food http://www.staralliance.com/star/show_pictures/1_0_2ti.gif
Saturday 5th March, 2005 (UPI)

Air New Zealand Friday appointed a top chef from a Los Angeles restaurant to be its food consultant.

Govind Armstrong, executive chef of Table 8 and chef for the Queen Mary II among other venues, will be coming up with a new menu for the airline's business and premium economy classes this summer.

Air New Zealand said it is stepping up efforts to make better plane food even as other carriers cut back on their food options as it prepares to offer more long-haul flights to the United States and Europe.

Isan

March 5th, 2005, 06:21 AM

http://www.aa.com/content/images/home/homeHeaderLogo.gif

In January, American announced its new “Food on Board” program that included snack boxes and sandwiches on more than 600 routes. As part of their marketing campaign, “Give Customers What They Value,” AA used feedback from customers, flight attendants and other employees to develop an updated food service plan.

* Morning Snack Box for $3: Contains a Kellogg’s® Nutri-Grain Muffin Bar, Ocean Spray® Craisins®, New York Style® Brand® Mini Bagel Chips, rondelé® cream-cheese spread and Peerless® Starlight Mint.

* Afternoon Snack Box for $3: Contains Pepperidge Farm® Distinctive Crackers, Sparrer’s® gourmet beef salami slices, cheddar cheese, Delyse® Orchard Fruit Mix and Oreo® cookies.

* Breakfast Wraps for $5: A breakfast croissant sandwich with turkey, cheddar cheese, sliced hard-boiled eggs and raspberry butter.

* Turkey Wraps for $5: A roasted red-pepper tortilla, spread with spinach cream cheese, lined with Romaine lettuce and filled with turkey, red bell pepper and corn.

http://businesstravel.about.com/library/graphics/FoodChoices_2.JPG

classhopper

March 5th, 2005, 12:48 PM

Oh I gotta find something to eat.

waustralia

March 5th, 2005, 01:03 PM

Yuck. I hate airplane buns. The best airplane food I've ever has was on Air Paradise flying from Perth to Bali. Yummy.

Isan

March 13th, 2005, 05:56 AM

CX's bun and pastry are great :okay: even @ Y
soft and warm ........................

centralized pandemonium

March 13th, 2005, 05:59 AM

I hated Air India's food.

Isan

March 31st, 2005, 03:37 PM

British Airways extends availability of Chiva-Som Spa Menu in First Class
30 March 2005

In September 2004, British Airways joined forces with Thailand’s world-renown luxury health resort, Chiva-Som, to provide spa cuisine dishes for its First class passengers on selected flights to New York (JFK) and Bangkok.

This healthy alternative is now being extended to all services from London to Dubai, Melbourne, Newark, Sydney, Singapore, Miami, Hong Kong, San Francisco and Los Angeles.

Darryl Bailey, First class brand manager for British Airways said, “We are delighted to be deepening our relationship with Chiva-Som who are like minded in their desire to deliver the highest standards to customers, provide individualised exquisite service and focus on every detail.

“The Chiva-Som menu adds to our already broad and flexible dining options which also includes pre-flight dining on the ground and a traditional a-la-carte menu created by our celebrity chefs.”

Chiva-Som’s award-winning spa cuisine draws on the fundaments of Thai culinary art to deliver light, easily digestible dishes that will leave passengers feeling comfortable in-flight and more energised on arrival. The food offers real benefits to flyers providing plenty of hydration in-flight and encouraging a good night’s sleep.

The dishes include spiced grilled beef salad with Siamese herbs and roasted marinated salmon with green papaya salad. Mouth-watering dessert options include ricotta mousse with mango and chocolate mousse with fresh berries.

All the Chiva-Som menu options contain fresh, organic ingredients, which are low in fat and full of natural goodness, providing the perfect balance of fat, protein, calcium and carbohydrates while minimising harmful ingredients such as saturated fats and salt.

Chiva-Som’s executive chef, Paisarn Cheewinsiriwat said, “We have been delighted with the feedback we have received so far, and share the desire of British Airways to deliver the finest in-flight cuisine to its First class customers. Extending our unique partnership with British Airways will give more people the chance to realise that healthy food doesn’t have to be boring and tasteless.”

plondder

March 31st, 2005, 06:10 PM

For me,Iberia's Bussiness Class meals are the best!

Isan

April 10th, 2005, 05:40 AM

EV Air introducing to Pre-Meal order by internet prior on departure

And also, if you’re an Evergreen Club member, you’ll earn 500 bonus miles for ordering your meal online after you complete your journey. To avail of this special offer, your Evergreen Club membership number must be entered into your passenger name record BEFORE you place your meal order online. The bonus miles cannot be claimed at a later time.

http://www.evaair.com/globalimage/b2c/iten/i_star.jpgOrder Meal (http://ffp.evaair.com/online/html/english/plan/eibsa066.asp)

http://www.evaair.com/image/b2c/english/image/t1.gif

Luka

April 10th, 2005, 07:13 AM

http://www.lju-airport.si/images/clanki/img361.gif

Jat business class has very good meals. Since 2000 Jat (Serbia’s national airline) has been improving its food drastically. Jat catering is the biggest catering business in the Balkans.

http://www.airlinemeals.net/images/meals/jat001Corp.jpg

However Emirates business class is one of the tastiest (I have tried).

Isan

April 27th, 2005, 12:38 PM

FREE bar service for Long-Haul flight

http://tinypic.com/4qrint

Isan

May 7th, 2005, 01:09 PM

Enrich Y class meals :okay:

http://tinypic.com/4vsl5k

http://tinypic.com/4vsl6g

http://tinypic.com/4vsl78

http://tinypic.com/4vsl83

http://tinypic.com/4vsmio

Isan

June 24th, 2005, 04:39 AM

GULF AIR TAKES FIRST PLACE IN AIRLINE CATERING AWARDS

Posted: 20-06-2005 , 07:02 GMT

In the latest World Airline Catering Awards to be published by Skytrax, Gulf Air has clinched top position fobr both First and Business Class onboard catering on long-haul intercontinental flights.

The latest accolades follow the strong showing by Gulf Air in the last year’s Skytrax poll, in which the airline was recognised for the Most Improved Performance 2004 as well as achieving the Best On-board Catering (First Class) and the Best Check-In Facilities (Business Class, at Bahrain Airport) awards.

James Hogan, President and Chief Executive of Gulf Air, said: “It was a truly significant step for us to be recognised in the Skytrax awards last year – and it’s been just as significant for us to retain our strong position in key categories in the latest awards.”

“It also demonstrates that our business strategy, an important component of which is the continual improvement of products and services for the business traveller is working."

"This innovation and development is set to continue following endorsement by the Board of our mandate for the next three years. This year, we have invested US$10 million in our premium seats and in-flight entertainment systems, delivering the final piece of the jigsaw to create a definitive world-class product.”

The enhancement of the cabins in the Airbus A330 aircraft has been accompanied by significant enhancements to the dining concept. The menus feature new and contemporary presentation styles, after specialised crew training, and are complemented by a selection of hand-picked, fine vintage wines and other beverages to complete the dining experience.

Traditional dining - either alone or with up to four companions - and the dine-on-demand facility, is complemented by a stand up on-board buffet which offers a full range of drinks and snacks.

Peter Miller, Marketing Director of Skytrax, said: “Gulf Air has taken major strides forward and we are delighted to be able to recognise this. Our awards are based on the opinions of the people who matter most – the customers.”

The Skytrax Airline Survey is the global measure of passengers’ opinions. It is the only truly global survey, targeting more than 90 passenger nationalities.

The latest Skytrax awards follow a series of high-profile wins for Gulf Air in 2004, including the Airline Turnaround of the Year Award from the Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation in 2003, and a nomination as a Superbrand in the United Arab Emirates. Gulf Air also received the top honour of a platinum award for the Best Middle East and North Africa Airline at the 2004 and 2005 Arabian Travel Market’s MENA Travel Awards.

For more information visit http://www.airlinequality.com/2005/catering-05.htm

About Gulf Air
Gulf Air was founded in 1950. Today, it is owned by the Kingdom of Bahrain, Oman and the Emirate of Abu Dhabi and is the only truly pan Gulf carrier in the region. The airline’s network stretches from Europe to Asia and covers 44 cities in 30 countries. The fleet is one of the most modern in the Middle East and comprises 34 aircraft.

The airline is in the last year of a three-year strategic recovery programme, headed by President and Chief Executive, James Hogan. The airline, which is making rapid strides towards regaining profitability in 2005, aims to further evolve by taking its renowned cultural strengths, which have been gained over more than half a century, into a global environment.

The dramatic turnaround in Gulf Air’s fortunes has won international recognition. In January 2004, The Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation (CAPA) presented the airline with the prestigious Airline Turnaround of the Year Award for 2003. Gulf Air was also the recipient of the 2003 Platinum Award for the Best Airline in the Middle East and North Africa, recognising the airline’s commitment to service excellence.
Winner - Middle East and North African Platinum Best Airline Travel Award 2004
Winner - Skytrax Most Improved Airline Award 2004
Winner - Skytrax Best First Class Onboard Food Category 2004
Winner - Skytrax Best Business Class Check-in Category 2004
Official Airline and Sponsor of the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix 2005

Isan

June 28th, 2005, 02:52 PM

US Airways Bags Cold Sandwiches, Upgrades First-Class Menu

By Keith L. Alexander

Tuesday, June 28, 2005; Page D01

Since February, business travelers flying cross-country in first class on US Airways have been given the same cold, boxed sandwiches that passengers pay for in the back of the plane.

Perhaps this is not the best way to treat your top customers who pay hundreds of dollars more than those in coach or who have converted some of the tens of thousands of frequent flier miles they've racked up as loyal US Airways passengers.

On Aug. 1, US Airways will back away from the cheap sandwich in first class. Passengers in the best seats on the long-haul flights will be served a hot meal: omelets or French toast for breakfast, pasta or chicken for dinner.

US Airways acted after receiving complaints from some of its most frequent travelers. "We heard from our customers that they wanted the hot meals back," said US Airways spokeswoman Amy Kudwa, who added that the meals had been removed only because of a problem with one of its food vendors.

Frequent fliers applauded the decision. "This is a step in the right direction," said Alexandria-based economist Charles A. Witt.

US Airways' decision comes at a time when the nation's airlines are trying to beef up revenue from their most exclusive and expensive product: the first-class seat. That means enticing travelers to open their wallets by adding or bringing back amenities.

The focus on first class also is aimed at reminding travelers of the difference between airlines: Don't even think of getting a first-class seat on the low-cost carriers, such as Southwest or JetBlue -- because they don't have them.

Continental Airlines is doubling the number of first-class seats on each of its 757 jets to 24 to give more travelers the chance to fly in the front of the cabin. The airline is taking 18 seats from coach to accommodate the expansion.

Among the perks for first-class passengers: boarding the aircraft early and passing through designated first-class security lines.

American does serve hot meals in first class and allows passengers five to seven more inches of legroom than is available in coach. Northwest recently began charging coach passengers for a bag of nuts but still gives snacks away in first class, along with a hot meal on longer flights.

"There's a sense that if [the airlines] can convince you that there's value added in first class, the premium is reason enough to spend the extra money," said Joe Brancatelli, publisher of the subscription online travel site http://Joesentme.com .

But with meals, some pillows and extra legroom, first-class travelers are essentially getting what everyone used to get in coach. "First class in 2005 is coach circa 1975," Brancatelli joked.

staff

June 28th, 2005, 03:42 PM

The best I've ever tried was Scandinavian Airlines and THAI.

heirloom

June 28th, 2005, 07:10 PM

LA-Sin, Singapore Airlines executive economy. some beefy thing. scallops in the top left corner. ben & jerry's cherry garcia for dessert.
http://img33.echo.cx/img33/4971/imgp91876pc.jpg

hkskyline

June 28th, 2005, 07:39 PM

Economy

Dinner
http://www.globalphotos.org/toronto/20050413/YYZ-FRA099.jpg

Breakfast
http://www.globalphotos.org/toronto/20050413/YYZ-FRA102.jpg

European Continental - Business Class

Lunch
http://www.globalphotos.org/paris/20050423/DSCN8804.jpg

European Continental - Economy

Snack - Sandwich
http://www.globalphotos.org/munich/20050423/DSCN8912.jpg

http://www.globalphotos.org/frankfurt/20050414/FRA-CDG163.jpg

hkskyline

June 28th, 2005, 07:41 PM

Dinner
http://www.globalphotos.org/london/20041225/100_0170.jpg

http://www.globalphotos.org/london/20041231/DSCN6514.jpg

Breakfast
http://www.globalphotos.org/london/20041225/100_0173.jpg

Snack
http://www.globalphotos.org/london/20041231/DSCN6530.jpg

Drinks
http://www.globalphotos.org/london/20041231/DSCN6508.jpg

Isan

July 20th, 2005, 02:55 AM

Healthy food options for young flyers
Thursday, 14 July 2005

British Airways is to introduce a new improved food service for its younger flyers with the launch of a new series of menus.

From mid July, children travelling with the airline will be offered greater choice and healthier meal options using only the finest quality ingredients.

The new meals will include non-processed meat and the airline guarantees at least five portions of fruit or vegetables in every meal.

The new food is about finding a balance between children's and parent's desires. It has been designed to be fun and interactive with menu options such as vegetable sticks with dips and chocolate-coated fruit.

Other dishes include wholemeal spaghetti, salmon and cod rosti, low fat bio yoghurts, fruit jelly and appetizers.

David Stockton, British Airways catering manager said:

"Families are extremely important to British Airways with over 1.2 million children travelling every year and we invest a great deal of time and resource to make sure the total travel experience is right including the meal choices we offer.

"As a father of two I recognize how difficult it is to get the balance right between what parents want and what appeals to children. We have been working on the new menus over the past nine months looking at every meal type across all cabins and we believe the new food strikes the right balance."

The meals will be available on all British Airways flights to and from Australia.

Isan

July 20th, 2005, 10:21 PM

Lufthansa to serve new in-flight delicacies 7/20/2005 5:00:52 PM

Lufthansa German Airlines on Wednesday announced the launch of a series of in-flight culinary initiatives to serve passengers on outbound flights from India. These initiatives are part of the leading European airline's policy to bring "Quality and Innovation" to all service areas and will boost the in-flight gastronomic experience as well assist in informing passengers on the process for choosing the right meal on board.

Based on customer feedback from across the five Indian destinations served by Lufthansa, the new culinary initiatives include the enhancement of the existing meals, a meals brochure designed to advise passengers on the range and the process for ordering the same and the introduction of the Star Chefs concept in India and. Mr Hemant Oberoi, Chef de Cuisine, Taj Hotel Mumbai is the first Star Chef from India.

Werner Heesen, GM, Passenger Sales India and Director South Asia, said, "We asked our valued passengers what they wanted and it is their direct feedback that has guided the development of our new culinary initiatives. India is one of Lufthansa's fastest growing markets and it is our aim to further enhance the service we offer our Indian passengers. We understand and acknowledge the diverse culinary tastes of our passengers and their contribution has been extremely valuable in assisting us to provide an even better in-flight service."

Connoisseurs on Board is the broad culinary concept for which Lufthansa engages the expertise of top international chefs as Star Chefs for its in-flight service - on long-haul flights and also on European routes. Designed to pamper the Business Class and First Class passengers, three different menu selections will be offered over a 12-month period with a rotation period of two months each. A total number of 66 dishes for first class and 42 dishes for the Business Class will be available on the menu for the customers.

The Lufthansa Meals brochure serves as a communication tool to familiarize the customer on the diversity of meals available and the correct procedure to order them. India is the first country in the Lufthansa network to provide a meals brochure for added convenience to its customers. Kalpana Parikh, a Lufthansa frequent flyer who has been travelling with the airline for 25 years, unveiled the brochure. Parikh worked closely with Lufthansa towards the preparation of the meals brochure.

The brochure introduces a customer to the wide variety of meals offered on Lufthansa flights. These include four main meals in First Class, three main meals in Business Class and two main meals in economy. Beyond this extensive variety, Lufthansa also offers special ethnic meals as well as meals for children and passengers with medical restrictions on their diet. Designed for easy reading, the brochure highlights the meals, which cater to the distinct taste preferences of passengers from the South Asian region.

The brochure also gives some useful tips to customers like how to select meals at the time of reservation, ordering special meals minimum 24 hours before a flight and re-booking the meal while re-booking the flight.

Isan

August 10th, 2005, 11:39 AM

Malaysia Airlines achieves top scores in airline poll
Wednesday, 10 August 2005

TravpressThe Smart Travel Asia Favourite Airline Poll 2005 has ranked Malaysia Airlines among the top five airlines in various categories, including nabbing the top spot for favourite airline food.

Voters chose between 79 major airline companies in the three month poll which closed at the end of July. 60 per cent of the voters were from Asia, 20 per cent from Britain and Europe, and 20 per cent from the United States .

MAS scored third in the Favourite Airline Overall category, coming after Cathay Pacific and Singapore Airlines.

The airline won first place in the Favourite Airline Food category with its curry oriented menus, winning 15% of overall votes, thus beating Singapore airlines and Thai Airways International.

For the Favourite Economy Class category, MAS came out fourth, down one place from last year, although it maintained its third spot for Favourite Business class, and ranked fifth place for Favourite First Class.

The poll also revealed that recently Asian markets have seen a growth of small, low-cost, no-frill airlines, with major airlines offering their own versions in order to compete in the small airlines market.

“Air Asia, the fastest-growing 'small' airline with its catchy slogan - Now everyone can fly - bagged fifth place with a creditable 8% vote,” the website said.

Isan

August 11th, 2005, 11:44 AM

LONDON There are bound to be some growling stomachs and short tempers following British Airways' long-haul flights today from London's Heathrow Airport.
Forty-one flights to places as far flung as Australia and Africa left the airport today with no food on board due to a problem with an airport caterer. An airline spokesman says those planes were carrying only water, tea and coffee when they took off.

Customers have been given the choice of a refund, rebooking their travel for another day, or having a buffet meal before they left. They're also being offered vouchers for airport food.

The spokesman blames the lack of food on an industrial dispute between the airline's caterer and the caterer's staff.

Copyright 2005 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

Isan

August 16th, 2005, 08:50 AM

Big Airline Catering Service Faces Trouble at Every Turn
Andrew Stuart/Associated Press

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Laid-off employees at Heathrow Airport in London jeer a truck owned by Gate Gourmet, the financially troubled airline catering service. Sympathy strikes stranded many passengers over the weekend.

By HEATHER TIMMONS
Published: August 16, 2005

LONDON, Aug. 15 - Things have gone from bad to worse at the in-flight catering company Gate Gourmet since the Texas Pacific Group purchased it in 2002 from Swissair, which had fallen into bankruptcy.

Embittered relations between the company and its employees caused sympathy strikes at Heathrow Airport in London, leaving tens of thousands of passengers stranded last weekend. Negotiations between unions and company executives continued Monday night, and many British Airways flights are still departing without food.

Gate Gourmet's woes are not confined to Britain, though. The company, which has headquarters in Reston, Va., and Zurich, is also in heated labor disputes in the United States, where it is trying to cut $42 million a year in costs. This summer, unions representing Gate Gourmet employees successfully sued to have their health benefits reinstated after the company said it would eliminate them.

On top of that, the company has been cited for operations problems. In February, the Food and Drug Administration cited its Hawaii plant for health violations including moldy refrigerators and vermin, problems the company says it has addressed. And Gate is negotiating with at least nine passengers from flights last August who sued the company, contending they suffered food poisoning.

Gate Gourmet's bottom line is shaky. The company is in default on nearly 700 million Swiss francs, or $558 million, of debt. Junior creditors, which are owed about 270 million francs, started discussions last week with the remaining lenders about collecting, according to an executive involved in the negotiations.

At this rate, Texas Pacific may have difficulty recovering the 1 billion Swiss francs it spent on Gate Gourmet in 2002, much less turning a profit, airline analysts said on Monday.

Texas Pacific would not comment on the company or its problems. It may be premature to try to predict Gate Gourmet's future, though. Turnaround specialists like Texas Pacific can take anywhere from a few years to more than a decade to get a company back on its feet, depending on the strength of the industry, labor relations, management and competition. Texas Pacific's involvement in the revamping of Continental Airlines, for example, took 10 years, but eventually it got 11 times its Continental equity back.

On the plus side, Gate Gourmet has a strong revenue stream, with nearly $2 billion in sales last year. But it has lost money annually since 2000.

Crucial to its turnaround is its performance in Britain, where it is on track to lose £25 million ($45 million) this year, and where it has been trying desperately to cut labor costs. On Monday, Gate Gourmet said 560 employees, about 28 percent of its British staff, were still suspended after last week's strikes. The strikes began, unions said, when the company hired seasonal workers after pushing through a cost-cutting package that included layoffs.

"We make money in some locations and some countries, but over all the company loses money, and the single biggest place is Heathrow," said the chairman and chief executive, David N. Siegel, in a telephone interview. Gate's costs there are 50 percent higher than those of other airline caterers at the airport, he said.

Mr. Siegel, who joined the company in June 2004, was formerly the chief executive at US Airways. He left the airline in April 2004 after reaching an impasse with unions there.

The company's losses in Britain have caused previous management to consider some desperate measures. A year ago, managers drew up a plan intended to provoke Heathrow employees into striking illegally, so they could be replaced by lower-wage workers, several executives said.

The plan was first reported by The Daily Mirror on Monday. Gate Gourmet confirmed that the plan existed, but said that it had been drawn up by previous management and was never pursued.

Eric Born, who was named chief executive of Gate Gourmet's British operations in August 2004, called the idea "sheer lunacy" in a statement, and said someone had leaked the information to derail negotiations between the company and unions.

If Gate Gourmet cannot cut some costs, a bankruptcy filing by at least some of its operations is a real possibility, executives inside the company say. The company employs 22,000 people in 29 countries and makes more than half a million airline meals a day.

Industrywide trends are adding to Gate Gourmet's problems. Revenues for airline catering companies have fallen 30 percent since 2000, as airlines have cut back on meals to reduce costs.

"We're sort of the last in line in the airline industry to be approached with the massive cuts," said Blake Harwell, a spokesman for Unite Here, a United States labor union that is negotiating with Gate Gourmet. "It starts with the pilots and ends with the caterers."

Isan

August 17th, 2005, 06:05 PM

Catering dispute may disrupt services at Dublin Airport
17/08/2005 - 08:16:46

Dublin Airport could be facing disruption similar to that seen at London Heathrow last week following a vote for industrial action by 200 catering staff.

The staff are employed by Gate Gourmet, the same company at the centre of last week's chaos in Heathrow.

The firm's Irish workers have voted for industrial action after being told that the company cannot afford to award them pay increases due under the Sustaining Progress agreement.

SIPTU said Gate Gourmet had also threatened to introduce new terms of employment without securing the agreement of the workers.

The matter has been referred to the Labour Relations Commission, but SIPTU said a strike could be on the cards if the company does not back down.

Gate Gourmet services several airlines in Dublin, including British Airways, American Airlines, Air Canada, Air France, Lufthansa and City Jet.

Isan

August 19th, 2005, 09:22 AM

BA To Resume Meal Service After Strike Chaos
August 18, 2005

British Airways will resume hot meals on flights from its London Heathrow base next week, its caterer said on Thursday, a week after a strike at the firm spread to the airline and left 100,000 passengers stranded.

Loss-making caterer Gate Gourmet fired about 350 staff last week, sparking a sympathy strike by BA ground crews which brought BA operations at Heathrow to a complete halt.

"Gate Gourmet... will improve service levels to near normal from Monday August 22," the catering firm said in a news release, meaning a return to hot meals for passengers served only cold food for the past week.

About 1,000 BA staff walked out last Thursday and Friday in support of workers dismissed by Gate Gourmet, leaving passengers stranded at the peak of the summer travel season.

Analysts expect the strike to cost BA at least GBP£30 million (USD$54 million).

BA said on Thursday it had launched an investigation into whether any of its staff were bullied into joining the strike.

In an open letter to staff, BA Chief Executive Sir Rod Eddington described the walkouts as "a body blow that defies belief. Never before have we had to cancel the entire operation at our worldwide base."

Workers found to have walked out unlawfully would not be paid for the time they were absent, Eddington said.

Gate Gourmet is owned by US private equity firm Texas Pacific Group. It bought the caterer from now-defunct Swissair in 2003, which had bought catering operations from BA in 1997.

Gate Gourmet management is cutting jobs in an effort to end a string of annual losses since 2001.

(Reuters)

crazyeight

August 20th, 2005, 03:51 AM

This thread is making me sooooooooooooo hungry

Luka

August 21st, 2005, 04:14 AM

This thread is making me sooooooooooooo hungry
Same

firmanhadi

August 22nd, 2005, 05:27 AM

I've always found Air France to be a cut above the rest when it comes to meal. I guess, the French aren't famous for cusine for nothing! :)

Isan

September 4th, 2005, 03:09 PM

By Greg Morago
The Hartford Courant

In 1987, former American Airlines president Bob Crandall made a notorious cost-saving measure of removing one olive from the top of salads served in first class. That savings of $40,000 in catering costs was big news then. If only it were as simple as olives today.

The nation's biggest carriers now are faced with making painful cost cuts as jet fuel prices skyrocket. The sorry state of the airline business has forced United Airlines and US Airways to file for bankruptcy protection. Delta is close to filing. And now a mechanics strike at Northwest Airlines poses potential glitches in passenger travel that could have a ripple effect through the rest of the busy summer travel season.

What next? An olive garnish (oh, for the salad days of yore) seems inconsequential in these days when flying has been cut to the bare bones. Which brings me to the unappetizing topic of airline meals.

Domestic carriers have already eliminated magazines, pillows and blankets. Now they're trying to starve us. Most major airlines have done away with free meals on flights of less than three hours. Some airlines have done away with meals altogether, instead allowing passengers to buy snack boxes, wraps and sandwiches if they wish to eat anything at all. You can't even get a tiny bag of pretzels or nuts on some carriers.

Grumbling about airline meals is, for most people, a thing of the past. Except for first class folks, hot meals are almost non-existent.

Anyone who has traveled by air in the last few years knows enough now to pack a bagel, a sandwich, crackers, cookies and fruit because the airlines sure aren't giving you a snack, much less a meal.

Have you boarded a plane lately? All you smell is McDonald's, Cinnabon and Taco Bell as the herd of passengers lumbers in loaded with fast-food takeout to get through the next couple of hours. Every passenger boarding seems to be clutching an extra-large soda, a venti Frappuccino or B.J.'s-size bag of Doritos. I've seen families cart in entire picnic meals as if they're off to the lake for an afternoon.

The only people buying the snack boxes must be the ones who didn't plan for their own in-flight dining. One wonders if the airlines would make more money on their snack boxes and prepared meals if they had a good track record of feeding tasty food to passengers. But for decades they haven't. So now they continue to be victims of their own long-standing inability to deliver an appealing meal.

There's a segment of travelers, though, who don't give a hoot about scaled-back food service. For them, low ticket prices, convenient routes, good hub connections and on-time performance are more important than a chicken dinner. That makes perfect sense to me. Oh, then there's the not so incidental factor of safety. I'd rather mechanics and pilots get their raises and pensions funded than complain about the lack of hot nuts in first class.

But about those nuts. On a recent American Airlines first-class flight, I noticed that the peanuts in the warm-nut mix had been replaced by soy nuts. I assumed it was because of nut allergies. A friend, however, said it was another cost-saving measure. Whatever, I was thankful to even get the nuts.

As someone who travels first class almost exclusively, I have witnessed the gradual but steady deterioration of domestic first-class food service. It's been a long time since I had a memorable meal or seen anything surprising on the menu. Today's first-class meals are unimpressive and stingy; even trans-Atlantic first-class pales in comparison to the caviar days of the past.

But at least on a flight to Europe, everyone on the plane -- regardless of class -- is getting a hot meal. How long will that last? As the major airlines brace for more cuts in their fight to stay alive, I'm clutching to my tiny bowl of nuts, grateful that even some niceties exist in airline travel.

Olives, anyone?

Isan

September 26th, 2005, 08:36 AM

SKYTRAX AWARDS Best Airline Lounges 2005
Cathay Pacific tops the 2005 Airline Lounge Awards, ranked No 1 First Class lounge and No 1 Business Class lounge

CX lounge various delicacies

Foods served at BKK CX's lounge
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Foods served at The Pier
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Foods served at TPE's lounge
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allin101

September 26th, 2005, 02:47 PM

allin101

September 26th, 2005, 04:58 PM

SQ serves nice meals, Virgin Atlantic not bad and i like their ice cream, With BA i like the wine they serve, for they gave you a small bottle each, i just don't know if they still serves it still.

staff

September 26th, 2005, 05:51 PM

SAS has great food, but I guess it is because I'm used to eating that type of food. I guess it's the same for all of y'all.

Isan

October 10th, 2005, 10:21 AM

Also best Coffee at CX Lounge

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Isan

October 10th, 2005, 10:25 AM

Haagen Dazs ice cream is served on board for Y-class by Cahtay pacific :) :okay:

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Mosaic

October 10th, 2005, 01:55 PM

Those looks so yummy. Well, Who is the best in this field then?

chavez

October 10th, 2005, 07:08 PM

Air France is quite alright, but i won't fly with them again in a long haul flight (mnl-cdg direct) they don't even try to offer you anything in between meals. Makes me really hungry althroughout the 12-13hours flight.

Not quite truth. I flown AF from CDG to JFK, and they have indeed good food, and they made kinda bar with snacks, beverages and even alcohol between sections. Everybody could take whatever, just move ass from the seat. And that was for economic class, September 2004. I don't know if they discontinued this nice habbit, or do they have it on other routes, but it this is my experience with AF. Good experience.

greets

Isan

October 28th, 2005, 09:06 AM

CX- YVR/HKG

Drink served before meal
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Lunch
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Snack Bar
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In-flight Hot-Snack
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Dinner before arrival
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Isan

November 2nd, 2005, 10:44 AM

Thai Airways International serves Arabian Meals on Board Islamabad First Flight
2 November 2005

Today, Thai Airways International celebrates its first flight operated non-stop on the route Bangkok - Islamabad v.v., serving special Arabian meals on board flight TG509 routed Bangkok – Islamabad, utilizing Airbus A300-600 aircraft, until 15 November 2005.

As the first Islamabad flight operates on the last day of the Ramadan, the Muslim month of fasting, THAI will serve fresh dates to passengers in all classes of travel during this flight. The special Arabian meals to be served on board in Royal Silk Class and Economy Class are as follows:

Royal Silk Class
- Grilled prawn with herbs in cabbage cup, halibut slices, cream horseradish in tomato cup with lime wedge
- Mixed green salad
- Chicken Pasanda, a chicken breast stuffed with minced chicken, pistachio, and almond Biryani rice Paneer Makhani, a cheese in curry
- Baked chocolate pear tart

Economy Class
- Boiled shrimps with herbs vinaigrette on lettuce with lime wedge
- Chicken Pasanda, a chicken breast stuffed with minced chicken, pistachio, and almond Biryani rice Paneer Makhani, a cheese in curry
- French coffee cake

THAI’s flight to Islamabad takes place during the last day of the Ramadan month of fasting, therefore fresh dates will be served to passengers in both Royal Silk Class and Economy Class. Fresh dates have been served on THAI’s flight operating to Middle Eastern routes throughout the Ramadan. Those of the Islamic faith observing the Ramadan break their fast by consuming fresh dates, increasing blood sugar, which is of particular importance following the period of fasting.

UMD

November 2nd, 2005, 12:57 PM

Only for the airlines that I am usually flying or has flown on several occassions:

1. SQ has the best Business Class Meal
2. QF is also up there with SQ
3. CX is great with the in between noodles and the appetizers but the main courses are no different from the economy class meals in quality. The only difference is the standard rectangular China plate it is served on. And by the way, rice always seems to be the main theme no matter where you fly to.
4. MH - the Satay is the best ever. For someone from Indonesia like me, I am amazed at how delicious MH satay is.
5. JL
6. ANA
7. NW - at least to me, NW has a better Japanese set than JL and ANA. Strange but true.
8. KLM
9. TG - this is very dissapointing. It is always the soggy and overcooked rice (although claimed to be the famous Jasmine rice) with a bit of curry sauce (sometimes served in an aluminum foil??????? I have never had any good food on Thai despite this is the airline that comes from the land with lots of wonderful and delicious food. I have to admit that the longest flight I had with TG was only max. 7 hours but that and all other shorter regional flights I had with them are enough to convince me not to try my luck with them for a long haul.
10. UA - this is the worst - the last time I travelled from Chicago to Hkg, I was served as my main course a slab of overcooked and rubbery meat (called filet mignon - a disgrace to the real stuff, unfortunately) with no side vegetable or any gravy at all. That was my last 14 and a half hours with UA. No more UA.

Isan

December 23rd, 2005, 05:29 AM

Gulf Air to launch New Menus designed for Children
21 December 2005

Gulf Air is to launch new menus specially designed for children on all its flights.

The new kiddies treat will come in brightly coloured boxes. Each box will be like a treasure trove of pint size delights containing, a specially created mini snack accompanied with loads of tiny treats like chocolates and little interactive games designed to keep every child happily occupied on their flights.

Gulf Air headquarters invited scores of children aged between three and twelve years, from different backgrounds to taste the food on offer and provide feedback.

Judging from the test marketing studies’ response, the youngsters from St. Christopher’s School, the Indian School, the Philippine School as well as toddlers of various nationalities, the new meals on board Gulf Air flights are going to be a huge hit.

“Some of the youngsters were amazing. Children will always tell you whether or not they like or dislike something and the best way to know whether or not you are providing the right thing for them is to get them to give their input,” said Gulf Air Head of Inflight Services Michael Kent.

The menus, created by Gulf Air’s Flying Chefs have taken into consideration the special dietary requirements of children and have been designed to engage and excite every youngster.

“Children are the most challenging customers to please and tremendous amount of market research has gone into creating these menus for our young customers,” said Kent.

“Each box is filled to the brim with a wide array of snacks, games and little treats, each of which we hope will bring a smile to every child’s face. We have taken into consideration the healthy aspects while creating these exciting options.”