Robert Smithson

Paddock to Plane: we talk airline catering

2 min read

We visit dnata catering - Australia's largest inflight caterer creating 64 million meals to be served on 250,000 flights annually. How does your meal get form the paddock to the plane?

Freshness and Quality

Contrary to common misconceptions, airline food is not only fresh but often fresher than most restaurants. Dnata Worldwide emphasizes sourcing fresh produce daily, with a commitment to quality and taste.

Global Collaboration

Dnata Worldwide collaborates with chefs and customers from around the world, ensuring a diverse and ever-evolving menu. This global network contributes to the exceptional knowledge base of the company.

Dish Design and Scalability

The process of creating airline dishes is similar to that of a restaurant. Corporate chefs design dishes that must be scalable to serve thousands. Knowledge transfer from the design team to the chefs on the floor is crucial.

Featured Dishes

Dnata Worldwide presents two dishes that are airline-friendly but gourmet in nature. The first dish is Victorian lamb with truffle cauliflower puree, crushed peas, Yarra Valley Persian feta, and smoked beetroot. The second dish is a Burbræ spiced beef short rib with spiced carrot puree, al dente beans, roasted buckwheat, and more.

These airline dishes are designed to meet high-quality standards and could easily feature in first or business class venues on international aircraft.

The dishes are demonstrated in two forms: the kit form, as loaded on an aircraft, and a plated presentation, showcasing how cabin crew would serve them in-flight.