Air France Will Work With 17 Renowned Chefs For Lounge & Inflight Dining

When it comes to good cuisine, no one can argue French is one of the best. Consequently, the French flag carrier, Air France, could not but take advantage of this incredible asset by offering world-class meals onboard its flights and in its airport lounges worldwide. In 2023, Air France will go the extra mile to provide the best quality meals by partnering with 17 French-starred chefs. Let’s look closely at what the carrier has in store, or the oven, shall we say?

Air France partners with 17 chefs to offer a world-class dining experience

“Plane food is disgusting; let’s buy something at the airport not to starve onboard”. How often have you heard this sentence while waiting for your flight? Well, it depends on which airline you are flying with. Some invest a lot in providing an authentic culinary experience aboard their flights. One of these is Air France, whose recent partnership with 17 renowned chefs aims to elevate the French fine dining experience to the next level.

Between January and December this year, 17 different chefs will sign unique dishes for Air France’s premium classes, La Premiére, the carrier’s first class, and business class. The culinary experience will also be available at Air France’s lounges in Paris, its hub, and at different airports worldwide. The announcement of the partnership with the 17 chefs aligns with Air France’s role as an official partner of this year’s Bocuse d’Or, one of the most significant cooking competitions worldwide, held every other year in Lyon, France.

Michelin-starred chefs that will take turns signing La Premiére and business class’ menus this year include Arnaud Lallement, Régis Marcon, Anne-Sophie Pic, Emmanuel Renaut, and Michel Roth. In the La Premiére suites, chefs Philippe Urraca and Angelo Musa will be responsible for the desserts. Air France will further its partnership with the triple Michelin-starred chef Julien Royer on flights departing from Singapore. From Reunion Island, business class meals will be signed by chef Jofrane Dailly, a local starred chef. For flights leaving Canada, Air France will rely on the gentle touch of the Burgundy national Olivier Perret. For medium-haul flights, Servair corporate chef François Adamski, who won the Bocuse d’Or 2001 edition, will be in charge of lunches and dinners served onboard all year round.

Photo: Vincenzo Pace I Simple Flying

At Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG), Alain Ducasse, a renowned gourmet Parisian brand, has designed the meals offered in Air France La Premiére lounge. Ducasse Paris will also regularly develop innovative dishes for the remaining lounges at Charles de Gaulle’s terminal 2 E. At Paris Orly (ORY), Philippe Urraca will also delight Air France premium customers with choux pastries.

A “green” approach to fine dining

With this partnership, the French carrier has renovated its role as the global ambassador of French fine dining.

The airline aims to introduce its premium customers to the quality and variety of flavors that characterize French cuisine. Additionally, the carrier is committed to adopting a responsible approach, focusing on fresh, seasonal, and local ingredients and offering at least one vegetarian option in all cabin classes. Air France, together with the fundamental help of the 17 chefs, will design the dining options in cooperation with its catering partner, Servair.

Photo: Vincenzo Pace I Simple Flying

With sustainability becoming increasingly central in every airline’s growth agenda, Air France is committed to designing a responsible dining experience for its customers. For instance, the carrier will offer 100% French meat, dairy products, and eggs. Fish will come from sustainable fisheries for meals provided in all cabin classes and the lounges at Paris’ airports. Menus for children and infants are also prepared using exclusively organic ingredients.

Photo: Vincenzo Pace I Simple Flying

By the end of March 2023, Air France has also set the target of recycling and eliminating 90% of single-use plastic onboard its aircraft. Air France is indeed working on rolling out plastic-free containers, including paper cups, dishes made from cellulose, or bagasse. To avoid food waste, the French flag carrier also offers business class customers the chance to preselect their meal to guarantee customers’ selection and ensure a more rational consumption.

Have you ever tasted a chef-signed meal onboard an aircraft before? Let us know by clicking on the comment button below!