Gulf Air introduces “Flying Chefs”

Gulf Air is celebrating the success of its enhanced in-flight dining services – and in particular its unique Flying Chefs.

“There were many skeptics when we first introduced the on-board chefs,” explained Michael Kent, Gulf Air’s head of In-flight Services. “Now two years on – and with more than 100 chefs operating throughout the network – Gulf Air has changed the face of in-flight dining.”

Two decades ago, according to Kent, the Gulf Air Five-Star Tri-Star service was renowned throughout the world, and the airline is now re-creating that golden age of travel following the US$10 million refurbishment of the first and business class cabins and the introduction of the Sky Chefs.

“Prior to departure, the chef visits you at your seat to discusses your dining requirements using the menu as a guide or selection of proposals which can be developed to the personal taste of each passenger. Between the chef and passenger, a plan for drinks and cuisine is decided, although it can of course be changed at any time. The chef will prepare the dish and personally serve the passenger.

“The enhancement of Gulf Air’s catering may have started in first class, but it has spread to all cabins of the aircraft,” says Kent. “Whilst first and business class passengers enjoy the benefits of personalized cuisine and refreshments on demand, our economy passengers are plied with snacks, meals and movie treats throughout the flight.”
 
“In short everything about Gulf Air’s catering is a celebration of food in-flight,” says Kent. “Every component of the service has been changed to better serve our customers. These changes are evident in the enhanced menus, the choice of crockery and cutlery, the service delivery and even in the galley design.

“We are now able to provide a truly unique service, and I am delighted that this exclusivity has been recognized not only by our passengers but also by the industry.”

Passenger levels in Gulf Air’s first and business class cabins have increased by more than 50 percent over the last two years on routes where the Flying Chefs operate, making an important contribution to the airline’s highly successful corporate transformation program.

By Aftab Husain Kola

DUBAI (eTurboNews)

June 15, 2005   Posted in: Airlines & Railways