Few airlines have redefined in-flight dining quite like Turkish Airlines, and at the heart of this transformation is its Flying Chef programme. Designed to deliver a restaurant-quality experience at 35,000 feet, this initiative brings professional chefs on board long-haul flights, ensuring Business Class passengers enjoy meticulously prepared meals with a personal touch.
A Five-Star Experience in the Sky
While many carriers strive to offer premium dining, Turkish Airlines takes it a step further by integrating skilled culinary professionals into its cabin crew. Unlike standard airline catering, where meals are pre-assembled on the ground, Flying Chefs oversee final preparation, plating, and presentation, ensuring dishes are served fresh and visually appealing.
Business Class passengers on intercontinental routes exceeding eight hours can expect a diverse menu inspired by Turkish and international cuisines. Signature dishes include Adana kebab, grilled fish, and mezze platters, all crafted with fresh, seasonal ingredients. Additionally, the airline offers bespoke mocktails and detox beverages, further enhancing the in-flight dining experience.
The Role of the Flying Chef
Beyond their culinary expertise, Flying Chefs engage with passengers, taking meal orders, explaining dish selections, and accommodating dietary preferences. This personalised service creates a refined, restaurant-like ambience, setting Turkish Airlines apart from competitors.
Chefs also manage plating and quality control, ensuring that each dish is as close to fine dining as possible despite the challenges of high-altitude meal preparation. The result is an experience that mirrors the service found in luxury hotels and high-end restaurants.
A standout feature of the Flying Chef programme is the option for candlelit dining in Business Class, a first for in-flight catering. Meals are presented on stylish porcelain tableware, specially designed for Turkish Airlines, adding an extra touch of elegance to the experience.
A Return to the Skies Post-Pandemic
As of May 2021, Turkish Airlines’ Flying Chefs made a comeback on long-haul flights of eight hours or longer. This reintroduction followed a period of service cuts due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As Turkish Airlines’ Chairman of the Board, M. Ilker Ayci, stated:
“Throughout the past year, we’ve had to make many adjustments to our product and service offerings to protect the health and safety of our passengers and employees. Our award-winning dining service and Flying Chefs program is a distinguishing aspect of the airline, and we are happy to reintroduce this to our worldwide guests to make the flight experience as comfortable and enjoyable as possible.”
Despite service gradually returning to pre-pandemic levels, some adjustments remain. While the Flying Chefs once again oversee meal service, display trolleys and pre-departure beverages have yet to return to their full capacity. Nonetheless, Turkish Airlines’ commitment to restoring its premium dining experience highlights its dedication to passenger satisfaction.
A Broader Industry Trend
Turkish Airlines is not alone in elevating on-board gastronomy. Emirates, Singapore Airlines, and Qatar Airways have all invested heavily in premium dining, partnering with Michelin-starred chefs and designing exclusive in-flight menus. However, Turkish Airlines’ approach is unique in its execution, seamlessly integrating Flying Chefs into regular cabin operations rather than relying solely on pre-prepared gourmet meals.
Austrian Airlines also offers a Flying Chef service in its long-haul Business Class, providing passengers with freshly plated meals inspired by Austrian and international cuisine. Dishes such as Wiener Schnitzel and Sachertorte reflect Austria’s rich culinary heritage, ensuring passengers experience authentic flavours in the sky. While the execution differs slightly from Turkish Airlines, both airlines prioritise high-quality ingredients, expert presentation, and a personalised service experience.
This initiative reflects a wider movement in the aviation industry, where airlines are competing not just on seat comfort and entertainment, but also on culinary excellence. With passenger expectations evolving, premium carriers are focusing on personalised service and authentic dining experiences, recognising that food is a crucial part of the overall travel experience.
Turkish Airlines takes inspiration from its rich Anatolian culinary heritage, offering dishes such as Mantı (Turkish ravioli) and Sütlaç (Turkish-style rice pudding). The airline also features regional specialities from around the world, including Bibimbap from Korea, sushi from Japan, and steak from the USA, ensuring a diverse and immersive gastronomic experience.
Setting the Benchmark for In-Flight Cuisine
By introducing Flying Chefs, Turkish Airlines has set a benchmark that few can match. The initiative not only enhances meal quality but also reinforces the airline’s reputation for Turkish hospitality and world-class service. As luxury travel continues to evolve, in-flight dining is poised to become an even greater differentiator among leading airlines.
Passengers can expect a constantly evolving menu, with over a hundred meal combinations using only fresh, non-frozen ingredients, accompanied by Turkish olive oil, artisanal butter, and a curated bread selection.
For those travelling long-haul, the promise of a restaurant-style experience in the sky is no longer just a marketing tagline—it’s a reality, thanks to Turkish Airlines’ commitment to culinary excellence.
