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We haven’t had much good news out of Qatar Airways recently. Last week the airline’s CEO told us all to expect fuel surcharges to be reintroduced, over the weekend the airline’s loyalty program was devalued to an astonishing degree and to cap it all I haven’t spotted a great Qatar Airways Business Class fare in quite some time.
Any bit of good news out of the airline would be welcome about now and, as insignificant as the latest announcement is, I’m taking solace in the fact that it doesn’t involve anything bad!
New Menus & Tableware On The Way
Qatar Airways has said that it’s launching “an exciting new on-board dining experience for its Premium customers” which includes a revamp of the airline’s menus and tableware.
According to the airline it has…
“[P]ut a greater focus on featuring regional influences within the menu design process, which now sees the inclusion of new signature dishes to the in-flight menu based on route destinations, such as the offering of porcini and truffle risotto on Italian sectors. Traditionally prepared Arabic main dishes such as kabsa, biryani and flame-grilled meats, which offer a taste of the Middle East, will feature as a choice option across most routes.”
Business Class passengers can expect “new signature warm desserts” as well as a “luxurious afternoon tea experience on board selected routes“.
Here’s what else Qatar Airways has had to say:
“Qatar Airways is collaborating closely with local farms and suppliers to produce products for our specific needs, promoting a ‘farm-to-table’ approach. Our in-flight dining menus are designed to align with the four seasons, better incorporating the use of locally-grown produce and tapping into authentic foods of local provenance delivering the very highest international standards.”
In a focus shift that I’m very happy to see the airline says that it’s becoming more aware of passengers’ dietary needs and, in an effort to please those looking to eat a bit more healthily, Qatar Airways will now offer passengers lighter options, such as “fresh crisp salads, woodland berries, warm breakfast oatmeal and more“.
On certain routes (no specifics given) the airline will also offer healthier drink options such as “cold pressed juice with great flavour combinations“.
Those fortunate enough not to have to watch what they eat aren’t being left out of the changes either. The press release issued by the airline says that it’s also improving its “indulgent treats” which, in First Class, will include an “enhanced caviar service” which will be “perfectly accompanied with a Balik-style salmon and showcased on a bespoke crystal plate“.
All these new additions and changes are being introduced on European routes first and, although not specifically stated in the press release, the implication appears to be that they will then be rolled out to other routes too.
Thoughts
Does this go anyway to offsetting the newly introduced award fees or the horrendous Privilege Club devaluations? No, not even close….but it’s still good news for premium cabin passengers.
I’m particularly happy to see the airline say that it will look to offer healthy options on its new menus as I know a lot of people (including me) struggle to stay healthy when they’re on the road…..but I’ll wait to see just what all the options look like before I give Qatar Airways any more credit.
What do you guys think? Leaving aside the obvious and understandable dislike of the airline right now, are these changes a significant improvement or just window-dressing?
Featured image courtesy of Qatar Airways
