Coinciding with the return of the Airbus A380 into regular commercial service on December 15th, Qatar Airways is resuming "full personalized services" when it comes to in-flight dining experienced pre-pandemic. This will see passengers on the airline's London and Paris services receiving their meals with silverware and chinaware on crisp white linen rather than on a serving tray.

An elevated dining experience (once again)

With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Qatar Airways has been applying "rigorous additional health and safety measures" on its flights, finding ways to minimize contact between crew and passengers.

The airline's economy class service didn't see much change, as meals and cutlery were all served sealed as per usual. However, first and business class meals were also served covered on a tray as opposed to its elevated dining experience. This included:

  • A table layup, on crisp white linen
  • A cutlery roll
  • The presentation of silverware and chinaware
  • "Complete with candlelight"

Now, premium passengers flying on the airline's London and Paris services to and from Doha can rejoice as this enhanced experience returns once again- what the airline calls "the perfect setting at 40,000 feet." This also includes the reopening of all social areas to premium passengers- including the A380's onboard lounge.

"Today, we are happy to mark a new chapter that brings us a step closer to the recovery of the pandemic. Passengers will now be able to further enjoy Qatar Airways’ world-renowned in-flight services onboard our flights between Doha, London and Paris with more destinations to follow.” - Akbar Al Baker, Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive

Premium dining
A look at Qatar Airways' pre-pandemic dining layout for premium class passengers. This will return to London and Paris services only for the time being. Photo: Qatar Airways

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Offered on both the 777 and A380

The airline has made it clear that this premium catering service is only returning on its Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) and London Heathrow (LHR) services. And although the news coincides with the return and reactivation of the Airbus A380, this offering will also be available on services that utilize the airline's Boeing 777s.

"With a continued increase in passenger demand and flight capacity across the global network, Qatar Airways currently operates five daily flights to London Heathrow (LHR) and three daily flights to Paris Charles de Gaulle (CDG) on Boeing 777 and Airbus A380 aircraft." - Qatar Airways

Qatar 777
Qatar Airways currently serves over 140 destinations, having extensively rebuilt its network since the worst of the global health crisis. Photo: Qatar Airways

As you read above, airline CEO Akbar Al Baker notes that the return of this premium dining setup will be rolled out to additional destinations in the future, gradually returning to "business as usual" across the entire network starting January 2022. Thus, it seems that these London and Paris offerings are a way to gently reintroduce the service and re-familiarize cabin crews to this style of dining.

Have you had a chance to experience Qatar Airways' premium in-flight dining services? What were your thoughts on it? Let us know by leaving a comment.