Austrian Airlines has reversed a decision taken a couple of years ago to charge short-haul economy class passengers for in-flight food and drink. From today, it will serve what is billed as a “high value free service” on all international flights lasting between 65 and 150 minutes.
Depending on the time of departure, passengers will be served a freshly prepared breakfast or daytime meal in the newly developed “Austrian Snack Box.”
A spokesperson for the carrier says the move back to free catering was taken as it wishes to differentiate itself [from rival airlines] in terms of quality. “This policy,” continues the spokesperson, “is crucial to the strategy of our new chief executive.”
The all new meal selection is based on regional Austrian cuisine and reflects the fresh ingredients that would be experienced in a gastronomic tour of Austria. Examples include the classic Austrian beef salad, the famous apple strudel and a selection of dishes traditionally served at “Heurigens” (typical Austrian eateries attached to vineyards).
The airline is proud of the fact that top chef Helmut Osterreicher has created all the dishes. Says the spokesperson, “Many airlines turn to celebrity chefs to design their business class meal service but Austrian are the first to offer snacks, created by a prize-winning chef.”
For more information go to austrian.com.
Report by Alex McWhirter
