Turkish Airlines has reinstated its popular in-flight chef service, a year after it was suspended due to health and safety concerns amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Since May 1st, Business Class meals on long-distance flights with a flying time of eight hours or longer are once again being prepared and served by the Istanbul-based carrier’s so-called “flying chefs.” In addition to preparing and serving gourmet meals, flying chefs are also tasked with welcoming passengers and taking their orders.
This announcement comes one month after Turkish Airlines resumed its onboard dining and hot meal service on flights longer than two hours and 15 minutes.
Previously, passengers on long-haul flights are served two boxed meals, while those on flights between two to eight hours long are served one boxed meal. Passengers on short-haul flights, meanwhile, are given one bottle of water each, and nothing else.
Turkish Airlines’ regular food and beverage offerings at its lounge at Istanbul Airport are also said to be making a comeback, though no further details have been provided.
“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,” said M. Ilker Ayci, Turkish Airlines’ Chairman of the Board and the Executive Committee.
He added: “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.”
Due to health and safety concerns, meals will be served pre-plated and covered to passengers, and meal display trolleys for appetizers and desserts remain suspended.
Turkish Airlines currently flies to Manila seven times a week using an Airbus A350-900 aircraft. Flight TK84 departs Istanbul at 2:15 am and arrives in Manila at 7:10 pm. The return flight, TK85, departs Manila at 9:30 pm and arrives in Istanbul at 4:45 am.
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