Airplane food. I regularly joke that this phrase is an oxymoron because those rubber-like omelettes and tough sugary bread rolls served at 40,000 feet can hardly be considered edible. But this is shifting, with airline food becoming far more palatable and dare I say it, even tasty.
Qantas took the lead last month, working with nutritionists to launch a wellbeing menu starring organic kombucha, healthy poke bowls and a herbal tea.
Now it’s Etihad Airways’ turn to put health in the spotlight, with the UAE carrier collaborating with the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi, to introduce range of healthy food items, on-board its flights and in its lounges.
The new offering is dubbed Weqaya which comes Arabic word meaning Prevention.
The Weqaya program was founded by the Department of Health – Abu Dhabi with the aim of encouraging people to eat a healthy and balanced diet to promote good health and wellbeing.
From this month onward Etihad Airways will roll out a number of Weqaya dishes on menus in First and Business Class long-haul and ultra-long haul outbound flights from Abu Dhabi, and First and Business Class lounges in Abu Dhabi International Airport.
Etihad Airways Vice President Guest Experience and Delivery, Linda Celestino said the airline was “delighted” to be making the changes.
“As the first airline in the region to achieve Weqaya status, we are both honoured and excited to promote health and wellness not just in Abu Dhabi, but also onboard our flights.”
Etihad Airways Vice President Guest Experience & Delivery Linda Celestino.
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The fresh menu follows Etihad’s introduction of Weqaya food items to restaurants in its headquarters last year.
READ: FLY AWAY JETLAG: Qantas dishes up new menu to make the long haul better for all
READ: What do travellers REALLY want in an airport lounge? Etihad uses Virtual Reality to find out