It seems that Brussels Airlines is wanting to improve its onboard passenger experience in short-haul, with the announcement of new options for business class passengers.
The new menus are launching in June for business class passengers on its short- and medium-haul flights, with the airline presenting a renewed menu which will be different every week.
The move comes as increasing numbers of travellers from Belgium and abroad are looking for even more comfort and onboard service.
With the airline listening to its customers, the Brussels Airlines inflight catering product team developed a new concept for Business Class catering on short- and medium-haul flights focusing on fresh food with more variation and products made in Belgium.
As of June, the breakfast menu on flights below 80 minutes offers a fresh sandwich accompanied by a pain au chocolat or a croissant and fresh fruit.
For early snackers, the classic fruit and cheese brochette gives way to Belgian tapas, with a finger food-sized sandwich or quiche, accompanied by a fresh salad and petit fours made with Belgian speculoos, cuberdon or chocolate.
On flights above 80 minutes, passengers will be presented with a fresh seasonal salad, along with a dessert of macarons or Neuhaus chocolates.
On flights over 2.5 hours, passengers can enjoy a hot meal with a dessert and fresh cheese.
The airline is trying also to move further away from plastic use, with Brussels Airlines is reintroducing porcelain as well as steel cutlery in Business Class.
In addition to the Business Class catering improvements, the Special Meal offer will also be enhanced as of June 1st. The inflight catering team has worked on aligning these Meals to the new Business Class concept, ensuring that guests with a specific diet (such as gluten-free) will also have the opportunity to enjoy a tasty meal with a Belgian touch.
In Quotes
Xandra Quak, Inflight Product Manager, Brussels Airlines
“From now on, our short- and medium-haul Business Class passengers will be presented with an improved qualitative menu, offering them more variety and providing them with an even more enjoyable in-flight experience when travelling on board of our flights. In addition, we increase our focus on fresh products with a Belgian culinary touch. Belgium being known for its high quality cuisine, it’s important for us to share the Belgian culinary know-how with our international guests.”
Sandy Coenen, Inflight Product Manager, Brussels Airline added:
“Providing our passengers with porcelain dishes will elevate the presentation of the food and brings a more environmentally friendly solution. Reducing to a maximum extend the use of plastic remains a clear focus for us. As such, little yoghurt pots will disappear from the tray. Guests are presented with a fresh yoghurt in a porcelain bowl instead. We continuously work on reducing waste to further improve our ecological footprint.”
If you’re not pushing ahead, you’re standing still
We’ve seen plenty of airlines cut services hard – both flight and in-flight service because of the pandemic. Alas, for those who deem it too hard to restore services, or are taking their time in service restoration, it impacts the passenger experience and perception – hard.
Whilst Food and Beverage is a small part of the business class service (with most wanting the extra space, priority handling and lounge access), it is still an important part of the business class experience – no matter airline.
I’m fond of saying that “food and beverage leaves a lasting impact. If you asked me about the seat on the plane, I could describe it technically. But the food leaves a longer impression in the mind.
And Impressions play a part when you’re booking your next ticket – be it on your own coin, on a business coin or even on a reward ticket.
It’s good to see that Brussels Airlines is listening to its customers and is deploying rotating menu options on its flights. Maybe a little of the mothership’s work on the “Tasting Heimat” programme has trickled down at last…
Welcome to Economy Class and Beyond. Your no-nonsense guide to network news, honest reviews, in-depth coverage, unique research, as well as the humour and madness I only know how to deliver.
Follow me on Twitter at @EconomyBeyond for the latest updates, as well as Mastodon too! You can follow me on Instagram too!
Also, remember that we are part of the BoardingArea community, bringing you the latest frequent flyer news from around the world.
Belgian tapas? Hahahaha Australian tacos?
Nonsense at it’s best
You’ve got to love a bit of Belgian Surrealism.