Elevating In-Flight Dining: An Interview with Joe Vella
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August 23, 2023Air travel has always been a remarkable experience, taking passengers to new destinations and connecting people across the globe. Yet, one aspect that often leaves travelers wanting more is the in-flight dining.
In an effort to transform this aspect of air travel, Air Malta has been setting new standards for culinary excellence at 35,000 feet. Today, we have the pleasure of sitting with Joe Vella, the In-Flight Catering Manager at Air Malta, to discuss the intricacies of creating high-quality meals that surpass the expectations of passengers and reflect the rich flavours of Maltese cuisine.
HORECA (H): As the In-Flight Catering Manager at Air Malta, you oversee the culinary offerings onboard. How do you ensure that the meals served at 35,000 feet maintain the same quality and taste as those served in a traditional restaurant setting?
Joe Vella (JV): At Air Malta, our priority is to deliver the same level of quality and taste that passengers would expect from a traditional restaurant. To achieve this, we carefully select high-quality ingredients and focus on presenting our dishes with attention to detail. We do recognize that taste buds can be slightly affected by the altitude, so we make adjustments to our seasonings and sauces. We use a little less seasoning than usual and ensure our sauces are slightly lighter to account for these changes in perception.
H: Airline catering involves unique challenges such as limited space and reheating meals. How do you create menus and dishes that not only taste delicious but also withstand the constraints of in-flight dining?
JV: Designing menus for in-flight dining requires meticulous planning. We have developed a process that takes into account the challenges we face, including limited space and reheating restrictions. Our chinaware is a bespoke design that fits seamlessly on the serving trolleys, ensuring easy handling for the cabin crew. We strategically intermix cold and warm dishes on the menu to complement each other. For example, a first course of Carpaccio of Smoked Salmon followed by a Main Course of Filet of Beef with Garden Vegetables and Roast Potatoes. To finish, passengers can enjoy a dessert of Tiramisu and fresh fruit. We also offer a warm trio of bread rolls with every meal.
H: Air Malta takes pride in showcasing Maltese cuisine to passengers. How do you incorporate local flavors and ingredients into the menus, and what are some signature Maltese dishes that passengers can enjoy during their flight?
JV: Showcasing Maltese cuisine is a key aspect of our culinary offerings. To incorporate local flavours, we use a variety of local herbs from the Mediterranean, as well as local olives and ġbejniet (a traditional Maltese cheese). We also add a unique touch to some dishes, such as Chicken stuffed with Maltese Sausage. Passengers can savor signature Maltese dishes like Bragioli (beef olives) and Imqarret (traditional pastries filled with dates) during their flight. To create an immersive experience, we present the menus on a Maltese tile with a printed design, accompanied by an olive-colored napkin and a typical small bowl.
H: In recent years, there has been a growing demand for more diverse and specialized dietary options. How do you accommodate the dietary needs and preferences of passengers, such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or other specific requirements?
JV: We understand the importance of catering to diverse dietary needs and preferences. Passengers can pre-request their meals according to their requirements, selecting from a choice of 15 different menus. Each menu is clearly labeled with all the ingredients, allowing passengers to make informed choices. While accommodating specific dietary needs, we still incorporate local products and create variations to suit various preferences.
H: How do you ensure that the meals are designed to provide both comfort and nutrition to passengers throughout their journey?
JV: Our approach to designing meals for passengers focuses on providing both comfort and nutrition. We aim to create a light and versatile menu that caters to different tastes and dietary requirements. By offering a combination of cold and warm dishes, we promote a diverse culinary experience while ensuring that nutritional needs are met. It is our goal to make every meal a pleasant and satisfying part of the journey.
H: Collaboration is essential in the culinary world. Could you tell us about any partnerships you've formed with local suppliers or other culinary professionals to source high-quality ingredients or develop unique menu concepts for Air Malta?
JV: Collaboration plays a vital role in our quest for culinary excellence. We have formed partnerships with a handful of local farmers who deliver fresh products to us. This ensures that we source high-quality ingredients and support the local community. All our menus are designed on-site under my watchful eye, and we conduct weekly tasting sessions to monitor the quality and refine our offerings.
H: Lastly, could you share with us the range of drinks on offer in Business Class to complement the meal service, as well as any special offerings for economy class passengers?
JV: In Business Class, passengers are greeted with a choice of Champagne or Prosecco as a welcome drink. We offer a selection of spirits on request, along with soft drinks, water, and juice. Our white and red wines are carefully selected, produced, and bottled for Air Malta using locally sourced grapes. Additionally, our Business Class passengers can enjoy a variety of cocktail drinks to enhance their in-flight experience.
For our economy class passengers, we have designed a pre-order menu that complements our Buy on Board food offering. This provides passengers with a wider choice and ensures that their preferences are catered to during their flight.
Joe Vella's dedication to elevating in-flight dining at Air Malta shines through his innovative approaches to menu design, sourcing high-quality ingredients, and incorporating the vibrant flavors of Maltese cuisine. By focusing on both comfort and nutrition, while accommodating diverse dietary needs, Air Malta ensures that every passenger's journey becomes a delightful culinary experience above the clouds.
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