The Smart Guide to dining on board a private jet
Whilst the culinary offerings on board a private jet are not the most significant factor in the booking process, there is still a huge expectation on the quality of food and drinks that will be served in-flight.
As the leaders in global aircraft and private jet charters, the team at Smart Aviation understands just how important the dining options are for our clients. Whilst the culinary offerings on board are not the most significant factor in the private jet booking process, there is still a huge expectation on the quality of food and drinks that will be served in-flight.
From main meals to light bites, our chosen operator partners work with only the finest producers to guarantee quality ingredients are used in on board dining menus. Our team of jet charter specialists liaise with the operators on our clients’ behalf to ensure all dietary requirements are catered for in advance of any flight. Communication is key when it comes to dining options, specifically detailing all the food and beverage requests, as well as dietary requirements and allergies and we usually discuss these details with clients a minimum of a week before departure.
Here’s the Smart Guide to dining on board a private jet:
Big and small, hot and cold
First things first, there is a difference between smaller and larger private jets and the type of cuisine they are able to offer clients onboard. Very light private jets, such as the Citation M2, do not tend to have the same cooking facilities as larger private jets do, which means cold catering is typical onboard these jets. Larger aircraft that take eight passengers upwards, ranging from the super-midsize category such as the Challenger 350 up to the crème de la crème ultra long range category including the Gulfstream G-650, will naturally have larger galleys with more cooking facilities, meaning there is more flexibility when it comes to dining options including hot dishes.
Based on our clients’ regular choices, here’s what a typical menu looks like onboard a private jet:
Breakfast
Cold – fresh fruit, pain au chocolats, croissants, granola with berry compotes, and yoghurts
Hot – smoked salmon on toast, a Full English breakfast, avocado toast, French Toast Brûlée and savoury pancakes
Lunch
Cold – canapes, gourmet chicken Caesar salads, deluxe fingers sandwiches, sweet and salty snacks
Hot – pasta, rice bowls, chicken, rustic soups and hot paninis
Dinner
Cold – charcuterie board platters, perfectly paired with wines, caviar and premium sushi
Hot – roast beef, spaghetti, wagyu beef, venison, stone-baked pizzas and dim sum
A full bar in the sky
The bar in the sky is always fully stocked with juices, soft drinks, tea, coffee and still and sparkling water. Many operators will have a selection of standard wines, spirits and beers available as standard but for finer tastes, guests can advise their broker of their top tipple to guarantee it is onboard. Dom Perignon is always a prized in-flight libation amongst Smart’s clientele. We have also seen a huge rise in requests for mocktails and non-alcoholic beers from our clients and our operator partners will always carefully curate some delicious booze free options.
Dine on dishes from desired local restaurants
If private jet passengers have a special yearning for a particular dish from an esteemed local restaurant, the operator can liaise with the restaurant to get the food delivered onboard, timed to perfection. Always a popular choice for our clients departing from London Biggin Hill is STK Steakhouse. Our operators have extensive relationships with high-end local establishments, from steak houses to award-winning seafood, so the world is your oyster. Whatsmore, everyday tastes such as a cheeky Nandos or a McDonalds, can also be ordered.
Choosy Children
We all know children can be picky with their food at the best of times, let alone 35,000 feet up in the air with limited options. Passengers can take away the stress and pre-order their kids’ favourite meals and snacks in advance and have it waiting for them on arrival to avoid any empty bellies. Our clients’ top choices for their children are tomato pasta, chicken salad, pizza, burgers and chicken nuggets. Of course, there’s always that separate dessert tummy to be filled, so make sure to order the littles ones fresh fruit and ice-cream.
Doggy delights
Let’s not forget our beloved pooches that travel onboard, they deserve to be spoiled too. Operators can help source dog dishes, treats including ice-cream, roasted chicken and more. The same applies for cats and other animals that are eligible to fly on board.
About Smart Aviation
Smart Aviation are global air charter specialists. Established for nearly two decades, our dedicated charter specialists work with clients across Europe and beyond; our experience means that we can arrange the most complex, unusual or everyday charter flights for you.
We look forward to meeting you at The PA Show Autumn - you’ll find us near the networking area, on stand number 75. To book an appointment in advance, please contact James via james.gregory@smart-aviation.co.uk.
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