Dining in the Sky

Onboard service and meals are often the most memorable part of a passenger’s travel experience. This is why airlines continue to invest in their in-flight meal services, even though they are not the primary factor in most people’s decision-making process.

Cooking in the sky is a challenging endeavour. The meals must be able to withstand the rigors of cooking, cooling, and reheating, while still being tasty and safe to eat. Fortunately, airline meals are prepared by specialist catering companies with strict guidelines governing the industry.

Air Zimbabwe operates scheduled flights to destinations in Africa and in-flight meals are included on the airline’s flights. The food is prepared by Catercraft (Private) Limited, the sole airline catering company in Zimbabwe, which is situated in Harare, at Robert Gabriel Mugabe International AirPort, with branches also in Bulawayo and Victoria Falls. Catercraft has world-class equipment and high-level automation machinery for wash-up and production.

The type of meals served in Air Zimbabwe‘s planes depends on the length of the flight and the class of service. On short-haul flights, a snack is typically served. This could be a sandwich, pastry, or fruit salad. On longer flights, a hot meal is served with an option of a chicken or beef dish, with rice or potatoes and a salad.

Vegetarian options are also available. If you have any special dietary requirements, you should let Air Zimbabwe know when you book your flight. The airline will do its best to accommodate your needs.

Drinks are also included in the in-flight meal service and passengers can choose from options that include soft drinks, juices, tea, or coffee.

Getting the most out of your in-flight meal on Air Zimbabwe:

• Book your flight early and let the airline know about any special dietary requirements.
• Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.
• Avoid alcohol before and during your flight, as it can dehydrate you.
• Get up and move around every few hours to avoid getting stiff.

Did you know?

Air Zimbabwe has become the first universally inclusive airline in Africa to offer a braille safety card and a braille edition of its in-flight magazine, Skyhost, in a move to make its services more all-encompassing for visually impaired passengers. It is a reflection of the airline’s commitment to providing all passengers with a safe and enjoyable travel experience.

Interesting Facts

• The first in-flight meal was served in 1919 on the Handley-Page London to Paris route. It was very exotic – a packed lunch consisting of a sandwich and some fruit.
• People lose up to 30% of the ability for their taste buds to detect salt in food when at altitude.
• Studies have found that people eating against the backdrop of constant loud noise find food to be less salty, sweet and crunchier.
• Wearing headphones will make your food taste better
• Skipping meals on a plane can lead to low blood sugar levels, which can cause fatigue, weakness, and shakiness.

Text by Perry Kaande

From DESTINATION ZW EDITION 5