Fiji Airways is overhauling its on-board dining experience, introducing new cocktails, meal options and a linen tray service in business class.
From September 1, passengers at the pointy end will enjoy an as-yet-unnamed signature dish inspired by renowned Fiji-based chef Lance Seeto on the a la carte menu.
Welcome cocktails and mocktails are also being introduced in partnership with Fiji Rum, along with hors d'oeuvres and matching wines.
The meals will be served on linen to create a more restaurant-like experience, as opposed to the currently-used plastic trays in business class:
Business class dining on a recent Sydney-Suva flight
Stefan Pichler, Fiji Airways’ Managing Director & CEO admitted that the airline’s “on-board catering, especially on the short and medium haul sectors attracted (its) fair share of negative feedback since introduction, and we have been taking it all into account.
“The new catering offers the choice and style of meals that our guests desire.”
Australian Business Traveller recently reviewed Fiji Airways’ new direct flight from Sydney to Suva, which is also being targeted with the on-board improvements.
Read: Fiji Airways Boeing 737 business class review: Sydney-Suva
Down the back of the bus on flights from Australia to Nadi and Suva, passengers can again enjoy hot meals, as they can on flights from both New Zealand and the South Pacific.
Longer flights from Nadi to Hong Kong and Los Angeles will see two hot meals served in economy, tailored to the time of day.
On short hops – including on selected Fiji Link flights – passengers will receive a higher quality snack than is currently served:
Gone are most of the burgers and wraps, with the new hot meals in economy available from today.
The new dining options kick start an on-board overhaul for the boutique airline, with improvements also planned for the Yadra Vinaka sleeper service and inflight entertainment, due to be introduced in stages.
Follow Australian Business Traveller on Twitter: we're @AusBT
Chris is a a former contributor to Executive Traveller.
QF
27 May 2014
Total posts 8
They must've read our comments from yesterday!
28 Oct 2011
Total posts 645
I did have a 'giggle' when this article appeared
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
07 Mar 2014
Total posts 73
Thumbs up to Chris who travelled as a guest of Fiji but still told it as he saw it. It isn't too often you would get that kinda honesty in a commercial environment.
21 Apr 2012
Total posts 3006
I really do hate thoes tin foil containers....It is such a depressing way to serve food!
28 Oct 2011
Total posts 645
lol
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
19 Feb 2014
Total posts 439
True - but at least they're effective in keeping them hot. I am yet to have a cold meal...
21 Apr 2012
Total posts 3006
I'll tell you what's more depressing - when a BA FA in Club Europe tip a tin foil container on a plate before serving you your hot meal!
Utterly depressing!!!
28 Oct 2011
Total posts 645
If this issue 'depresses' you, (you keep using this word), I suggest there's an underlying factor involved... Depression is a serious medical/psychological condition...and the flippant use of this word, only undermines the seriousness of this condition, that others actually have.
Choose your words more carefully
21 Apr 2012
Total posts 3006
No I'm colloquially depressed. Not medically depressed. I'm not quite beyond blue.
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
19 Feb 2014
Total posts 439
To be honest, if I looked at the business class meal that was served up in the article yesterday, minus the metal cutlery, I would have thought that was an economy one...
Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer
08 Sep 2012
Total posts 236
How is that meal in the review any worse than the domestic QF/VA Business Class food currently offered on flights down the east coast.
Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards
19 Feb 2014
Total posts 439
#1 I have never flown business for a max 2.5hr flight on the east coast (I would make do with Y)
#2 Comparing a shorter, domestic product with an international business product - it should definitely be better.
20 Jun 2014
Total posts 8
I'm loving the overhaul of the airline - Pichler is doing a great job.
I flew FJ in 2012 (or 'Air Pacific') and had a dry chicken roll which sat in my stomach for 10 minutes before I reached for the airsick bag , whereas my recent trip (May 2014) saw an already much-improved service, my meal preference under my QFF had carried across, and just generally nicer culinary experience.
The new direct Suva flight is also very welcome.
Hopefully FJ keeps going from strength to strength!
16 Oct 2012
Total posts 53
Flew FJ NAN-SYD in Business last week. Evening 737-800 service. Underwhelming is the way I'd describe it.
The aircraft appeared to be a tired QF hand-me-down with those old, blue, uncomfortable QF domestic business class seats.
There were no pre-takeoff drinks. IFE was the movie playing on the overhead screen (portable players were not offered). As for the catering: Just average.
Don't think I'd fly with them again.
Hi Guest, join in the discussion on Fiji Airways overhauls business class meals, adds cocktails