As the leaders in global aircraft and private jet charters, the Smart Team 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:
Smart Aviation was founded in 2005 by Managing Director Mark Hawkins, an established sports charter specialist with over 30 years’ experience in senior operational roles within the travel and aviation industry. Previously Hawkins managed sports charters at Excel Airways, which included flying over 4,000 fans to a football final. Over the last 19 years, Smart Aviation has arranged successful charters for leading sport fixtures, transported thousands of passengers on their annual pilgrimages to Lourdes, and flown VIPS on exclusive private jet charters on a weekly basis around the world.
Our business revolves around you
– Exactly what you need
– You’re dealing with the experts. Our goal is excellence in service and execution – our extensive knowledge and expertise ensure we deliver.
Cost effective with no compromise
– Our unrivalled operator relationships and leverage in the European market ensures you get the most cost-effective solution, without compromising on quality.
We are always available
– Our operational support team is on-hand 24/7, 365 days a year, to deal with the unexpected and keep you flying – for total peace of mind.
Call or email us today – sales@smart-aviation.co.uk / + 44 1293 551244
