Inside the Massive Catering Operation of Singapore Airlines

TLDRSingapore Airlines serves over 20 million passengers a year with nearly 50,000 meals per day. Their catering facilities produce an impressive variety of meals, ranging from economy class omelets to first-class caviar. The challenge lies in ensuring that the meals taste just as good in the air as they do on the ground, considering the unique conditions of cabin pressure and humidity. Singapore Airlines achieves this by carefully selecting ingredients, cooking food partially, and reheating it on board. The entire process is meticulously organized, with each meal meeting stringent food safety requirements and being served within 72 hours of production.

Key insights

:boom:Singapore Airlines serves over 20 million passengers a year with nearly 50,000 meals per day.

:flight_departure:To ensure the meals taste good in the air, Singapore Airlines selects ingredients that counteract the effects of cabin pressure, dryness, and engine noise.

:bento_box:The airline offers a wide range of menus, including Japanese, Chinese, Singaporean, and Western cuisine, tailored to different departure cities.

:fork_and_knife:Chefs strive to include a protein, vegetable, starch, and sauce in each dish, regardless of the cabin class.

:clock1:The entire catering operation follows a tight schedule, with meals being cooked, packed, and loaded onto flights within 72 hours.

Q&A

How many meals does Singapore Airlines serve per day?

—Singapore Airlines serves nearly 50,000 meals per day to over 20 million passengers annually.

How do they ensure the meals taste good in the air?

—Singapore Airlines selects ingredients that counteract the effects of cabin pressure, dryness, and engine noise.

Do they offer different menus for different departure cities?

—Yes, Singapore Airlines offers a wide range of menus tailored to different departure cities, including Japanese, Chinese, Singaporean, and Western cuisine.

What do the meals consist of?

—Regardless of the cabin class, the meals include a protein, vegetable, starch, and sauce to provide a balanced meal.

How quickly are the meals prepared and served?

—The meals are cooked, packed, and loaded onto flights within 72 hours to ensure food safety and freshness.

Timestamped Summary

01:13Singapore Airlines serves over 20 million passengers a year with nearly 50,000 meals per day.

06:06Singapore Airlines selects ingredients that counteract the effects of cabin pressure, dryness, and engine noise to ensure the meals taste good in the air.

01:58Different departure cities have tailored menus, including Japanese, Chinese, Singaporean, and Western cuisine.

02:29Regardless of the cabin class, each dish includes a protein, vegetable, starch, and sauce for a balanced meal.

09:43The entire catering operation follows a tight schedule, with meals being cooked, packed, and loaded onto flights within 72 hours.

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