Flag carrier Saudi Arabian Airlines (Saudia) has launched a new dining concept for its Guest Class (Economy) service, with plans to roll out a new Business and First Class dining service as well.

The new service, called ‘Bistro by Saudia’, features new branding and fresh menus.

The new ‘bistro dining’ concept onboard is similar to a restaurant dining experience, where multi-course meals are served in stages, starting with an appetizer, followed by main course and dessert. The new meal service is also uniquely delivered tray-less, for the first time.

The new flavours represent all palates for an all-around modern, global dining experience at 40,000 feet.

Passengers can currently experience the new dining concept on flights from Jeddah to London, Paris and Manchester. Further routes for the new ‘bistro dining’ concept will be announced soon.

Guests will be presented with a selection of choices for their appetizer; a selection from three main courses, as well as snacks and desserts. In addition, for the first time in Guest Class (Economy), the airline will offer traditional Arabic coffee and dates.

Development of the new menus has taken place in kitchens from across the globe, with Saudia collaborating with chefs from the kingdom, London and Paris, in order to introduce menus which reflect a signature gourmet, global touch.

Some of the new menu items being introduced include Greek yoghurt with dried fruit; poached pears in almond custard; egg shakshouka, spinach ricotta frittata, Caprese lasagna, chocolate date ganache; guava and mango juice; pure mint tea, and more.

The ‘Bistro by Saudia’ dining concept began with an initial rollout in April on one sector, which has now grown to three (Paris, London and Manchester).

More than 200,000 guests have experienced the new dining service so far, and have shared their delight in the new elements introduced in Guest Class (Economy).

Saudi Arabian Airlines vice president corporate communications, Fahad Bahdailah, said: “Throughout the airline’s transformation journey since the July 2015 launch of the SV Transformation Plan 2020, our continued focus has been on providing a guest experience that is memorable, personable, and comfortable. Each new initiative introduced onboard is a reflection of Saudia’s commitment to ensuring every guest has a pleasant journey.

Bahdailah added: “Saudia has introduced a range of both metropolitan and traditional dining options onboard, delivered with a unique flair and service touch, reflecting the essence of Saudi hospitality. Bistro by Saudia is aligned with the global traveller; it is a service that is focused on choice, flexibility and an enjoyable dining experience.”

The airline currently flies to more than 90 destinations worldwide, with a modern fleet of Airbus and Boeing aircraft.

Flying one of the youngest fleet in the skies, a majority of the Saudia narrow and widebody aircraft is configured with the latest state-of-the-art Panasonic inflight entertainment system, and features onboard wi-fi and more than 4,000 hours of Hollywood premiere and latest television shows, box sets, music, multi-language, international and children’s programming, as well as digital and audio books.

Saudia also provides a free-of-charge Whatsapp texting service for all of its passengers flying on routes enabled with wi-fi connectivity. - TradeArabia News Service