Scandinavian Airlines In-Flight Menu Goes Seasonal, Local, and Vegan

Plane food hasn’t always had the best reputation, but now more than ever, airlines are going above and beyond to make meals tastier and healthier, and to cater to passengers’ diverse tastes and intolerances. Scandinavian Airlines is pulling out all the stops to give passengers a fresh, local, and sustainable dining experience while on board.

Expanding on the 2017 “New Nordic by SAS” concept that consists of offering locally sourced, farm-to-table food on its short-haul Scandinavian and European flights, the airline is introducing two new plant-based dishes to its menu rotation.

Alexander Lund, food and beverage product manager for SAS, said to Skift, “We listened to our customers and their feedback when shaping our concept. They say they have a healthy lifestyle and they want to choose what they eat. They care about animal welfare and where their food comes from, so there was already a huge emphasis on plant-based dishes. “

For SAS Plus passengers, the meals are included, while economy travelers must purchase them in advance. The pre-ordering system helps the airline reduce waste by only producing as many meals as it absolutely needs.

“New Nordic by SAS” has gone a long way toward improving the airline’s sustainability, even when it comes to the meal’s packaging. Design firm Designit, which assisted the airline with the food overhaul, said that “SAS now sources 95% of its food from local farmers, compared to just 5% before the project […] From the ingredients to the small, cube-shaped packaging, every component of this service is designed to be frictionless for passengers and cabin crew.”