Virgin Atlantic's Mile High Tea in collaboration with celebrity pâtissier Eric Lanlard i

The fluid nature of the imposition of quarantine restrictions by respective governments around the world is eroding the travel plans of many.

As IATA’s CEO and Director General Alexandre de Juniac recently commented, “Government management of travel restrictions is so unpredictable and uncoordinated that people are still not flying.”

While aviation remains frustrated by the lack of harmonisation and coordination to reopen borders, airlines have taken steps to encourage and reassure its flying customers.

From airport testing to free COVID-19 insurance cover and the much-publicised enhanced cleaning protocols, passengers are slowly adjusting to a new normal. But it’s an old familiar in-flight experience which will bring an extra layer of confidence and satisfaction.

As Virgin prepares to expand its network and reintroduce flights, it has begun to resume onboard food and beverage services. Aside from much-loved favourites, such as the Wander Wall, the carrier is introducing a range of new special meals over the coming weeks.

While commercial operators struggle, private aviation is recovering. Catering suppliers like On Air Dining are enjoying an upturn in fortunes, with the company taking on more staff to meet demand at its bases at Farnborough and Stansted Airport.

As chef Alexandra Guarnaschelli once said, “Food is so heavily connected to memory.” Bringing back memories of one of the joys of flying will surely help passengers adapt to a new travel experience.

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