Doha 18 June– Qatar Airways has announced a culinary partnership with French chef Yannick Alléno, whose 17 Michelin stars across 19 restaurants represent one of the aviation industry’s most prestigious chef collaborations.
The partnership revealed on 16 June 2025, extends beyond traditional inflight dining to include a Pavyllon restaurant opening in the First Class
Multi-Venue Approach
The collaboration centres on three key elements: bespoke menus for First and Business Class passengers on Paris-Doha routes, exclusive creations for Qatar Airways’ Paris-Charles de Gaulle Airport
(Updated 1 July) Adding further depth to Qatar Airways’ premium offerings, world-renowned pastry chef Antonio Bachour, named best pastry chef in the world by The Best Chef Awards in 2018 and 2022, has created exclusive items for premium cabin passengers.
This collaboration with the Miami-based Puerto Rican chef reinforces Qatar Airways’ commitment to world class culinary experiences across all service categories.
Strategic Positioning
Chef Alléno’s emphasis on “l’art de vivre” (the French art of living) aligns with Qatar Airways’ positioning as a luxury lifestyle carrier.
This represents the most significant chef partnership announcement among Gulf carriers in recent years, positioning Qatar Airways distinctly within the competitive Middle East market.
The integration of premium dining across aircraft, lounges, and hub facilities creates a cohesive brand experience that differentiates the carrier from competitors focused primarily on operational metrics.
Operational Implications
The partnership’s focus on “ingredient-driven cooking, fermentation, and technique” demonstrates Qatar Airways’ operational capabilities supporting premium pricing and market positioning.
Industry Context
This partnership positions Qatar Airways for continued premium market share growth as passengers prioritise experience quality.
The collaboration’s success will likely influence competitor responses and establish new benchmarks for airline chef partnerships, particularly the integration of ground based dining experiences with inflight service.
Images courtesy of Qatar Airways
Nik founded Inflight Feed in 2012, blending his passion for inflight dining with over a decade of experience in the airline industry. For the past 13 years, he has travelled the world, exploring and reviewing airline meals across countless carriers.
CNN Travel, The New York Times, and BBC World News have featured Nik’s expertise. When he’s not on the ground, you’ll find him at 35,000 feet, camera in hand, capturing the unique flavours of air travel. Follow his inflight meal adventures on Instagram: @InflightFeed.
