Transaero was a full-service Russian based airline known for its quality inflight catering and service. This was my first (and sadly last) encounter with the airline; I took a flight from Istanbul to Moscow and onto London. Transaero ceased operations in October 2015.Business and first-class meals on Transaero are not prepared by a traditional airline caterer; instead, the airline works with Dellos Air Services in the centre of Moscow. Dellos is an upmarket caterer and prepares the meals in the centre of Moscow, meals are then delivered by special refrigerated cars that meet each aircraft.The result is a quality inflight meal product. In summer, dishes are lighter and by autumn/winter dishes are heavier with more calories to compensate for the lack of warmth and sunlight.
ISTANBUL TO MOSCOW
The 2.5 hr flight from Istanbul departed at 2 am, and I assumed that the meal service would be limited. However, soon after take-off, a crisp, clean linen cloth was placed on my tray table and a delightful inflight experience began.Meal choices included a Beef Wellington pie, Pancakes with duck meat filling or Paccheri pasta. I opted for the Paccheri pasta, stuffed with salmon pieces and dressed with a delicious cheese sauce. An appetiser of roasted pork with fried chickpeas, mushrooms and sweet pepper accompanied by main.
To finish, I opt for the English breakfast tea, which was served with a petit four dessert.
MOSCOW TO LONDON
The 3.5-hour journey from Moscow to London departed just after 9 am, and I was offered a myriad of choices for lunch. These included options such as Rabbit patty with tempura vegetables, Roasted duck breast with baked apple and plum slices with vegetable pilaf or a Catfish patty served with cuttlefish ink pasta and creamy sauce.
I settled for The Rabbit Patty; the tempura vegetables are crisp, and the rabbit patty was delicious.It’s a shame the airline is no longer operating, the quality of the inflight meals was exceptional and the crew onboard were genuine and personable.
