Farnborough Airport Opens New On Air Café

April 19, 2021

Farnborough Airport announced the opening of the brand-new On Air Café with pioneering aircraft caterers On Air Dining. Newly opened on  April 15, the café will treat its guests to a taste of the high life and marks an exciting new chapter as the aviation industry begins its recovery. Having revolutionized the world of inflight cuisine, by bringing five-star dining to the skies, On Air Dining is taking the concept to a lower altitude with the opening of its first chic café in the heart of Farnborough Airport’s terminal.

The new On Air Café at Farnborough will offer premium takeaway meals available for staff, tenants, crew and visitors of the airport. Beautifully designed with dark grey tones, oak paneling, reclaimed wooden bookcases and contrasting fabrics, the On Air Café will not just provide peace and respite for customers but offer an opportunity to support local businesses and producers using high-quality goods. Menu highlights include a poached salmon salad with watercress, asparagus and lemon mayonnaise, roasted British beef with horseradish on a sourdough baguette and a chicken poke bowl filled with sticky rice, crispy onions and crunchy rainbow slaw. Think freshly made cakes and pastries, gourmet bacon sandwiches and the toasty aromas of Alchemy coffee beans, custom blended for On Air Dining.

Dominic Osborne, FBO director of Farnborough Airport said: ‘‘We are thrilled to start this new chapter, developing our partnership with the luxury caterers at On Air Dining. Working with a brand that aligns with our values and ensuring our customers receive the highest level of excellence has always been our utmost priority. We hope the On Air Café will go on to be the beating heart of Farnborough Airport and are confident that customers will be impressed by their masterful menus and premium service.’’

Farnborough Airport is not only the home of British aviation but also the first business airport to achieve carbon neutrality. Building on Farnborough Airport’s emphasis on social responsibility, the On Air Café will provide a culinary offering that is modern, innovative and environmentally accountable. With an emphasis on transparency and sustainability, all menus are focused on locally sourced produce from artisanal farms throughout the UK, with every effort employed to ensure packaging is 100% compostable or recyclable. On Air Dining’s farm-to-flight concept even encourages crews to visit the kitchens and meet suppliers to learn the story behind the food they are serving. Hand selecting the UK’s finest producers allows On Air Dining to deliver on its commitment to providing the best inflight and now in-airport experience with the On Air Cafe.

The team at On Air Dining prides itself on delivering outstanding results both in the air and on the ground. Founded by Daniel Hulme in 2010, the company used innovative cooking techniques and flight attendant feedback to develop elite menus and packaging. On Air Dining masterminded step-by-step plating cards so flight attendants with no culinary background could recreate restaurant-quality meals for passengers. The concept was born after Daniel spotted a gap in the market for premium hospitality services on private transport. With an impressive background in menu development and innovative cooking techniques, Daniel has gone on to grow the business at an impressive rate, keeping kitchens open throughout the Covid 19 pandemic and providing nutritious meals to local NHS staff and charities.

CEO of On Air Dining Daniel Hulme said: “At On Air we have a clear committed mission - namely to provide the customers, clients and employees of Europe’s leading Biz Jet Airport with timely, tasty food and beverage to the highest of standards. I am so proud that On Air has been selected to partner with Farnborough Airport and from the 15th April 2021 we look forward to delivering fresh, sustainable, innovative produce at our exciting new On Air Cafe. As we exit the turbulence of Covid it is imperative that we provide comfort, assurance and professionalism in all that we do and to be part of this ambition closely supporting these objectives with Farnborough Airport is an important responsibility for us.’’

After a year of canceled travel plans, Farnborough is thrilled to add the On Air Café to the luxury airport experience. With a passion for impeccable service and ethical practice, Farnborough Airport and On Air Dining are proud to be thought leaders in the aviation field. With a keen focus on social responsibility, the team at Farnborough Airport are thrilled to open a café that is committed to providing a premium service for its valued staff, crew and tenants. Working together, Farnborough Airport and On Air dining hope to provide top quality service whilst bringing value to the community and customers alike.