Air France enhances long-haul business travel with new Business Class desserts by Nina Métayer

16 Apr

Air France is introducing a new collection of desserts created by World’s Best Pastry Chef 2023 Nina Métayer for its long-haul Business cabin, further enhancing its onboard culinary experience from April 2026.

For UK-based business travellers, this development highlights how premium airlines continue to invest in the quality of the onboard experience, particularly on long-haul routes from key European hubs such as Paris, where many journeys begin or connect, making comfort and dining an increasingly important factor in business travel decision-making.

From April 2026, Air France will extend its collaboration with Nina Métayer, who has been working with the airline since 2024, to introduce a refined new range of desserts designed specifically for Business Class passengers travelling on long-haul flights departing from Paris. The new creations are intended to elevate the French-inspired dining experience onboard, reinforcing the airline’s positioning as a leader in premium inflight gastronomy.

Ms Métayer, who was named World’s Best Pastry Chef in 2023, has developed desserts that are carefully adapted to the unique conditions of air travel, where taste perception and texture can be affected by altitude.

Nina Métayer said

“I designed these desserts to be true travel companions.”

The desserts form part of Air France’s broader strategy to showcase contemporary French gastronomy across its long-haul Business cabin, working with leading chefs to deliver a high-quality, restaurant-style experience in the air. Alongside these sweet creations, the airline continues to collaborate with Michelin-starred chef Régis Marcon, who develops the main dishes using seasonal ingredients and produce sourced primarily from France, with a focus on sustainability including responsibly sourced fish.

Air France has also introduced initiatives such as allowing customers to pre-select their main course up to 24 hours before departure, helping to improve service efficiency and reduce food waste, a growing priority within the business travel sector.

Paul Baker, Sales Director of Global Travel Management, said

“For UK business travellers, the quality of the onboard experience can have a direct impact on productivity and wellbeing, particularly on long-haul journeys. Enhancements like this demonstrate how airlines are continuing to invest in business travel by improving comfort, dining and overall passenger satisfaction.”

This latest update underlines the increasing importance of premium service differentiation in business travel, as airlines compete to attract corporate travellers with elevated onboard experiences that go beyond the seat itself.

For further information on how airline service developments may impact your business travel programme, please contact your Global Travel Management Account Manager.