Interview with CEO Steve Lenderman: Mainline Aviation makes a mark in Long Beach
The Mainline Aviation team at IFSA Global EXPO, with CEO Steve Lenderman (right)
Debuting at IFSA Global EXPO for the first time this year, Mainline Aviation is focused on driving its brand as a major player in inflight catering. The company began in 2020 as a specialized division of Goldbergs Group, a company with more than 50 years of experience in hospitality and restaurants.
PAX International Managing Editor Jane Hobson spoke with Mainline Aviation CEO Steve Lenderman to discuss how the company plans to build its presence in the inflight catering space.
“Our DNA is restaurants—now we cater to restaurants in the sky,” Lenderman says. “That background makes us a strong partner for airlines looking to offer fine dining at 30,000 feet.”
Mainline uses its connections to tap into award-winning R&D teams at restaurant to bring iconic eats into the cabin, such as Fox Bros Bar-B-Q, a family-owned Texas Style barbeque restaurant operating in Atlanta, USA, where Mainline is also based.
These bites were on display at Global EXPO this week, with a rotating daily menu. Menu items include Fox Brothers smoked chicken thigh with gouda mac and cheese and Doux South pickled slaw; Pasta Mami vegan roasted sweet potato ravioli with roasted wild mushrooms, wilted baby spinach and pumpkin seed gremolata and optional white truffle shavings; braised beef birria with Spanish style rice, pickled red onions, queso fresco and smoke corn crema; and three flavours of mini cheescake bites: pumpkin, banana and churro.
Part of the offerings at Global EXPO: mini banana cheesecake bite (left) and the gouda mac and cheese with Doux South pickled slaw
While in what Lenderman refers to as “start-up mode,” Mainline Aviation has already secured a 10-year contract with a major U.S. airline for its international menu, along with other partnerships with major carriers out of the country.
He explains that the company’s role goes beyond meal preparation; Mainline takes pride in offering tailored solutions that address the varied dietary needs and cultural preferences of its customers’ passengers.
This adaptability has positioned Mainline as a valuable partner to airlines seeking to enhance the inflight offerings while managing operational complexities. Its growth strategy focuses on developing culturally authentic meals and addressing evolving dietary trends—such as plant-based and allergen-free options.
Lenderman says Mainline will continue to participate in industry events to promote its strengths, build new partnerships and claim its position.
