Aeromexico flying free
This is a special feature from PAX International's October 2021 digital edition, on page 14.
Chiles en nogada was on the menu September 5 on Aeromexico’s flight from Mexico City to Madrid
In early September, Aeromexico’s flight AM01 from Mexico City to Madrid brought aboard the flavors and smells of Puebla, a city in the east-central part of the country, through an association with the airline and El Palacio de Hierro, one of the country’s well-known fashion and culinary retailers.
The occasion celebrated Mexico’s Independence Day which is September 16. Along with the traditional dish of Chiles en nogada, the 270 passengers on the 787-9 Dreamliner were served Tattinger Champagne and the menu was made with fresh ingredients from Calpan, Puebla, including Creole peach, Panochera Apples, sweet-milk pears, pink pine nuts and Castillian walnuts.
“It was an interesting logistics to serve one of the iconic dishes of our country, and it allows us to continue offering our customers unique travel experiences,” said Christian Romero, Aeromexico’s Senior Onboard Services Manager.
The MiQ seat from Collins Aerospace was specially modified for Aeromexico’s 737 Max aircraft
Headquartered in Mexico City, El Palacio de Hierro is one of Mexico’s most upscale department store chains. The boutiques and stores within sell high-end luxury fashion brands, from Jimmy Choo and Moschino to Balmain and Rimowa. There is no shortage of dining options and gourmet products at the Gastronomia Palacio. Here, renowned chefs, unique dishes and exclusive brands in cantinas, cafes, bistros, wines, mezcals and more come together to offer “the best gastronomic options in the city under one roof,” reads the website.
Aeromexico passengers experienced a taste of traditional Palacio de Hierro fare with the retailer’s chefs preparing the meals. Gate Gourmet in Mexico City and Madrid assisted in handling the plating and transport.
“It is a significant year that we could not ignore,” said Chef Guillermo Martinez from La Cantina Palacio. The supplier also came through with a colorful gift bag with Ritter Sport Milk Chocolate and small commemorative items from El Palacio de Hierro.
Aeromexico tells PAX it is looking at future partnerships with the fashion and culinary retailer as the airline has more cabin service plans. Menus of the future will stress seasonal fresh ingredients, paired with the return of regularly rotated inflight entertainment at the two-month interval starting next year.
LED mood lighting is part of the interior design to help alleviate jetlag
Other features have been added to the Aeromexico Panasonic IFE system to make the airline’s food service more touchless. Aboard the airline’s 787s, passengers can access the menu via a convenient icon on the inflight entertainment system. Aire, Aeromexico’s official inflight magazine, is available digitally by scanning a QR code.
Aeromexico is touting a number of features for its dozen new 737 Max aircraft. The first of the new order is due to arrive in October. Windows on the Max are 20 percent larger than previous models. Inside the cabin, LED lighting reflects the time of day, or which stage the flight is in, which can promote relaxation and help reduce the effects of jetlag.
One of the most prominent features aboard the Max aircraft is the custom designed seating that the airline developed with Collins Aerospace. The seats are made from Collins’ existing MiQ model of regional Business Class. They are equipped with USB ports, larger screens and will have Bluetooth connectivity, and built-in cameras. Passengers can work efficiently and seamlessly with onboard Wi-Fi, charge personal electronic devices or enjoy IFE offerings during flight.
In addition to Collins, Aeromexico also tapped London-based design company New Territory in development of the seat. The parties sought to make a product that will have a long life in service and a number of storage features and comfort benefits for the passenger. The design will continue through the new deliveries.
