Turkish Airlines introduces Flying Service Chefs for gourmet experience on Doha flights

Doha, Qatar; August 5 2013: Turkish Airlines, the national carrier of Turkey and Europe’s best airline*, has complemented its award-winning on-board service with the introduction of the ‘Flying Service Chef’ for business class travellers on flights from Doha. 

Qatar is one of the primary destinations in the Middle East for the ‘Flying Chef’ concept which was launched in 2010 in a joint venture with Turkish DO&CO, the airline’s world-renowned gourmet inflight catering service and successively two times winner of ‘World’s Best Economy Class On-board Catering’ in 2010 and 2011 and ‘Best Business Class Catering’ in the 2013 Skytrax World Airline Awards.

Business class travellers on Doha routes can experience culinary delights as Flying Chefs work alongside cabin crew to serve a weekly menu of the finest international and Turkish inspired cuisine. Dishes are prepared using fresh ingredients and chefs are trained specifically to work in the limited gallery space. Travellers can also request bespoke twists on the menus. 

Mehmed Kursad Caymaz, General Manager of Turkish Airlines in Qatar, said: “The addition of Flying Service Chefs to our Doha flights complements our award winning on board service and we are confident will enhance our guests overall travel experience as they are served freshly prepared dishes influenced by world cuisine.”

Turkish Airlines has doubled passenger satisfaction on board to 98 percent since the introduction of the gourmet catering concept in 2007 by Turkish DO&CO. The most modern cabin crew training centre in Europe is the DO&CO Academy Istanbul, where international crew and chefs prepare and train to serve the freshest on board cuisine in ‘real life’ gallery designs that reflect the layout of the airlines aircrafts three classes.

With a 70 percent sector share, Turkish DO&CO is a market leader, and covets the ‘Oscars of the aviation industry’ having won the best economy class and best business class catering in the world. The company also operates the Turkish Airlines CIP Lounge, one of the largest in Europe, a luxurious lounge spread across 3000sqm with a Zen olive garden, unlimited Turkish and international cuisine, fresh fruit bar, refreshing shower and suite facilities, complemented by a library, kids’ corner, business, Apple and Sony Centre.

The Flying Chef concept was introduced to the global network in 2010 and there are now 222 Flying Chefs serving 16 intercontinental flights and 67 Flying Chefs serving on all of the international flights. 

Turkish Airlines operates ten weekly flights from Qatar, connecting travellers to 237 destinations in 103 countries, the largest country network for an airline and 4th largest flight network.

For more details including flight schedules visit www.turkishairlines.com, contact the call centre on +90 212 444 0849 or visit a sales office.

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* Skytrax rating

About Turkish Airlines:

Established in 1933 with a fleet of only five airplanes, Star Alliance member, Turkish Airlines is today a four star airline with a fleet of  228 aircraft (passenger and cargo) flying to  237 cities around the world, comprised of 41 domestic and  196 international destinations. One of the fastest growing airline companies, Turkish Airlines has received several “Passengers Choice Awards” from the consumer  ranking group, Skytrax. Based on 2013 results, Turkish Airlines has been chosen "Best Airline in Europe" the third year running, continued to be “Best Airline in Southern Europe.” Having the designation of “World’s Best Economy Class On-board Catering” in 2010, Turkish Airlines has been also awarded "Best Business Class Catering” in 2013 Skytrax World Airline Awards.

About Star Alliance:

The Star Alliance network was established in 1997 as the first truly global airline alliance to offer worldwide reach, recognition and seamless service to the international traveller. Its acceptance by the market has been recognised by numerous awards, including the Air Transport World Market Leadership Award and Best Airline Alliance by both Business Traveller Magazine and Skytrax.  The member airlines are: Adria Airways, Aegean Airlines, Air Canada, Air China, Air New Zealand, ANA, Asiana Airlines, Austrian, Avianca, Brussels Airlines, Copa Airlines, Croatia Airlines, EGYPTAIR, Ethiopian Airlines, EVA Air, LOT Polish Airlines, Lufthansa, Scandinavian Airlines, Shenzhen Airlines, Singapore Airlines, South African Airways, SWISS, TAM Airlines, TAP Portugal, Turkish Airlines, THAI, United and US Airways. Overall, the Star Alliance network offers more than 21,900 daily flights to 1,328 airports in 195 countries.