British Airways Engineers Coffee That Tastes Better at Altitude
Joe Cortez April 26, 2018
British Airways wants flyers to enjoy their second cup of coffee – even if it is at 30,000 feet above the earth. The airline is pairing with specialty roaster Union Hand-Roasted Coffee to create a special blend that maintains a “richness, depth and complexity of flavor” in U.K. airport lounges and while in the cabin.
According to British Airways, “it’s the small things that really make a difference,” which is why they want to bring a new coffee experience to the airplane cabin. The flag carrier announced a new partnership with specialty roaster Union Hand-Roasted Coffee to provide beverages to premium cabin flyers.
The new coffee selections will debut in May 2018 and will be available in British airport lounges, as well as First class and World Club business class. For flights, the airline worked directly with Union to create a coffee blend that maintained its flavor profile at high altitude, in order to create a truly luxury experience.
“We have put British brand, Union Coffee, through its paces with extensive taste testing and it works incredibly well at altitude, where richness, depth and complexity of flavor are critical as they cut through the effect of altitude on our taste buds,” Sarah Klatt-Walsh, head of product for British Airways, said in a statement. “We believe it’ll be a real winner with customers made all the sweeter thanks to its responsible sourcing and British credentials, in line with our own.”
New attention to coffee selections is one part of a comprehensive food and beverage overhaul for the airline. Following a trend among international airlines, British Airways is making more hot menu items available in lounges across dietary choices, while giving preference to sustainable sources. In First, flyers can enjoy the coffee as part of a full-service menu, including lattes, cappuccino and espresso. In World Club, Union premium filter coffee will be available to flyers.
This is not the first time British Airways has made subtle changes to improve the passenger dining experience. In 2014, the airline paired music with foods for a “sonic seasoning” menu, hoping to inspire new flavors at cruising altitude.
[Photo: Shutterstock]
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The only way is if they do a pour over with heated bottle water. I'm not drinking anything that came out of those nasty tanks - ice or water.
They should do something about the taste of their food in FC and maybe the attitude of their FA"s !!
What about that nasty airplane water? This won't solve that issue.