Inside Emirates Flight Catering’s mission to serve 300,000 meals at the Dubai Airshow

Serving 300,000 meals at one of the world’s largest aviation events is no small feat. Emirates Flight Catering (EKFC), the official caterer for the Dubai Airshow 2025, has built a massive operation that blends scale, precision, and cultural diversity.

🛠 Building from the Ground Up
- Two central kitchens constructed on-site in less than two weeks, strategically positioned between exhibition halls and chalets.
- Facilities include cold rooms, dishwashing areas, dedicated storage, independent power supply, and specialized zones for pastry and cold kitchen operations.
- Staff infrastructure: canteens, welfare tents, uniform distribution centers, and rest areas—all purpose-built for the event.

👩‍🍳 Workforce & Expertise
- Nearly 2,600 staff members deployed, including 74 interns from top hospitality schools worldwide.
- Workforce includes 1,800 EKFC staff, 500 personnel from DWTC, and 280 team members from Emirates’ kitchens and lounges.
- Staff will wear a custom cobalt blue uniform, designed exclusively for the Airshow.

🌍 Global Flavours
- Menus tailored to each pavilion’s cultural needs, featuring dishes from French, Middle Eastern, Indian, Russian, Chinese, and Japanese cuisines.
- Highlights include: braised beef cheeks in truffle sauce, Emirati tandoori lobster, Indian pistachio chicken korma, and wok-style Chinese dishes.
- On-demand catering for exhibition halls with fresh pastries, basket orders, and bespoke menus.

🍽 Distinctive Food Experiences
EKFC has partnered with leading brands to create seven unique food concepts:
- Origami (Japanese cuisine)
- Onda (premium coffee)
- Yann Couvreur Pastry & Barista Experience
- Dibba Oyster Bar (local Fujairah producers)
- In-house salmon & caviar lounge
- Bustanica Salad Bar (poke bowl-style options)
- Middle Eastern & Persian BBQ station

🌱 Sustainability & Waste Reduction
- Plastic bottles eliminated, replaced with glass and recycling systems.
- Leftover food composted or donated to food banks via Dubai Municipality.
- Local sourcing partnerships (e.g., Dibba oysters, Mai Dubai water).

✨ The Bigger Picture
EKFC’s operation showcases airline catering expertise scaled to event level, proving that precision, cultural sensitivity, and sustainability can coexist at massive scale. It’s not just about feeding thousands—it’s about creating a culinary experience that reflects the diversity of the global aviation community.