Delta Air Lines has sought to elevate the in-flight dining experience by introducing new services throughout the aircraft on international flights.

Early next year, customers in the Delta One cabin flying to select European destinations from New York-JFK and Atlanta, will be able to pre-select their meal to ensure they receive their first choice on board.

These enhancements will be followed by upgraded meals and serviceware in the main cabin starting in mid-2018.

Following the initial launch of pre-select meals, Delta plans to expand the service firstly to Delta One customers on all international routes both outbound and inbound to the United States and then to all passengers in the Delta Premium Select cabin by the end of next year.

Customers eligible to participate in the programme will receive an email communication six days prior to their flight asking them to select their meal. 

Delta will roll out pre-select through additional channels later in 2018.

“Our customers have told us that they value having more control over their experience inflight, specifically around selecting their meal options in advance to ensure they receive their first choice,” said Lisa Bauer, vice president, on-board services.

“This is just another way we are providing options to our customers to make sure their culinary experience onboard is like dining at their favourite local restaurant.” 

The improvements to main cabin service will include newly designed trays and upgraded rotable serviceware that will complement investments in meal quality to provide customers a restaurant-style dining experience.

Customers will see the first changes next month when they begin receiving menu cards, which will include information on timing for each meal service and details on the in-flight food and beverage offerings.

In December, the airline will launch new upgraded cutlery in the Main Cabin before the new meals are served next year.

“We know that people eat with their eyes, so investing in our menus, serviceware and cutlery onboard to enhance the overall presentation and functionality of our meals is a big part of our culinary strategy,” Bauer said.

“It’s one of Delta’s biggest investments in the main cabin dining experience to date. Our goal is to truly recreate the experience our customers would have at their favourite restaurant at 30,000 feet, taking into account what menu items naturally complement one another, the service behind the offerings and the overall presentation.”

This latest enhancement is part of the airline’s multi-billion dollar investment in the overall customer experience.