Gate Gourmet, the global leader in airline catering and provisioning services, has today unveiled a selection of festive menus specially curated for its airline partners.

Passengers flying with Virgin Atlantic are among those being served up special dishes from Gate Gourmet chefs for the holiday period.

Gate Gourmet has developed a wide range of delicious dishes, in collaboration with several leading carriers, with bespoke meals bringing a taste of home and holiday cheer to the skies, especially for those flying on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day.

Federico Germani, Gategroup Chief Commercial Officer & President LATAM and APAC, said: “The holidays are a time for connecting with family and friends, and that often means travelling far from home.

“Having worked closely with our valued airline partners, we’re proud to unveil a selection of festive dishes that promise to fill the skies with warmth and comfort at this special time.

“Our talented chefs drew inspiration from local cuisines, global trends and traditions, as well as their own experiences to craft an ambience of belonging and nostalgia for those taking to the skies over the festive period.”

Virgin Atlantic will be offering festive meals for passengers travelling in their Upper Class, Premium Economy, and Economy cabins from Christmas Eve to Boxing Day.

The main dish in Upper Class is a roasted, sliced turkey breast with rosemary gravy and chestnut stuffing served with glazed baby carrots, cranberry grenadine relish, red potato wedges roasted with rosemary and parsley, roasted Brussel sprouts, and pigs in a blanket on the side.

For those who prefer the vegetarian option, Virgin Atlantic will serve Roasted Vegetable en Croute with a pumpkin puree. For dessert, there are two traditional holiday offerings: chocolate yuletide log and the classic, fragrant mince pie. The airline will also gift each passenger a chocolate Lindt Gold Reindeer as they exit the aircraft.

Hari Ghotra, Virgin Atlantic F&B Manager, said: “When our customers travel over the festive period, it’s important to us that we give them a little touch of home comfort to make their experience fun and festive too.”

Air Canada, one of Gate Gourmet’s key airline partners, will also be treating its passengers to a traditional Christmas meal on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. The meal includes sliced roasted turkey breast with turkey gravy, Yukon mashed potatoes with chives, bread stuffing, roasted Brussel sprouts, and baby carrots – the traditional meal served in Canada and the US.

Jacqueline Harkness, Air Canada Managing Director, Products and Services, said: “We’re delighted to offer a delicious holiday meal to our customers this year, adding festive cheer and the comforts of home to the Air Canada experience.”

Meanwhile, LATAM Airlines is embracing the holiday spirit with a dedicated festive menu for passengers flying on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. The menu features dishes infused with traditional holiday spices and ingredients, including LATAM’s signature roasted chicken with a spice and almond crust, orange and whisky sauce, potato purée with old style mustard, and sautéed vegetables with prosciutto.

Business Class passengers will also have the option of a dessert which includes caramelised spiced apples, ginger biscuits, and crème anglaise with whiskey and meringue. On select flights, passengers may opt for the sautéed turkey with old mustard and vegetables with couscous, raisins, almonds, and lemon.