The Lowdown: Nando’s in-flight meals

Wow. Piri piri chicken at 35,000ft could really take off…  ​
We have some disappointing news. Nando’s won’t be serving any chicken at altitude.

What the cluck?​
You heard right. Nando’s is serving two items: hummus with peri peri drizzle and salted pitta bread chips; and ‘half popped corn’, which is described as “a mild and delicious snacking option where fluffy popcorn meets crunchy corn”.

I didn’t realise hummus and popcorn were menu staples at Nando’s…  ​
They are both on the restaurant’s menu. But it’s certainly fair to say these items are not the first thing that springs to mind when one thinks of the brand. Jet2.com serves hot meals on some of its flights, but clearly the logistical complexity of serving chargrilled chicken at altitude was too much.

Have any other restaurants teamed up with airlines?​
Famous chefs regularly consult with airlines on menus, particularly on those offered in business class and above. Heston Blumenthal has worked with British Airways and Alain Ducasse currently works with Air France. Gordon Ramsay consulted for Singapore Airlines for a number of years, but upon finishing his contract with the company declared that there was “no fucking way” he’d ever eat airline food. In terms of UK casual dining brands, this is a first but it looks like Nando's offering could leave passengers feeling a bit peckish.

So feather have been ruffled then?​
They certainly have. Reactions on social media include “wounded. It’s not real Nando’s”, “absolutely gutted” and - most poignantly - “where the chicken at ffs.” Perhaps by way of apology, the airline will be placing Nando’s vouchers in selected boxes on board which entitles customers to a free meal once back on the ground.