At this year’s FITUR in Madrid, gategroup was pleased to return alongside Air Europa, once again providing the catering service at their stand. It is a familiar partnership across editions, and for good reason. FITUR is where the travel industry gathers to exchange ideas, set direction, and connect with what passengers are increasingly asking for. Great food has a way of making that future feel immediate.
Across the fair, visitors were invited to enjoy breakfast and get an early taste of Air Europa’s new onboard menus, created in collaboration with Chef Mario Sandoval of Coque Restaurant (awarded two Michelin stars). Officially launching onboard from February 1, the menus were previewed at FITUR as a first look at what European Business Class guests can soon expect in the air.
A standout moment came on Thursday, when the new menus were formally presented to the media through a live showcooking. Chef Mario Sandoval was joined by Luis Bonastre, Executive Chef at gategroup, and together they prepared two dishes from the upcoming European Business Class menu. The first was a pickled beef cuberoll salad with pomegranate and walnut, bright, structured, and built around contrast. The second was a coffee dessert finished with chocolate ganache and a salted cocoa crumble, a confident close that balanced richness with edge.
Beyond the theatre of the moment, the message was clear: inflight dining can be both practical and memorable. It must hold up to the realities of service and altitude, while still delivering a sense of care, craft, and occasion. These are the kinds of details that define premium travel today, and Air Europa’s European Business Class passengers will soon be able to experience them onboard.
The event also carried a meaningful celebratory note. Chef Martín Berasategui, holder of twelve Michelin stars, attended on the occasion of Air Europa’s 40th anniversary and the 50th anniversary of his professional career. Our collaboration with Chef Berasategui spans many years, particularly in shaping Air Europa’s long-haul Business Class menus, and it was a privilege to mark both milestones together.
Behind the scenes, the catering service at the stand was delivered with precision and warmth by gategourmet chefs Ángel Salamanca and Sandra Giraldo, ensuring the experience matched the ambition, from first coffee to final bite.
About gategroup
gategroup is the global leader in airline catering, retail-on-board and hospitality products and services. gategroup provides passengers with superior culinary and retail experiences, leveraging innovation and advanced technology solutions. Headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland, gategroup delivers operational excellence through the most extensive catering network in the aviation industry, serving passengers from over 200 operating units in over 60 countries/territories across all continents. For further information, please visit: www.gategroup.com
