Behind the Scenes: We Toured Air Astana's Frankfurt Catering Providers
GIC International Catering, a boutique caterer based just 3 kilometers from Frankfurt Airport, produces 18,000 meals daily. This facility caters to Air Astana flights from Frankfurt to Kazakhstan, along with flights for 17 other airlines. Simple Flying had the opportunity to visit GIC International Catering, courtesy of Air Astana, to explore the intricate process of preparing in-flight meals.
Upon arrival, the boutique nature of GIC International becomes immediately apparent. Göksel Yildirim, Managing Director, and Bongi Tshazi, Commercial Director, highlighted how their close-knit operational structure allows for swift decision-making and direct communication with airline clients. This responsiveness ensures that customer feedback is addressed promptly and efficiently.
Entering GIC International Catering
The facility's exterior is unassuming, marked only by branded high loaders outside. Inside, however, stringent hygiene protocols are enforced. Visitors and workers must remove all jewelry, don personal protective equipment, and undergo a thorough disinfection process before entering. The facility also handles dirty dishware from incoming flights, which is cleaned in a state-of-the-art dishwasher and stored for future use.
Goods entering the facility are placed in one of four walk-in freezers or 14 walk-in fridges, adhering to strict aviation safety protocols. The facility itself is divided into older and newer sections, with kitchens located in the older part. During the COVID-19 pandemic, GIC refurbished these areas using their high-loader drivers, ensuring continued employment during the crisis.
Preparing the Ingredients
The kitchen is further divided into sections for halal and non-halal products. GIC takes pride in offering halal catering, maintaining separate storage and preparation areas, and even using different cleaning products to adhere to dietary laws. During the visit, preparations were underway for Air Astana’s 20:00 Boeing 767 departure. GIC emphasizes freshness, preparing meals on the day of the flight and ensuring components like Air Astana’s garlic bread and soup are loaded at optimal times and temperatures.
Each meal component is cooked and then stored in temperature-controlled conditions until it’s time to assemble the meals. This meticulous process ensures that all meals served on Air Astana flights are fresh and meet high-quality standards.
The Verdict
GIC International Catering's boutique approach and rigorous standards exemplify how a small, dedicated team can deliver exceptional service to international airlines. Their ability to quickly adapt to customer needs and maintain strict hygiene and quality controls ensures that passengers receive the best in-flight dining experience possible.