Loading ...Passengers aboard British Airways flights will no longer be served beef starting later this summer, as part of the UK flag carrier’s efforts to provide meal service which is to the liking of a larger group of international travellers. Instead, BA will offer those in economy class “lighter and healthier” meal options on long-haul flights. Some are already suggesting that perhaps this move has less to do with ensuring that passengers enjoy a healthy diet while onboard, and may in fact be linked to cost-cutting measures. BA, however, denies these claims, noting that the carrier simply wanted to develop meal options that are more popular. As such, BA has determined that instead offering passengers a choice of chicken or beef, those in the World Traveller cabin will now be able to choose between chicken or fish pies. A BA spokesperson interviewed by the London Times told the newspaper that the UK’s flag carrier selected fish pies over beef, because it found that this tends to be a very popular product in supermarkets.
The BA spokesperson also indicated that beef and pork are prohibited in some cultures and by some religions. As such, the carrier had to find meals that could be acceptable to all. Yet BA has not decided to scrap beef altogether. Despite the religious and cultural implications, those in Club World (business class) cabins will still get to enjoy beef for dinner, as fish pie will only replace this more traditional dish in economy. Some have also expressed criticism over BA’s decision, noting that beef remains Britain’s national dish and the country’s flag carrier should promote this on its flights.
