Irresistible ‘SriLankan Flavours’ Lands 2024 IFSA Best Inflight Food or Beverage Innovation Award

10 October 2023; Colombo – SriLankan Airlines’ innovative culinary tribute to Sri Lanka, ‘SriLankan Flavours,’ proved irresistible for the judges at the APEX (Airline Passenger Experience Association) and IFSA (International Flight Services Association) Global Expo who awarded the campaign, the 2024 IFSA Best Inflight Food or Beverage Innovation Award. SriLankan Flavours is a palatable extension of the country’s culinary heritage served onboard SriLankan Airlines, and a display of the strong bond between carrier and homeland, which makes the SriLankan onboard experience inimitably Sri Lankan in every aspect.

The concept behind SriLankan Flavours was further explained by Maria Sathasivam, Manager Product Development of SriLankan Airlines, who said, “This campaign was ideated to champion Sri Lankan food being a differentiating factor in our product offering. The menu introductions presented Sri Lankan food as fuelling the mind, body and soul and showcase what our island nation has to offer the ‘culinary adventurer.’ The selection of dishes also highlight Sri Lanka’s multi-faceted and multicultural history which has influenced Sri Lanka’s food story.”

As an airline that is truly emblematic of Sri Lanka and represents all the nuances that make the island so unique, there is no carrier more qualified than SriLankan Airlines to capture and showcase the distinctive flavours of Sri Lanka to the world. This, the airline has perfected to an art in SriLankan Flavours. Using heritage recipes and authentic, local ingredients SriLankan Airlines has curated sensory delights in its Sri Lankan meal option served onboard all flights out of Colombo, and in the Serendib and Serendiva lounges in the Bandaranaike International Airport.

“Receiving the 2024 IFSA Best Inflight Food or Beverage Innovation award, Sri Lankan Airlines has once again demonstrated their unparalleled prowess in the realm of inflight culinary experiences. The airline’s award-winning submission, entitled 'SriLankan Flavors', covers a veritable symphony of taste, texture, and tradition. Sri Lankan cuisine, renowned for its rich tapestry of spices, flavors, and aromas, has been masterfully translated into an inflight experience that is both authentic and innovative. The meticulous presentation, reminiscent of the island's lush landscapes and vibrant culture, elevates the dining experience to new heights. I extend my most heartfelt congratulations to Sri Lankan Airlines for brilliantly capturing the essence of their nation's culinary heritage and setting an unmatched standard as the winner of the 2024 IFSA Best Inflight Food or Beverage Innovation award,” articulated Chief Executive Officer of APEX/IFSA, Dr. Joe Leader.

The APEX/IFSA Awards and Expo wrapped up recently in Long Beach, California and recognized and rewarded airlines that have excelled in passenger experience. SriLankan Airlines further retained its status as a ‘Four Star Major Airline’ in the 2024 APEX Official Airline Ratings™ for the sixth consecutive year.

Maria Sathasivam, Manager Product Development of SriLankan Airlines, accepts the 2024 IFSA Best Inflight Food or Beverage Innovation Award from Dr. Joe Leader, Chief Executive Officer of APEX/IFSA, at the APEX/IFSA Awards in Long Beach, California.