Global air and travel services provider dnata delivered over 15,000 specially crafted meals for private jet customers across the U.S. and overseas in 2024. These ranged from VIP charter delicacies to high-protein meals designed for professional sports teams.
Operating from kitchens in Boston, New York, Nashville, Houston, Los Angeles, and San Francisco, dnata provides inflight catering and retail services to over 100 airports nationwide.
The U.S. remains one of the company’s largest markets for corporate jet services, with demand continuing to grow. In cities without dnata kitchens, the company partners with top-tier vendors to meet client needs.
Tailored Catering for Sports Teams and VIPs
dnata caters to numerous professional sports teams, creating customized high-protein meals such as shrimp cocktail platters containing 10-12oz (285-340g) of protein to aid performance and recovery. Meanwhile, corporate jet travelers often request fruit, cheese, seafood platters, finger sandwiches, and gourmet desserts.
Requests from royalty and high-profile clients vary by region, with Middle Eastern dignitaries favoring Arabic Mezze, Chicken Biryani, and Patchi chocolates, while Indian VIPs prefer Mughlai delicacies from top local restaurants. Some celebrity clients even have signature preferences, such as a famous R&B duo’s staple plant-based milk product.
High-net-worth clients and large jets demand Michelin-star-quality dining, including caviar, lobster, and truffle-infused dishes. dnata’s specialized chefs work exclusively for private aviation customers, sometimes even accompanying flights on multi-stop tours.
Catering for Diplomacy and Safety at the Forefront
In September 2024, dnata catered for up to 70 presidential aircraft departing New York’s JFK Airport following the United Nations General Assembly. The company also operates separate Halal kitchens and ensures rigorous food safety protocols, including allergen segregation and peanut-free facilities.
Peter DeVito, CEO of dnata Catering & Retail USA, emphasized dnata’s commitment to excellence: “Every passenger should enjoy an unforgettable onboard dining experience.
“Whether a luxurious multi-course meal or a personalized dish, our team ensures the highest quality, using only the freshest ingredients. In private aviation, excellence is the required standard, and we’re proud to set that standard.”
As private aviation demand rises, dnata continues to innovate, adapting menus and expanding its premium catering services to meet the evolving tastes of its elite clientele.
