Virtue from necessity

Inserting glamour into aircraft galleys

Does the term “airline galley” bring to mind a cramped, dimly-lit space with industrial metal trolleys, dented inserts and a complete absence of pleasant ambience? As airlines strive to make the most of their onboard space, and to improve passenger amenities without increasing staff costs, a quiet revolution is under way in the way that passengers perceive the humble galley.

On the short-haul, galleys are rapidly shrinking and in some cases disappearing, particularly at the back of the plane. Qantas and Virgin Australia both go against the global trend in offering complimentary meals on domestic economy fares, and with the prospect of economic uncertainty and a falling dollar on the horizon, a generous soft product offering is often the first item on the proverbial chopping block.