2015-11-21

Airline coffee. I think it’s the one thing that we can all agree that needs drastic improvement in the air.

Let’s face it, in economy class coffee is akin to day-old dishwater. Even business class coffee is a disappointment more often than not.

In fact, thinking about it, the only really decent cup of coffee I’ve had in the air was when I flew Openskies.



Coffee aboard Openskies – Image, Economy Class and Beyond – See my trip report. Minor point. Coffee with a Creama on it is *good*. Well done OpenSkies.

Well United are going to challenge this concept by introducing Illy coffee on its planes and in its lounges.


Coffee by the numbers for United – Image, United Airlines.

Illy’s coffee will first appear in United Clubs, with its “Scuro dark roast” and espresso being available there in 2016, and the “scuro dark roast” appearing on planes during summer 2016.

United Airlines Jimmy Samartzis, United’s vice president of food services and United Clubs seems pleased with this stating:

“Our collaboration with illy is helping to make the world feel a bit smaller and making flying that much more special, simply by way of a perfect cup of coffee

By serving the world’s most well-known premium coffee in our clubs and onboard, we hope to energize our customers and our employees with the quality and care that comes with every cup.”

Well it can’t be any worse that what’s served aboard.

Illy’s coffee is reasonable to drink – especially in an espresso style. In longer drinks it’s not to bad (the cafetière version comes to mind). The instant… yes. We all know how rough instant can be sadly.

Lets hope more airlines improve their coffee offerings. Other airlines… it depends what class you’re in and what you’re drinking.

Delta shifted to serving Starbucks coffee aboard its planes some time ago… and American Airlines? It’s some black stuff that I’ve yet to identify (although they use Nescafe Alegria machines in the Admirals Clubs).

Least of all… have you seen me without my first cup of coffee in me first thing in the morning without coffee? It’s not a pleasant sight….

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