Since the early years of commercial aviation, the nourishment and hydration of passengers has remained a focus for airlines. As air travel rapidly increased in the postwar era, aircraft manufacturers designed new airliners with food service in mind. Airlines began developing distinct food and beverage programs, and meal services became a highly competitive aspect of their inflight offerings. Carriers often marketed these services with alluring promotions and developed sophisticated menus to distinguish themselves and entice passengers with their cuisine. To provide a restaurant-style inflight dining experience, airlines also considered the tableware comprising the meal service set. They carefully conceived their chinaware, flatware, and glassware for presentation, utilization, storage, and durability. Manufacturers often created tableware bearing the airline’s service mark or logo, as well as unique patterns related to national origin, destination, or service promotions.
This exhibition features meal service wares from United Air Lines, Western Airlines, Continental Airlines, Japan Airlines, and China Airlines, and includes the iconic Royal Ambassador set from TWA (Trans World Airlines) and the President set from Pan American World Airways.
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