Contract caterer Elior UK has been appointed by Air France to operate the food and beverage offer at the airline’s new airside lounge at London Heathrow Airport, which opened on 7 July 2026. The five-year contract covers all catering across the 750 m² space, including 150-seats, a 60-seat restaurant and a staffed bar. The service is delivered by a team of 40 Elior employees on site comprising chefs, bar tenders, and front-of-house guest relations.
At the heart of the Air France lounge, located in Terminal 4, an Elior operated dining area invites guests to enjoy a convivial culinary experience, featuring traditional French dishes prepared on site. Designed as an open and welcoming space, where the kitchen blends seamlessly into the dining area, it seats close to 60 guests, with a mix of tables for two and a large communal table, perfect for spending time with fellow travellers.
Elior’s chefs have designed carefully curated and varied menus that change throughout the day, offering a selection of hot and cold, savoury and sweet dishes, including vegetarian options. Travellers will be able to enjoy dishes such as beef bourguignon.
A bar is also a main feature in the lounge. Its modern design creates a festive and sophisticated atmosphere. Staffed by Elior bartenders, it offers a selection of champagne, French wines and spirits.
As part of a more sustainable approach, Elior and Air France prioritise the use of local and seasonal produce when creating its menus. Particular attention is also paid to reducing food waste, as well as to the sorting and recycling of waste generated by catering services. Water dispensers are also provided to limit the use of single-use plastic. a
The Air France lounge provides passengers with a peaceful spot to relax and grab a bite to eat as soon as they arrive at the airport. Open daily from 5am to 10pm, it welcomes Air France La Première, Business* and Flying Blue Elite Plus customers, as well as eligible customers flying with KLM and SkyTeam alliance partner airlines. Bathed in light and offering a view of the runways, it reflects the airline’s world with a refined display of its brand identity, displaying its logo, the winged seahorse — Air France’s historic symbol — as well as a selection of posters illustrating its rich heritage.
Air France’s signature colours — shades of blue, bright white and touches of red — provide the space with an elegant, relaxing atmosphere. The sleek furniture has been carefully chosen to offer optimal comfort and showcase leading names in French design, such as Margaux Keller, Pierre Paulin, Patrick Jouin and Christophe Pillet.
Matt Wood, managing director, B&I at Elior said: “In aviation catering, the food has to be excellent from the first passengers at 5am through to the last departure of the day. Working alongside Air France’s teams, we have built an offer that brings the French art of hospitality to Heathrow Terminal 4, while keeping a tight focus on local sourcing, food waste and waste segregation. We are thrilled to be providing the hospitality at Air France’s new lounge.”
