Newrest Polynesia partners with Air France to train the talents of tomorrow

Newrest Polynesia, Air France, and the hospitality school of Tahiti Te ParePare have launched a project aimed at training and showcasing future Polynesian chefs.

Newrest and Air France promote local training

For over a year, Newrest Polynesia has been participating in an educational project that brings together three key players: the airline Air France, the hospitality school of Tahiti, and of course, Newrest.

This partnership highlights future Polynesian talents and immerses them in a realistic challenge. It allows students to discover the airline catering sector and work in real-life situations.

Thus, the students had to work within strict constraints such as adhering to a budget, a specification, and taste quality. Their mission was to propose a reinterpretation of 6 recipes offered on Air France flights.

The final stage of dish presentation

After an initial series of tests conducted with a panel of 25 people, two dishes were selected for the final presentation. At the end of January 2025, the students from the hospitality school of Tahiti presented to Air France and Newrest:

a Thai curry wahoo sauté with exotic pilaf rice and a vegetable julienne;
a Provençal veal sauté with farfalle and peas.

Hervé Matter, a cooking professor, explains, “Air France wanted to rework its recipes in the economy class. We conducted research on cooking methods, seasonings, and garnishes to propose modifications while respecting the constraints of airline service.”

During the tasting evening, guests voted via a QR code on the Newrest Connect’EAT app. It was the fish that won the hearts of the jury.

If the recipe is included in Air France’s menu, the students will be placed in real conditions in the kitchens of Newrest Polynesia and will see their masterpiece enjoyed by hundreds of passengers in flight.

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