Melo Villareal
Lufthansa Wins Skytrax 2026 Award for World’s Best First Class Dining
Lufthansa has been named the World’s Best First Class Onboard Dining airline at the 2026 World Airline Awards, recognizing its focus on fine dining, premium beverages, and attentive onboard service.
From left to right: Olivier Krüger (Head of Guest Experience & Marketing, Lufthansa Airlines), Yana Holzmann (Head of Customer Experience Design & Lounges, Lufthansa Airlines), Jens Ritter (CEO, Lufthansa Airlines), Olaf Mauthe (Head of Hospitality Catering Management, Lufthansa Airlines).
Skytrax announced the award on September 18, 2026, in London. The result came from its international passenger survey, which gathered votes from 24.8 million travelers across more than 100 countries. More than 300 airlines were included in the annual survey.
The award adds another milestone to Lufthansa’s ongoing efforts to enhance its premium travel experience through upgraded aircraft, cabins, lounges, and onboard services.
Fine Dining at 30,000 Feet
Lufthansa developed its First Class culinary program with two-Michelin-starred chef Christoph Kunz and catering company gategourmet. The concept combines restaurant-style presentation with the service standards expected in First Class.
The airline also credits its First Class cabin crews for playing an important role in the dining experience. Crew members prepare and serve the meals with a focus on presentation, timing, and personalized service.
For passengers flying from Germany, Lufthansa introduced an updated First Class dining concept in March 2026. The program offers a wider selection of dishes and greater flexibility, allowing passengers to create menus according to their preferences.
Caviar, Champagne and Gourmet Breakfast
Lufthansa First Class continues to feature several signature elements designed to create a premium in-flight dining experience.
The offering includes its signature caviar service, gourmet breakfast options, and a selection of premium champagne. Among the highlights is La Grande Dame by Veuve Clicquot, which Lufthansa introduced as a permanent prestige champagne option in First Class.
The airline also offers an extensive wine program. Its wine selection is curated monthly by a team of experts that includes four Masters of Wine.
This approach gives Lufthansa First Class passengers a rotating selection of wines alongside its fine-dining menu.
Part of Lufthansa’s Wider Premium Upgrade
The new First Class dining program forms part of Lufthansa’s Future Onboard Experience (FOX) initiative. The program covers improvements across the airline’s onboard experience and complements other investments in its premium offering.
Lufthansa is also modernizing its fleet, introducing new aircraft and cabins, and upgrading its airport lounges. The airline’s Allegris cabin concept forms part of these broader changes.
According to Lufthansa Airlines CEO Jens Ritter, the Skytrax recognition reflects the airline’s efforts to improve the passenger experience across different touchpoints.
The award also highlights the role of Lufthansa employees, from culinary and catering teams to cabin crew, in delivering the airline’s First Class experience.
What the Skytrax Award Means for Lufthansa
The World Airline Awards are based on passenger feedback rather than an airline industry judging panel. Skytrax has conducted its annual airline passenger survey since 1999.
For the 2026 awards, millions of travelers from more than 100 countries participated. The survey covers a wide range of airline experiences and includes more than 300 carriers.
Lufthansa’s win in the First Class dining category places its onboard culinary program among the most highly recognized airline dining experiences in the 2026 Skytrax awards.
For travelers booking Lufthansa First Class, the recognition puts particular attention on the food and beverage experience, from menu design and caviar service to champagne and wine selections.
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