Aeroméxico is redesigning its business class dining experience with a new collection of tableware and glassware inspired by modern Mexican culture, aiming to turn onboard meals into a reflection of national identity.
Developed in partnership with global aviation and hospitality design studio NewTerritory, the bespoke collection will be introduced in the airline’s Premier One business class service as part of a broader effort to elevate the onboard experience.
The initiative follows recent cabin upgrades across the airline’s fleet, including refreshed seating, updated textiles and new bedding. With the physical cabin environment modernized, the airline turned its attention to what it calls the “softer” elements of the journey – the human moments that shape long-haul travel.
Bringing Mexican culture to the inflight dining table
In Mexico, food plays a central cultural role, often tied to storytelling, community and shared experiences. Aeroméxico’s new Premier One tableware collection draws directly on that tradition, translating elements of Mexican craftsmanship into functional designs for the cabin.
The collection includes more than 15 pieces, ranging from plates and bowls to mugs and glassware. Rather than using conventional airline dishware, the designs reference traditional Mexican ceramics.
Porcelain pieces feature tones inspired by terracotta and the deep black color of Oaxacan clay. Slightly irregular shapes were deliberately chosen to evoke the look and feel of handmade craft rather than industrial uniformity.
The glassware also reflects Mexican heritage. Its subtle blue tint references recycled glass traditionally used in tequila bottles, where bubbles and slight color variations are considered part of the material’s character.
For passengers, these details create a visual connection to Mexico while maintaining a clean, contemporary aesthetic suited to premium travel.
A key step in Aeroméxico’s brand transformation
According to Antonio Fernandez, Vice President of Product and Onboard Services at Aeroméxico, the new collection represents the final stage of the airline’s broader onboard transformation.
“Over the last several years we have built consistent, modern hard products with beautiful cabins, great seats and a refined brand image,” Fernandez said. “To complete this onboard concept, we needed to relaunch our soft products in a way that brings Mexico’s culture and hospitality to life.”
He added that the collection reflects a modern vision of Mexico while improving operational efficiency through lighter and more sustainable design.
Balancing culture and aviation practicality
While the aesthetic references traditional craftsmanship, every piece was engineered for the realities of inflight service. Designers had to balance warmth and authenticity with aviation requirements such as weight reduction, durability and limited galley storage.
Lightweight materials help reduce aircraft weight, supporting fuel efficiency, while stackable designs allow cabin crews to manage service more efficiently.
For NewTerritory, the goal was not to decorate the cabin with obvious cultural symbols, but to express Mexican identity through subtle design cues. Nadja Orwell, Director of Client Partnerships at the studio, said the concept was intended to create a modern interpretation of the country’s culture.
“From the moment passengers step onboard, they are welcomed into a Mexico that respects its roots while presenting itself with confidence and warmth,” she said.
Inspired by the Milpa philosophy
The design philosophy behind the collection is inspired by the Milpa – a traditional Mexican agricultural system based on harmony and coexistence. The idea translates into a dining style that feels more intentional and communal, aligning naturally with the slower pace of long-haul flights.
The flexible design also allows Aeroméxico to evolve its menus and presentation over time without losing visual consistency.
The new tableware will begin rolling out across Aeroméxico’s Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleet in 2026, offering international travelers a subtle introduction to modern Mexican culture before they even land in the country.
