Most travelers aren’t exactly enthusiastic about airline food, but AirAsia is challenging that perception. The budget carrier has announced plans to launch a restaurant called Santan, serving dishes inspired by the airline’s onboard menu of the same name.
AirAsia Group CEO Tony Fernandes revealed the idea during an appearance on Larry King Live, though he did not provide details about the restaurant’s opening date or location.
“I think our food is fantastic. We believe in it so much, we’re going to start a fast-food restaurant out of it,” Fernandes said.
The Santan brand is already familiar to flyers: it’s the name of AirAsia’s in-flight menu, which features a broad selection of ASEAN, international and vegetarian options. These meals can be pre-booked up to 24 hours before a flight, but they are offered as an add-on rather than being included in the base ticket price.
Typical items on the Santan menu include regional favorites and comfort dishes such as nasi lemak, chicken teriyaki with rice, butter chicken with rice and Mapo tofu with rice. By bringing these recipes ashore, AirAsia aims to give customers another way to enjoy familiar, affordable meals outside the cabin.
The move reflects a broader trend of airlines monetizing recognizable brands and service elements beyond flights, from branded lounges to retail products. For AirAsia, leveraging the Santan name could strengthen brand loyalty while creating a new revenue stream in the competitive low-cost travel market.
Although specifics about the restaurant’s format, menu prices and locations are still pending, the announcement signals AirAsia’s confidence in its onboard cuisine. If successful, Santan restaurants could offer travelers and locals alike a convenient, budget-friendly option for familiar Asian and international dishes inspired by the airline’s culinary offerings.