MIC, SATS Food Solutions India showcase culinary innovation at Hulhule Island Hotel

The Ras Maalan Ballroom at Hulhule Island Hotel was alive with colour and flavour on Monday, 8 September 2025, as Maldives Inflight Catering (MIC), in partnership with SATS Food Solutions India (SFSI), hosted an exclusive culinary show. The evening brought together industry partners, hoteliers and aviation professionals to experience how global expertise and local hospitality can blend seamlessly to elevate dining in the Maldives. Guests were welcomed with a curated menu prepared by SATS Food Solutions India, whose modern ready-to-eat production facilities in Bengaluru represent a new era of large-scale food innovation. Each dish reflected both artistry and consistency, offering a glimpse of how advanced food solutions can enhance inflight and hospitality dining.

Maldives Inflight Catering, a joint venture between Maldives Airports Company Ltd and SATS Ltd, prepares between 4,500 and 6,500 meals daily, for more than a dozen airlines operating in and out of Velana International Airport in Malé. In addition to serving international carriers, private jets and VIP clients, MIC plays an important role in the wider hospitality landscape by contributing to skill development and training opportunities for the next generation of Maldivian professionals.

Headquartered in Singapore, SATS is Asia’s leading airline caterer and one of the world’s largest providers of air cargo handling services. Its operations span a wide range of aviation support including ground handling, passenger and baggage services, aviation security and large-scale food solutions. Following its acquisition of Worldwide Flight Services in 2023, SATS now manages a combined network of over 225 stations across 27 countries, linking major trade and travel routes worldwide.

In India, SATS expanded its presence with the establishment of SATS Food Solutions India, which in 2024 launched its largest food solutions facility in Bengaluru. Covering more than 221,000 square feet, the site can produce tens of thousands of ready-to-eat meals each day. Designed with advanced technology and sustainable features, the facility strengthens SATS’ ability to support catering needs across Asia while contributing to workforce development and inclusivity. Rohit Sharma, Head of Sales & Marketing at SFSI, shared: “Our Ready-To-Eat meals are traceable to the source, ensuring reliability throughout the supply chain and giving us confidence to continuously produce 40 tons of meals every day. We are well positioned to supply to Cafes, QSR’s, Hotels, Caterers and Aviation customers in both Domestic and International markets.”

Reflecting on the broader vision, Ashley Lim, General Manager of MIC, highlighted the impact of the partnership: “By harnessing SATS’ extensive network and advanced production capabilities in India, we are achieving synergistic economies of scale that enable consistent, high-quality meal delivery, while ensuring both cost and operational efficiency. What sets us apart is our unwavering commitment to authenticity as each dish is crafted to preserve the genuine flavours of the world, ensuring that every bite resonates with cultural integrity and culinary excellence. It’s a powerful example of how regional integration and global expertise can elevate the entire dining experience in our hospitality industry.”

The showcase at Hulhule Island Hotel ultimately stood as both a celebration of food and a reaffirmation of MIC and SATS’ commitment to redefining catering in the Maldives through innovation and collaboration.