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Air France has announced a significant collaboration with Mory Sacko, a celebrated Michelin-starred chef, to design exclusive menus for its flights departing from several sub-Saharan African destinations. This partnership marks a pioneering moment as Sacko becomes the first chef of African origin to create signature dishes for the airline on these routes. The culinary creations are now being served in the La Première (first class) and Business cabins, beginning with flights from Abidjan to Paris-Charles de Gaulle, and will be progressively introduced on flights from Cotonou, Dakar, Libreville, and Nairobi throughout 2026.
Sacko, renowned for his distinctive fusion of African, Japanese, and French culinary influences, brings his refined and innovative approach to Air France’s esteemed gastronomic offerings. His menus are crafted with a focus on local ingredients and short supply chains, aiming to celebrate African culinary heritage while elevating it with French haute cuisine techniques. This initiative underscores Air France’s commitment to showcasing both French gastronomy and the rich flavors of the regions it serves.
The collaboration features a diverse array of original dishes. In the La Première cabin, passengers can experience options such as chicken cooked in coconut milk with pilaf rice, carrots, and celery, or sea bass prepared in banana leaves with sauce vierge, avocado cream, and acheke, a nod to the Ivorian national dish. Business class travelers can enjoy dishes like gnocchi with corn cream and spring onions, or sea bass and prawns in a spicy bouillabaisse-style broth infused with African spices and poached vegetables.
Mory Sacko, who hails from Malian and Senegalese heritage, gained international recognition after opening his Parisian restaurant, MoSuke, in 2020, which quickly earned him a Michelin star in 2021. His culinary philosophy is described as a “bridge” between cultures, expertly blending traditional West African flavors with French gastronomic precision and Japanese finesse. This unique approach has garnered him widespread acclaim, including being named one of Time Magazine’s “Next Generation Leaders.”
This partnership signifies a broader shift in the perception of luxury and global cuisine, emphasizing the integration of African flavors into premium travel experiences. By featuring a Michelin-starred chef’s creations on flights originating from Africa, Air France is not only enhancing its in-flight service but also highlighting the growing influence and sophistication of African gastronomy on the world stage.
