The Australian city of Melbourne will host the next edition of The Inflight Lab Workshop on February 3-4 2026. Foodfolk Australia is the headline sponsor of the conference.
Up to 20 airline professionals will spend two days gaining hands-on experience, including comparing the in-flight service of various carriers, sampling products, and experiencing a business-class breakfast service on the ground. Problem-solving in small groups will also be a feature.
Nik Loukas, Founder of Inflight Feed and organiser of The Inflight Lab Workshop series, said: “After proving the model in Hong Kong and London, we’re bringing this to Australia. Airlines told us they finally had the honest conversations they’ve been craving not just with each other, but with suppliers who can help solve their problems. Melbourne is the natural next step.”
“Having Foodfolk as our headline sponsor is perfect – they embody everything this workshop represents: a family-owned business that transformed pilot feedback at a humble lunch bar into a benchmark for world-class airline catering. Their headline sponsorship allows us to keep this free for airlines while maintaining the premium, hands-on experience that makes real change happen,” continued Loukas.
Before the workshop, attendees must complete a brief questionnaire that identifies their primary operational challenges. This ensures discussions address real, current problems.
“We’re not running a conference where the agenda is set six months out. We adapt based on what’s keeping you up at night right now,” explained Loukas.
The two-day format alternates between focused discussions and experiential moments.
Airlines are encouraged to bring their own meal trays and packaging for show-and-tell sessions. A snack station is open all day, so airlines can sample products between sessions.
Industry partners share what’s working across carriers anonymously, so airlines get competitive intelligence without a sales pitch.
To ensure that every session is relevant, the workshop is split into two tracks, Buy on Board/Pre-Order and Full Service/Complimentary. Combined sessions bring everyone together for cross-learning on sustainability and future trends.
The event will be held in the Collingwood district of Melbourne. Online registration is open.
