Job Description
The role will be responsible for designing and delivering commercially viable, high-margin inflight food and beverage products. This role blends product innovation with retail thinking—balancing passenger satisfaction, operational simplicity, and ancillary revenue generation.
Execution of business plan and strategy in relevance to Santan branded perishable & non-perishables products to achieve target results set for the company. Manage the product development division across the group and consistently explore better avenues to grow the product offerings to better meet guest demands and at the same time fulfil company, regulatory and food safety requirements.
Duties and Responsibilities:
1. Menu Strategy and Development
Coordinate and manage all aspects of product development from strategy to concept to product commercialization across the group of all airline operating countries
Plan and execute product development calendar based on company / departmental goals, sales analysis, spaneting strategies, consumer trend and feedback
Ensure the synchronization of menu wherever possible between Airline and other business pillars (B2B and Retail) in order to align brand image and gain better volumes
Oversee ingredient evaluation, sample trials, initial production runs, internal sensory evaluation of products and final product implementation
Communicate and work with respective country in-flight caterers / suppliers to brief and synchronize the in-flight products across the group, which includes preparing the supply chain and certification process for products to be available in respective operating countries
Conduct on-board and on-ground testing for new products, and carry out evaluation sessions for existing products periodically to ensure quality and consistency
Develop and refresh buy-on-board (BOB) menus to drive inflight sales
Propose seasonal, festive, and themed LTOs, benchspan global airline and foodservice trends to inspire menu enhancements
Curate retail-style snacks, beverages, and bundled meal combos aligned with target passenger profiles
2. Commercial Performance
Monitor item performance, food cost, and contribution margin
Conduct pricing analysis and develop upsell strategies (e.g., bundle with coffee, drinks)
Collaborate with ancillary and commercial teams to hit revenue per passenger (RPP), take up rate (TUR) and net profit KPIs
3. Operational Feasibility
Ensure menu items are logistically efficient (easy to store, heat, serve)
Standardize packaging formats for trolley compatibility and minimal wastage
Liaise with cabin crew trainers on service SOPs
4. Supplier & Vendor Management
5. Quality & Compliance
Validate product shelf life, food safety, and allergen declarations
Ensure Halal certification and compliance with regulatory standards across network
Conduct daily meal test to ensure product quality and consistency meets expectation
Establish documentation for all existing and new products (specification & process flow); conduct product verification every month to ensure that the manufacturers adhere to the specification given.
Ensure compliance to regulatory requirements of all suppliers. Support relevant quality assurance responsibilities when required
6. Customer Experience
Review sales trends, customer feedback, and route-specific needs
Pilot-test new products with staff, frequent flyers, and focus groups
Review social media on product feedback and experience to further improve.
7. Marketing & Branding
Coordinate with spaneting to launch BOB catalogs, product photo shoots, packaging visuals, and onboard branding
Propose co-branding or FMCG partnerships
Other Responsibilities:
Follow the company rules and regulations as stipulated in the Employee Handbook.
Maintain awareness of the business context and company profitability, including budgetary control issues.
To perform any and all other assignments as directed or requested by the CEO or Head of Product Innovation.
This work scope is intended to serve as guidance for your daily operations. It is not intended to be exhaustive. This work scope is subject to revision as required.
Qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in Food Science, Culinary Arts, Business, or related discipline
4–6 years of experience in airline catering, FMCG food innovation, or QSR chain development
Solid grasp of cost management and food production economics
Strong knowledge of packaging, shelf-stable food, and logistics for high-turnover products
Experience working with suppliers and third-party manufacturers
Analytical, resourceful, and commercially minded
Bonus Skills (Preferred):
Experience in LCC or inflight BOB program
Familiarity with regional F&B trends in Southeast Asia
Proficient in data analysis tools for SKU and sales performance
Where You’ll Go:
Dispatcher to captain, ramp agent to data analyst, brand executive to CEO - these are some Dare To Dream stories of our Allstars.
Based on your performance and contribution in this role, you’ll grow into becoming a Product Innovation Manager. In this role, you’ll lead the product innovation team in managing R&D projects under Santan and expand coverage to different business pillars.
What You’ll Enjoy:
Physical Wellbeing: Key medical and insurance benefits, maternity expenses, flexible work arrangement, and health and fitness amenities.
Emotional Wellbeing: Paid time off, wellness programmes, and childcare amenities.
Financial Wellbeing: Resources relating to financial, personal skills and career growth programmes.
Allstars Specials: Free flights, unlimited discounted flights, and exclusive discounts with partners.
A unique Allstar culture like no other
GET TO KNOW SANTAN:
Santan is the home of the famous Pak Nasser Nasi Lemak and many flavours of Asean that are well-loved onboard.
GET TO KNOW US:
Our story begins in 2001 with a dream, two planes and a 40 million ringgit debt. You’ll know us as the ‘Now Everyone Can Fly’ airline (if you don’t, we’re definitely older than you).
Today, we’re more than just an airline. We’re Capital A - a world-class brand that wears many hats. Our mission is to connect people and transform lives in Asean.
Above all, we’re Allstars. We believe in the unbelievable and we dare to dream. We also believe in celebrating all individuals. So no matter your culture and background or if you prefer aisle seat to window seat, we’re excited to have you onboard.
Search Firm Representatives - We do not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. All CVs/resumes submitted by search firms to any of our employees without a valid written search agreement in place will be deemed as our sole property. No fee will be paid when a candidate is hired by us as a result of an agency referral when there is no pre-existing agreement in place.
We are all different - one talent to another - that is how we rely on our differences. At AirAsia, you will be treated fairly and given all chances to be your best.We are committed to creating a diverse work environment and are proud to be an equal opportunity employer.
Search Firm Representatives - AirAsia does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities. All CVs / resumes submitted by search firms to any employee at our company without a valid written search agreement in place will be deemed the sole property of our company. No fee will be paid in the event a candidate is hired by our company as a result of an agency referral where no pre-existing agreement is in place.