Sepang (TAN): Malaysia-based budget carrier AirAsia, along with its Santan Celebrity Chef Series Meal, will serve a special inflight INSPI(RED) Burger in collaboration with United States-based non-profit (RED) to help beat AIDS. (RED) was launched in 2006 to end AIDS in Africa.
(RED) Chef Ambassador Hong Thaimee will create the burger inspired by her Northern Thai roots. A mix of Eastern and Western culinary experiences, the burger comprises a chicken patty infused with fish sauce, kaffir lime leaves and lemongrass, topped with ‘nam prik noom mayo’ or green chilli mayonnaise, shredded purple cabbage and tomato on a red beetroot bun.
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“As a Thai chef based in New York, I wanted to combine the best of both worlds – Thai flavours and the classic all-American burger – to make a meal that would be easy for the airline passengers to enjoy. Since I started my culinary journey, it’s been my mission and passion to bring Thai food to a wider audience, and it’s exciting to think that I can introduce the flavours of my hometown of Chiang Mai to the 8 million guests who fly with AirAsia monthly,” Thaimee said.
Passengers can pre-book the burger with a complimentary drink for MYR10 on AirAsia flights across all AirAsia destinations, except those operated by AirAsia India and AirAsia Japan.
AirAsia Group Head of Brand, Rudy Khaw said, “We are excited to introduce our latest Santan meal, the INSPI(RED) Burger, created by celebrity chef and (RED) Ambassador Hong Thaimee for our guests.”
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He added: “Having started her culinary career later in life, Chef Hong was a latecomer to the field, but with hard work and sheer determination she carved out her own space and made a name for herself, much like AirAsia has. With our common ‘dare to dream’ mindset and shared heritage, working with Chef Hong felt like an ideal marriage of two Asean personalities in support of the region.”
Ten per cent of sales of every burger will be donated to Swiss financing organisation Global Fund for HIV/AIDS treatment and prevention programmes in the ASEAN region.
“In support of our culinary campaign, EAT (RED) SAVE LIVES, we’re extremely proud to see AirAsia team-up with Chef Hong Thaimee to take (RED) to the skies with the INSPI(RED) Burger. It’s not only a delicious option for passengers; it brings real awareness to the AIDS fight and helps raise critical funds to finance HIV/AIDS programmes in Asean,” Jennifer Lotito, Chief Operating Officer at (RED), said.
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AirAsia also released co-branded (AirAsia)RED inflight merchandise, a portion of the sales of which will go to the Global Fund.
