Some time ago, Austrian Airlines introduced paid catering on short and medium-haul flights. The sales catalogue, which was initially extremely extensive, has since been significantly scaled down. The free water is now only mentioned in small print in a footer. AUA explains, among other things, that the "Melangerie" is a successful model. The menu for paid economy class catering on Austrian Airlines' short and medium-haul flights has now become significantly smaller. Currently, only two hot meals are offered, and the schnitzel, which is said to be popular with Austrians, is not currently included. The number of sandwiches and rolls has also been significantly reduced compared to when paid catering was introduced. It is also striking that the prices of salads are no longer printed. Austrian Airlines explains this, among other things, by saying that it is a type of advertising from Do&Co. However, the reduction in selection is not an isolated case at the Vienna location. For example, the now defunct Level Europe launched with one of the most extensive sales catalogues ever. Step by step, the menu became significantly smaller and was ultimately just an ultra-thin folder. It is therefore reasonable to assume that it is simply too expensive for the airline or the catering partner in whose name and on whose account the food is sold to maintain a large selection for which there is hardly any demand. When asked, an Austrian Airlines spokeswoman explained to Aviation.Direct: “The salads mentioned without a price are an illustration of the presentation of our catering partner Henry. We have also included a large selection of salads in this menu cycle (the Melangerie offer is renewed every three months).