Delta, in alliance with Danny Meyer, aims to elevate airline food

It is no secret that airlines are waging an increasingly pitched battle for the biggest-spending passengers who fly in premium classes: The carriers have deployed amenities like fluffy feather duvets and spa treatments. Now, Delta Air Lines is trying to gain an edge with its food — a decidedly tall order. The company has struck an alliance with Union Square Hospitality Group, the food service empire behind Shake Shack and restaurants like Union Square Cafe, Blue Smoke and Gramercy Tavern. The goal is to serve food in its Delta One cabin on international flights from Kennedy International that is as just as good as the food set on the table in Union Square’s restaurants. “We really want to change the conversation around what airline food is,” said Allison Ausband, senior VP for in-flight service at Delta. <br/>