Taking flight at Aviators Loft: A bistro in Singapore worth the landing

I’ve never considered myself an aviation enthusiast, but stepping into Aviators Loft at the Airbus Asia Training Centre (AATC) stirred something close to it... that awe reserved for places where flights (and holidays) begin. It reminded me of those moments at an airport viewing lounge, where you get a glimpse of take-offs up close!

Photo credits: Aviatorsloft website

The moment you enter AATC, it’s like walking into a command centre of the skies: sleek, light-filled, and cleverly designed to look like its namesake. There's a small gift shop that nods to Airbus’ legacy, while the shuffle of footsteps hints at pilots and engineers moving between simulator sessions.

And right by the entrance sits the Loft... a bright, modern bistro that feels equal parts canteen and cockpit lounge. The space opens up like a runway: wood-panel ceilings overhead, glass walls framing the greenery outside, and the aroma of coffee brewing from an espresso machine.

What first caught my eye was the counter, which was crafted from an actual airplane wing, polished to a soft metallic sheen. It’s the kind of design detail that makes you stop and smile. The space itself was playfully dressed for Halloween: a cheerful nod to the season, and just beyond the counter sat a pool table and foosball setup, inviting a bit of mid-day fun (if I hadn’t been flying solo this time, I might’ve joined in for a round or two)!

A pool table and foosball table to kill some time!

It took me a while to decide what to have for lunch, mostly because I was still full from my four slices of toast breakfast (yes, I was that hungry; don’t judge). To my surprise, the menu reminded me of a typical café’s lineup, but what really stood out was the variety, quality, and service. Everyone there was so friendly (major brownie points). The staff was patient while I took my time deciding, and honestly, who could blame me?

As I was browsing the menu, I was greeted by a friendly lady, the boss of Aviators Loft herself. She noticed I’d been staring at the menu for quite a while and kindly came over to walk me through their bestsellers. One of their most popular dishes, she shared, is the Halibut Fish and Chips ($17.90). Apparently, it's such a crowd favourite that many regulars order it without hesitation!

I couldn’t help but wonder, does their best-selling dish really live up to the hype? Well, let’s find out!

Halibut Fish and Chips ($17.90) and Iced Lemon Tea ($3.40)

After going back and forth with my options (the struggle of an indecisive foodie is real), my stomach finally decided for me. I went with the Halibut Fish and Chips with two sides, rice and chips ($17.90), and an Iced Lemon Tea ($3.40) to go with it.

Look at this gorgeous plate of fish and chips! You can choose two sides though :3

Remember the best-selling dish I mentioned earlier? I understand why it has become a popular choice among the crowd. This was actually my first time trying halibut, and I found its taste surprisingly delightful. It reminded me a bit of salmon (my all-time favourite fish!), but it was lighter, milder, and more buttery.

I’ve seen chefs on Hell’s Kitchen cook halibut with so much care, and it makes sense! It’s a delicate fish. The one here felt just as well-prepared. Instead of the usual dome-shaped rice, they served it as a little pyramid, drizzled with gravy on top. The rice was soft and fluffy, just the way I like it, though I do wish they were a bit more generous with the gravy. And as a self-proclaimed potato lover, I’ve got to say their chips were a hit: light, crispy, and not greasy at all. These chips were definitely not your typical heavy side of fries!

This is my...third cup of iced lemon tea in one day #guilty

Despite the gloomy weather, I stuck to my usual go-to drink (unless a sudden craving strikes). This time, I went with their Iced Lemon Tea ($3.40). It didn’t taste pre-made. It felt freshly brewed, like something made in-house. Simple, yet done with care. I could really taste the black tea, even with the touch of sugar syrup, and I appreciated the two lemon slices that perfectly balanced the sweetness with a refreshing citrusy kick.

Overall, I genuinely enjoyed my time here. The hospitality really stood out, as everyone was so warm and friendly. To top it off, they played throwback tunes that took me straight back to my childhood and secondary school days, adding to the cosy, nostalgic vibe.

If you ever need a break from the usual cafes and bistros in the bustling central district, or if you’re an aviation enthusiast, Aviators Loft is definitely worth checking out!

📍 Location: 12 Seletar Aerospace Crescent, Singapore 797566