TROLLEY REPORT cooling solutions results in significant savings for the company’s clients, according to Hollander. Zodiac AirCatering Equipment has recently developed universal waste solutions that can solve multiple onboard waste management issues. This innovative waste solution offers flexibility within the fleet, less waste space and a clean and ergonomic way of working for the crew. “Using our waste solutions enables the airline to reduce the waste volume significantly,” says Hollander. “As a result, substantial savings can be realized whilst respecting the environment.” The waste solutions can be ordered in any size to fit all preferences.
HIGHLINER Maria Rosaria Iacobucci established a new company called Highliner earlier this year with the aim of revolutionizing the airline trolley business (also see feature on Page 93). The newly launched Swiss company unveiled its cuttingedge new trolley at this year’s Aircraft Interiors Expo in Hamburg. With more than 30 years’ experience in the industry, Iacobucci has combined her expertise with UK-based design engineer Factorydesign to create a range of trolleys that she says are unprecedented in the world of aviation services. The innovative, lightweight and cost-effective trolleys have a contemporary design and meet the latest operational needs. They introduce new technical features, combined with captivating modern styling, and they also meet airworthiness regulations. Turning to trends she is observing in the trolley sector, Iacobucci has firm views. “Product and industrial designers need to apply some of the language of the cabin interior to the way trolleys are designed, particularly when they are in a galley. The trolleys need a stylish cart face when they are viewed as a group of loaded carts, so that they appear smarter than a collection of highly-engineered locks and hinges.” Iacobucci continues: “To disguise their industrial look, airlines spend time and money fitting doors on the galleys to make them appear more ‘boutique hotel’. This adds precious weight, makes them bulkier and more complex, and – worse still – Business and First Class passengers complain about the noise of the doors’ slam-catches being opened and closed.” Another significant trend Iacobucci is seeing is in digitalization. “Analogue carts will also become digital and intelligent,” she states, adding: “There are significant opportunities to introduce technologies to trolleys. A lot of technology will be embedded to help with stock control and temperature control, and to monitor security on carts. HighHighliner trolleys introduce exciting liner will introduce new new technical features to its trolleys, features, combined with captivating which will be disclosed modern styling at the end of 2017.”
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Buzz airs smart fridge solution Buzz, the product design specialist, is exploring how its tech expertise could adapt into the existing airline trolley infrastructure. Buzz has developed the first-of-its-kind smart fridge and is currently examining its application for airlines. Buzz is the brains behind the Bud-E fridge, a smart product dispenser of Budweiser beer and a digital platform that allows for real-time stock monitoring and replenishment, as well as providing valuable consumer data. The LinqIQ platform enables real-time stock monitoring, simple replenishment, gathers real-time data and delivers live consumption insights, as well as inventory management capabilities, temperature control, and can activate simplified re-ordering and delivery. The Bud-E fridges are produced in partnership with Budweiser beer brewer Anheuser-Busch and are also in use at a variety of offices across the U.S., including at Google headquarters. “An area for review during our initial concept scope is to consider how our system could be implemented with the existing trolleys,” says Leonard Hamersfeld, Director at Buzz. Buzz intends to work with the airlines to align its proprietary Inventory Management System, creating a bespoke iteration with their product tracking needs. “Each airline has an existing catering solution; we would be complementary to this, instead of requiring a change in their current system,” explains Hamersfeld. This program is still in the initial concept definition phase, and therefore not yet at trial. The initial concept was discussed with the company’s airline partners at WTCE Hamburg in April to evaluate interest. This will be part of the conversation at future trade shows, including WTCE 2018, says Hamersfeld.
The Bud-E fridge is a smart product dispenser of Budweiser beer and a digital platform that allows for real-time stock monitoring and replenishment