PAX SIAL 2019

DECEMBER 2019 • WWW.PAX-INTL.COM

A taste of luxury A look at dnata’s high-end food service in the sky

SIAL Middle East - Abu Dhabi

New s and analy sis for the passenger ser vices executive

EDITOR’S LETTER

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EDITORIAL OFFICES Rick Lundstrom, Editor-in-Chief PAX Tech 723 Jefferson Street, NE Minneapolis, MN 55413, USA Tel: (1 612) 378-0862 Fax: (1 612) 378-0852 E-mail: rick@pax-intl.com Jane Hobson, Deputy Editor Tel: (1 905) 821-3344 x30 E-mail: jane@pax-intl.com Sabrina Pirillo, Associate Editor tel: (1 905) 821-3344 x21 E-mail: sabrina@pax-intl.com Ash Khan, Social Media Coordinator Tel: (1 905) 821-3344 x34 E-mail: ash@pax-intl.com CONTRIBUTORS Jeremy Clark Mary Jane Pittilla

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Buying

by Wi-Fi

W

ith the exception of a few large players in the Middle East and Asia, onboard sales of duty free products languish in the low-priority status of inflight services. By one estimate, fewer than one in 10 passengers are inclined to pay for products from an airline’s duty free catalog.

But with a new generation of passengers ready to fill seats, ancillary revenue from onboard purchases could take off in the years to come. That is, if the London School of Economics (LSE) forecast commissioned by Inmarsat pans out.

The study came to our attention in mid-November. Inmarsat and LSE have been tracking and forecasting the monetary possibilities of inflight Wi-Fi for the past few years and released some findings this autumn on the future purchasing habits of millennials and Generation Z passengers.

Turns out, they are notorious last-minute buyers but spend big – up to $3.6 billion per year – in the weeks leading up to their travel. And, in the future, spending won’t stop there. According to the study, seven in 10 would make purchases for their trip while on the flight if connectivity were available. The LSE predicts that the last-minute generation will make average holiday purchases worth $26 on the aircraft by 2028.

“These findings underscore a significant opportunity for airlines to shift spending onboard and to take a proportion of the revenue with an e-commerce model that supports the ‘last-minute’ approach of today’s ‘digital-first’ passengers,” said Inmarsat in the announcement of the study.

Some of those purchases could no doubt be made in the buy-on-board food offering since younger travelers are rejecting traditional purchasing channels and looking to spending money while inflight.

In the nearly 20 years since buy-on-board food offerings started taking the place of complimentary service, airlines have struggled with finding the right combinations that will sell well enough to eliminate waste and add value to the passenger experience. Just as the industry begins to turn a corner on that effort, a new generation of wired travelers who think differently while on the move could help them in ways they never envisioned.

May, June, July, September, October, December)

by PAX International, 26 Pearl Street, Mississauga, Ontario L5M 1X2, Canada. International Distribution.

Subscriptions: $200 for one year; $300 for two years; $400 for three years. Art and photographs will not be returned unless accompanied by return postage. The views expressed in this magazine do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the publisher or editor. January/ December 2019. Printed in Canada. All rights reserved. Nothing may be reprinted in whole

Rick Lundstrom Editor-in-Chief PAX International

or in part without written permission from the publisher. © PAX International magazine

ISSN 1206-5714 Key title: Pax International

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CONTENTS

Features

10

MIDDLE EAST REPORT

10

21

16 20

ELEVATED DINING Demand for high-end food service in the sky is growing and dnata has positioned itself to take on more business jet catering in several key markets FAR AND WIDE Recent acquisitions in Turkey and Israel join Newrest’s ongoing interests in the Middle East, where it has built longstanding partnerships to go with the rest of its diverse operations REGIONAL WRAP-UP 2019 saw a number of regional carriers improving fleets and adding technology that will no doubt be discussed at February’s Aircraft Interiors Middle East in Dubai

SUSTAINABILITY

21

POWER OF GOOD Emirates Flight Catering has launched three major sustainability initiatives in the past year, putting Dubai’s green credentials in the spotlight

AMENITIES A taste of luxury

24 BRANDING AND BEYOND

SIAL Middle East - Abu Dhabi

DECEMBER 2019 • WWW.PAX-INTL.COM

While the Middle East remains known for its high standards in onboard amenities, suppliers are seeing a transition to non-branded kits from other carriers. PAX International connected with the industry’s leading suppliers to get the latest scoop on the amenity kits market

New s and analy sis for the passenger ser vices executive

A look at dnata’s high-end food service in the sky

ON THE COVER

Read our report on Middle East VIP inflight food service and the airline-catering units that make it happen on page 10.

Departments EDITOR’S NOTE

3

NEWS

6

WHAT’S HOT

42

ASSOCIATION NEWS

46

FACT & FIGURES

50

4 DECEMBER 2019

EVENTS

30 35

THREE IN ONE APEX, IFSA and Aircraft Interiors North America gathered under one immense roof this fall, bringing in a host of airline CEOs and a week’s worth of news FROM CLIMATE CHANGE TO CUTLERY PAX International’s Asia Correspondent Jeremy Clark shares his perspective on this year’s APEX/IFSA EXPO and AIX Expo in Los Angeles

SIAL MIDDLE EAST

38

HUNGRY FOR MORE Abu Dhabi will once again host the food, beverage and hospitality industries at this year’s SIAL Middle East from December 9 to 11.

Saeed Al Mansoori, Executive Director of SIAL Middle East, tells us what makes this year special

www.wessco.net

info@wessco.net

+1 (310) 477-4272

NEWS

CATERING

Catering arm of dnata opens two U.S. units dnata this fall expanded its catering operations in the United States opening units at Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) and Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), bringing its number to six for catering facilities in the country. dnata’s catering operations in the two cities are expected to create a total of 250 new, direct jobs with the company over the next 18 months. dnata’s new unit in Boston complements the company’s existing operations in New York. At full capacity it will operate with a team of 150 people, supplying up to 12,500 meals a day. dnata has three airline customers at the airport.

As its first catering center on the West Coast of the country, dnata’s new facility in Los Angeles creates up to 100 jobs with the company and has a capacity of 10,000 meals a day. dnata’s launch customer in Los Angeles is Qantas.

“Passenger expectations continue to increase as global travel becomes more accessible and travelers experience the varied levels of service on offer,” said Robin Padgett, Divisional Senior Vice President at dnata’s catering division, in a September 25 release. “We pride ourselves on providing five-star catering services to our airline customers, ensuring an excellent dining experience for their passengers. We continue to invest in our operations and

team in the United States to deliver on our ambitious goals and become a major player in this strategic market.”

Besides Boston and Los Angeles, the company operates catering facilities at the airports of Houston (IAH), New York (JFK), Nashville (BNA), Orlando (SFB) and San Francisco (SFO), serving commercial, VIP and private aviation companies in the United States.

With Boston and Los Angeles, dnata now has six catering units in the United States

AIRLINE

Economy Comfort debuts on Kenya Airways Kenya Airways announced in October it has introduced a new seat product, Economy Comfort, that features increased seat pitch of eight centimeters more than the average Economy Class seats.

The Economy Comfort seats are located in the first three rows of Economy Class with 27 seats per aircraft.

Passengers traveling in Economy Comfort will have a dedicated overhead bin, quicker exit as they are at the front of the cabin, and travel extras, which include a complementary amenity kit and special pillows.

Economy Comfort debuts on Kenya Airways 787s

6 DECEMBER 2019

Kenya Airways now has more long-haul routes on its network such as New York, Rome and Geneva in addition to Amsterdam, London, Paris, Bangkok and Guangzhou.

“Due to the high demand for extra legroom seats in Economy Class since the introduction of preferred seat selection in Economy last year, we have decided to enhance the service even further. Our new Economy Comfort with increased seat pitch will ensure our guests have an additional option on how to travel. The 787 Dreamliner aircraft have therefore been modified accordingly to what we are calling Economy Comfort,” said Chief Commercial Officer Ursula Silling at the time of the announcement.

Ancillary services are becoming a bigger part of Kenya Airways revenue streams.

“Last year, we made a key step in growing our ancillary footprint by introducing the enhanced number of extra seat propositions and significantly growing our distribution scope to all relevant direct booking channels. Going forward, we see this income stream making a larger contribution to the overall operations,” Silling added.

NEWS

AIRLINE

Turkish Airlines takes Collins galley systems Collins Aerospace will provide galley inserts for 25 new A350s and 25 787 Dreamliners with 10 options. Aircraft deliveries are underway and will continue into 2024. The selected equipment includes ovens, espresso machines and refrigeration products.

“After providing Turkish Airlines with galley inserts for both narrow-body and wide-body platforms for many years, we’re really pleased to introduce our customer to the new Essence suite,” said Brian Schmalz, Vice President of Sales and Marketing of Galley Inserts with Collins Aerospace. “Our Essence products are not only intuitive and easy to operate, they are engineered to produce high-quality inflight Turkish Airlines signs an agreement for Collins Aerospace’s new Essence galley inserts during Dubai Air Show 2019. Left food and beverage, consistent with Turkto right: Atilla Coskun, Senior Vice President-Technical, Turkish ish Airlines’ world-class service position.”

Airlines; Ahmet Bolat, Ph.D., Chief Investment and Technology Officer, Turkish Airlines; Colin Mahoney, Vice President, “The new galley inserts will help support us Business Development, Interiors, Collins Aerospace in providing our passengers with expanded offerings, such as espresso and cappuccino Turkish Airlines’ new A350 and 787 Dreamliner fleets will beverages, while enhancing our award-winning dishes feature Essence® Galley Inserts from Collins Aerospace from our world-famous, talented chefs,” said Ahmet Bolat, Systems, the supplier announced during the Dubai Air Show.

Turkish Airlines’ Chief Investment and Technology Officer.

8 DECEMBER 2019

NEWS

CATERING

Bottega/HMSHost open bar at DXB Bottega S.p.A has announced the opening of Bottega Prosecco & Craft Beer Bar and Restaurant in Concourse A of Dubai International Airport (DXB) in partnership with HMSHost International. This marks the brand’s second unit in the United Arab Emirates as Bottega continues its international expansion.

According to the company’s announcement of the opening, ACI World 2019 preliminary data confirms that Dubai is the top airport in the world for international traffic, with approximately 89 million international customers last year.

“The venue correctly reflects the values of Bottega and aims to enhance the reputation of Italy,” said Owner and Managing Director Sandro Bottega. “We are grateful to HMSHost International and Dubai Airports for believing in the project and supporting its development.”

Bottega Prosecco Bars offer a broad selection of drinks and traditional fresh Italian fare in a relaxed environment.

Bottega’s bar in Dubai is the second in the UAE

AIRLINE

BA unveils updated lounge at JNB British Airways has unveiled its latest lounge refurbishment at O.R. Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, South Africa.

The space has been converted into one large lounge with a dedicated boutique dining area for First customers. The lounge follows a new design concept for the airline, which debuted in 2018, and features the very best of British and South African design, delivering a luxurious and contemporary look and feel.

The 880-square-meter lounge can hold up to 247 people and offers a modern lobby bar area for socializing, a brasserie dining area and office space with ample work stations and power outlets. A peaceful, separate seating area with a mix of armchairs and banquette seating is available for travelers who want to recharge ahead of their journey with complementary magazines and newspapers.

Zoned areas in the lounge enable guests to choose where to relax depending on their mood, with a music system and bespoke playlist. Lighting has been carefully planned by zone and is dimmable to reflect the time of day.

The lobby bar, illuminated by feature lighting, is

stocked with spirits, beers, soft drinks and a selection of fine wines. New kitchen facilities offer an enhanced dining menu of hot and cold options including Cape Malay curry, fresh seasonal salads, mezze, local charcuterie and Indezi river cheeses. First Boutique Dining offers a pre-flight a-la-carte menu carefully curated by the inhouse chef, complemented by an extensive wine list.

“Every detail has been carefully designed and we’ve created a space to meet our customers’ needs – whether they want to relax with a hot meal, work in peace or enjoy a drink at the lobby bar, the lounge will get their travels off to the best start,” said Carolina Martinoli, British Airways’ Director of Brand and Customer Experience.

British Airways has this year completed the renovation of its First and Club lounges in New York’s JFK Terminal 7, along with improvements to the customer experience at check-in, which are currently underway. A contemporary lounge has also been unveiled in San Francisco, spread across 665-square-meters with views of the runway. Further investment is planned with a new British Airways lounge in Geneva, which is also set to open this year.

BA is working a new theme and concept with lounges

PAX-INTL.COM

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MIDDLE EAST REPORT

Elevated

dining

Demand for high-end food service in the sky is growing and dnata has positioned itself to take on more business jet catering in several key markets

by RICK LUNDSTROM

dnata keeps a supply of products on hand for short notice business jet catering

This kitchen is part of dnata’s Singapore operation. Nearly any dnata unit can be called on for business jet catering

A

sk dnata’s Divisional Senior Vice President of Catering Robin Padgett about the major challenges of supplying high-end food service to the business jet market and he won’t say it was the time a client requested snake as a meal.

While there are plenty of stories that the company prefers to keep private, Padgett says difficulty fulfilling an order mostly occurs when something otherwise ordinary must happen under special conditions.

“It is generally people asking for the very normal in very weird places,” he says.

Such challenges stand a good chance to become easier as Dubai-based dnata continues to grow and improve its dining skills for business jet operators. December will mark one year since the company purchased 121 Inflight Catering, a premium provider of private jets operating from New York and Nashville, Tennessee. Before the buy, the company had grown to 350 employees that boasted a customer base of 21 international airlines and hundreds of private jet operators.

“Being such an established VIP player in the USA [with our acquisition of 121 Inflight Catering in 2018] is having a positive flow-on impact on our other global catering operations,” Padgett tells PAX International. “Both through driving additional VIP customer business into those other regions and in adopting the menus, techniques and insights from the U.S. [Our] reputation and experience counts for a lot. We are proud to be building that globally.”

With the opening of four new airline-catering units in the United States (Boston, Houston, Los Angeles and San Francisco), the company is now established at important airports on both coasts of the country. Recently, Padgett says the company’s dnata Private Aviation division has been

10 DECEMBER 2019

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MIDDLE EAST REPORT

SO, YOU WANT TO CHARTER A BUSINESS JET? Robin Padgett, dnata Senior Vice President of Catering

called on to supply meals for dignitaries that visit New York for the United Nations General Assembly, charter operations for the entertainment community in Los Angeles and technology executives from its unit in San Francisco.

In opening up units in the United States, Padgett said the company has a foothold in a mature market for VIP catering where investment in private jet travel is growing beyond the realm of the super-rich. It has expanded to include wealthy travelers who can afford to free themselves of the hassles that are part of modern commercial air travel.

Catering for charter jets requires chefs and workers to prepare high quality meals often on short notice and at odd hours. It’s an around-the-clock business for a caterer and a dnata unit can be flooded with requests at certain times of the year. Padgett says some of dnata’s catering units record up to 5% of yearly sales filling orders for business jet charters. Filling demands like that breeds its own set of disciplines, says Padgett, and dnata catering units have to be ready for a short notice flight or a specific popular recipe, such as Indian and Middle Eastern biryani. Units must be prepared with a combination of good training and the right ingredients readily on hand.

When the task gets large and logistics and supply lines get thin, dnata looks to trusted partners in the form of other caterers along the way.

“We are regularly called on to arrange catering across an entire itinerary, across the globe. VIP travelers want the same menu, consistently, across their entire trip, and do not want to deal with multiple suppliers to get that consistency,” Padgett says. “To do this we create set menus and accompany them with videos demonstrating plating techniques for chefs and cabin crew.”

In the future, much of the arrangements will hopefully be done by dnata clients with an intuitive booking, planning and management system in development. It will allow customers to manage every step of the trip through an app or online tool.

But demand for fine cuisine from dnata has not all occurred in the sky. This past year, the company’s operations in Romania delivered a culinary experience to 150 high-level government officials at the Informal Summit of Heads of State or Government for the European Union.

Besides serving six commercial airlines and numerous charter and VIP operations in the Balkan country, dnata operates more than 20 restaurants and cafes in Bucharest’s Henri Coandă International Airport.

Meals for the June EU Summit were held in Siblu City Hall and Brukenthal Palace.

14 DECEMBER 2019

While companies like dnata can derive substantial income from private jet service, the meal costs no doubt get lost in what is still an expensive service reserved for an affluent few.

New York-based Air Charter Service gives a detailed layout of the cost associated with chartering a mid-sized or super-mid-sized jet on the company’s website. Costs are listed per hour for smaller aircraft such as a Cessna Citation Mustang, which seats four passengers, all the way up to a Boeing Business Jet or modified A319.

For example, a Manhattan family looking to make a weekend trip to Montauk in a turboprop, such as a Piper Aztec, can make the trip from White Plains, New York to Long Island in about 40 minutes. The cost is approximately US$2,900. For a larger group of people, a Cessna Citation CJ3 light jet can get them to Montauk in just 30 minutes at a cost of US$3,900.

Those taking longer trips are generally directed toward a Learjet 40 or Learjet 40XR. It would cost around US$30,000 for a five-and-a-half-hour trip from Los Angeles to Washington. A trip from Atlanta to San Francisco aboard a Falcon 20 jet runs approximately US$8,300 per hour or about US$41,500 for the trip.

Luxury aircraft, such as a specially modified A319, a Boeing Business Jet or a Challenger 850, can fly much farther. A 13-hour flight aboard a Challenger 850 from Boston to Dubai can cost US$147,000 for 16 passengers.

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MIDDLE EAST REPORT

Far and Recent acquisitions in Turkey and Israel join Newrest’s ongoing interests in the Middle East, where it has built longstanding partnerships to go with the rest of its diverse operations

wide

Jonathan StentTorriani (right) and Olivier Sadran, Co-CEOs of Newrest

T

oulouse, France-based Newrest has business and influence that reaches nations and cultures around the world, making it a daring and diverse player in the airline-catering industry and several other catering, food service, retail and service sectors.

In the Middle East, Newrest has a presence in Saudi Arabia, providing industrial catering to businesses and oil rigs in Oman and has worked in oil and construction catering in Qatar. The multi-sector company also advised Qatar Airways on its massive catering unit in Doha. As an important partner with Saudia Airlines, it has guided the growth of contract and airline cater-

16 DECEMBER 2019

by RICK LUNDSTROM

ing, retail and other businesses in the region for a dozen years.

“We believe in the Middle East and continue to invest in the Middle East,” says Newrest’s Co-Chief Executive Officer Jonathan Stent-Torriani, who leads the management-owned company with Co-CEO Olivier Sadran. “And with a little bit of luck we are looking at one or two other partnerships going forward.”

PAX International caught up with Stent-Torriani by phone on a November swing through North America, checking on Newrest’s unit in Montreal. At the time, Newrest was preparing to activate an automated and “co-botic” catering unit at Gatwick Airport in London for its new catering contract with British Airways. It is also preparing to handle the buyon-board offering of the Spanish low-cost carrier Vueling.

Just before Newrest closed out its fiscal year in September – where the company ended its highest revenue producing year at more than €2 billion (US$2.2 billion) – two other important developments unfolded. Both took the form of acquisitions in growing markets in and around the Middle East.

The first has a direct connection to the airline catering market. In mid-August, Newrest Holding Group S.A. acquired the airline catering business of ISS in Israel. The Danish company was divesting its activity in Israel, along with a dozen other countries. Since 1999, ISS has established itself as a supplier of food and beverage and contract catering for a number of private companies and the Israeli military.

The other player in the development is T&M Protection Resources Holdings Israel Ltd. This local facility management company will take over the cleaning and off-airport catering business of ISS.

Newrest caters Emirates at 13 stations and recently signed a fiveyear agreement with the airline

With the purchase, Newrest gains the ability to handle non-kosher and non-halal airline catering activities in Israel, which Stent-Torriani says is a rapidly growing aviation market. Over the next 18 months, he said Newrest will be building a new catering unit near Tel Aviv airport.

Shortly after the acquisition, Newrest expanded its large presence in the Mediterranean by taking a 50% stake in Turkish company Pariltim Yemek, which has been in business since 2009 and has grown to be an important player in the out-of-home food service market, generating sales of €50 million (US$56.1 million). While the ISS purchase has a direct tie to travel catering, the Pariltim Yemek buy is part of Newrest’s long-term goals of diversifying its operations.

Stent-Torriani said much of the company’s business will be contract catering for businesses, hospitals, schools and industries. While acknowledging the current political and social climate in Turkey makes for a challenging business environment, he said the country is growing economically and has fantastic potential. By working with Pariltim Yemek’s founders, Necat Aydin and his family, as partners in the 2,400-employee venture, “with time, we can build an interesting, resilient catering business.”

Newrest has another large business partner in the Middle East in the form of the region’s largest airline, Emirates. In April of this year, Newrest announced a five-year contract with Emirates, catering flights at 13 stations and supplying food and beverage to nine lounges in nine countries where the airline operates. Other stations may be added as the contract continues.

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MIDDLE EAST REPORT

Newrest has a 50% share of Pariltim Yemek with the Aydin family as partners

Since Newrest took “We are very happy for that relationover management of Saudi Airlines Catering, ship and we are thankful to Emirates the unit has diversified for giving us the opportunity,” says its business to include off-airport food service Stent-Torriani. “We have grown the relationship by three-or four-fold in the last five years. [Emirates] is now a very significant customer for us.”

The Newrest footprint can be found elsewhere in the oil-rich region, where it caters to construction sites in Qatar that are building infrastructure in advance of the 2022 World Cup competition.

It has also worked closely with Qatar Airways in recent years, making recommendations on improving operations and service, quality and on-time delivery at its massive airline catering unit, that spans 70,000 square-meters and produces more than 100,000 meals per day.

Newrest’s long-lasting footprint in the Middle East goes back to 2007 when it became part-owner and began overseeing the privatization and management of Saudi Airlines Catering. At that time, Newrest, with two other partners in the area, acquired a 49% stake in the catering operation – with Saudi Arabian Airlines owning the rest of the unit. Since then, Newrest continues to place its corporate image and business culture on the operation.

“It was very significantly inflight-related at the beginning,” says Stent-Torriani. “We have applied the Newrest model of diversification of revenue streams and sectors, so today approximately 70% is inflight services and 30% is others and we are continuing to diversify the business model.”

Other revenue streams are transportation related. In the past year, the kingdom has been testing and ramping up the high-speed rail service to Mecca and Medina.

Newrest is catering the Huramain high-speed trains in KSA, joining the company’s catering operations for all the scheduled train service throughout the region. For many years, Newrest has specialized in catering trains through its subsidiary company Newrest Wagon-Lits, which is a worldwide market leader in rail catering.

Newrest additionally operates industrial laundries in Riyadh

18 DECEMBER 2019

and Jeddah. It also partners with Saudia and another company for duty free sales aboard aircraft as well as ground-based in shops with Lagardere throughout the region.

Stent-Torriani says there is a lot of potential in the region as Egypt stabilizes and air traffic grows at the new terminal in Jeddah.

Newrest has an impressive worldwide reach, with businesses and interests in 52 countries and employing more that 35,000 people. At the end of October, Newrest acquired EM Food Services, PTE Ltd., a Singapore-based family-owned busi-

ness that is among the prominent food and beverage companies in Cambodia and Myanmar. With the acquisition, Newrest aims to strengthen contract food service and build its retail (bar and restaurant management) activities at the region’s airports.

EM Food Services was founded in 2009 by Alain Dupuis. The family business now makes €20 million (US$22.4 million) in revenue a year with more than 1,000 employees in Cambodia and Myanmar.

“The Dupuis family and its partners are excited at the idea of welcoming the Newrest Group to Cambodia and Myanmar.

The expertise in out-of-home food services of a group such as Newrest, which has already built an extensive international operation, combined with its ability to make acquisitions while protecting the DNA of each of its companies, will ensure growth and further success for our company and our employees,” said EM Food Services shareholder Lars Crone in the late-October announcement of the sale and acquisition.

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MIDDLE EAST REPORT

Regional

wrap-up

2019 saw a number of regional carriers improving fleets and adding technology that will no doubt be discussed at February’s Aircraft Interiors Middle East in Dubai

The Emirates new 777-300ER design was featured at the Dubai Air Show

W

hen the Aircraft Interiors Middle East (AIME) takes place February 25 to 26 at the Dubai World Trade Centre, the region’s leading airlines will use the event to research available technologies for their growing fleets and talk about a year of rapid advancement.

Global management-consulting firm Oliver Wyman anticipates 11,600 new and mostly narrow-bodied aircraft will be delivered over the next decade. The same report shows the Middle East as the third fastest-growing market for new aircraft deliveries, with 4.7% growth. Meanwhile, Boeing predicts that nearly 2,900 new aircraft will need to be delivered to the Middle East in the next 20 years to accommodate growth.

In the last 18 months, Middle East-based carriers have been making retrofitted interior investments. Etihad Airways and Emirates together have spent more than half a billion dollars retrofitting their cabins. In early 2019, Turkish Airlines commissioned new seating for its 25 787-9 and 350-900 aircraft. Oman Air upgraded its onboard lighting and Lebanon’s carrier, Middle East Airlines, replaced cabin seating.

Emirates displayed the latest 777-300ER at the Dubai Air Show in November, decorated with the orange ‘opportunity’ Expo 2020 livery. The aircraft features refreshed cabin

20 DECEMBER 2019

interiors fitted with the airline’s fully enclosed First Class private suite, which debuted in 2017. This was the aircraft’s second appearance at the show.

Emirates’ latest generation A380 was dressed in blue as a nod to Expo 2020.

The aircraft featured 14 First Class suites, 76 flatbed seats in Business Class and 429 seats in Economy Class, as well as its latest A380 Onboard Lounge.

In Abu Dhabi, Etihad Engineering is advancing to become an important player in the maintenance, repair and overhaul industry in the region.

In mid-November, the company’s laboratory added two industrial 3D printers. The new technology will be used to design, produce and certify parts for aircraft cabins.

Using these printers, Etihad Engineering can manufacture cabin parts for an aircraft’s heavy maintenance C-Check. Cabin defects can be fixed within a short turnaround time, allowing the production of the required cabin parts during line maintenance.

The future of cabin interiors will be on display at AIME in Dubai. Last year’s event attracted buyers from 71 airlines from the Middle East and Europe.

“Attending AIME provides the ability to meet a number of suppliers in a very conducive environment,” said Chris Byrne, Senior Manager of Contracts at Etihad Airways. The sentiment

Etihad Engineering technicians at work on the company’s new 3D printer

was confirmed by Pineau Frederic, Cabin Aircraft Project Manager at Air France, who described his experience at AIME 2019 as, “Meeting with various suppliers that allow business to progress quickly on the specific topic.”

“AIME is the Middle East’s only dedicated aircraft interiors event,” said Caryn McConnachie, Aerospace Director of show organizers Tarsus F&E LLC Middle East. “As such, it provides the ideal platform for airline interiors buyers and suppliers to really connect and do business. Year after year the feedback that we receive tells us that the market sees AIME as an unmissable event.”

Exhibitors from around the world have already signed up to be a part of AIME 2020, including SITA on Air from Switzerland, Beijing Cronda Aviation from China and Astronics from the United States.

SUSTAINABILITY

Power of good Emirates Flight Catering has launched three major sustainability initiatives in the past year, putting Dubai’s green credentials in the spotlight

by MARY JANE PITTILLA

EKFC has replaced cardboard packaging with reusable crates to store and transport an average of 100,000 inflight meals daily

E

mirates Flight Catering (EKFC), one of the world’s largest catering operations, has stepped up its focus on sustainability programs with a series of major announcements.

EKFC’s initiatives, announced over the past year, span a comprehensive list of activities: energy-saving solar power projects, water-efficient vertical farming, recycling programs and waste-reducing packaging solutions.

Sustainability has become a highpriority business imperative, as Saeed Mohammed, Chief Executive Officer of Emirates Flight Catering, tells PAX International. “We recognize that responsible environmental practices are core to our long-term success and we are committed to using resources in a sustainable manner and minimizing the environmental impact of our operations across all activities,” he says.

The company’s green impetus is partly due to the Dubai Clean Energy Strategy 2050, launched in 2015 by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum. Under the strategy, the emirate aims to produce 75% of its energy requirements from clean sources by 2050. The strategy also

aims to make Dubai a global center of clean energy and green economy.

The plan is composed of five main pillars: infrastructure, legislation, environment friendly energy mix, funding and building capacities and skills. The infrastructure pillar includes initiatives such as Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum Solar Park, which is the largest generator of solar energy in the world from a single location with a capacity to produce 5,000 megawatts by 2030 and a total investment of AED50 billion (US$13.6 billion).

His Highness Sheikh Ahmed bin Saeed Al Maktoum, Chairman and Chief Executive of Emirates Airline and Group, emphasizes that sustainability is an important pillar of the Emirates Group strategy. “We are committed to responsible business and environmental stewardship. We apply eco-efficient technologies across our operations to minimize our impact even as we continue to grow. Emirates Flight Catering’s latest initiatives open new opportunities to improve resource efficiency, underpinning Dubai’s strategy to become a global centre of clean energy and green economy.”

Saeed Mohammed, Chief Executive Officer of Emirates Flight Catering

EKFC, which supplies more than 105 airline customers, hospitality groups and UAE government entities, has now joined the ranks of those implementing green energy alternatives. The company announced in September it had commissioned a solar power system across its premises, which is expected to deliver an annual reduction of 3 million kilograms of greenhouse gas emissions – the equivalent of the annual electricity use of 518 family homes. The solar array is part of its continued investment in infrastructure to improve resource efficiency. It aims to benefit all of the PAX-INTL.COM

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SUSTAINABILITY

company’s stakeholders; customers, employees and local communities.

Phase One of the solar panel rooftop power plant became operational in September across eight EKFC (laundry, food manufacturing and staff accommodation) facilities. It has 8,112 individual solar panels and is expected to generate 4,195 megawatt-hours of electricity per year, allowing the company to reduce traditional energy consumption by 15%. The caterer will start phase two once it has the necessary approvals from Dubai Airports. Phase two will see the installation of solar panels at its facilities located at Dubai International Airport and its Central Stores in Al Ruwayyah. To source the panels, the company ran a competitive tender process and, after careful consideration of various factors, decided to import them, according to Saeed Mohammed.

FACT FILE:

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EKFC’s solar power plant is expected to deliver an annual reduction of 3 million kilograms of greenhouse gas emissions – the equivalent of the annual electricity use of 518 family homes

22 DECEMBER 2019

A new sustainable farming project at EKFC will focus on saving water, protecting the environment and streamlining efficiency. EKFC will shortly start constructing the world’s largest vertical farming facility in a joint venture with US-based Crop One. The 130,000 squarefoot controlled environment facility will produce 2,700 kilograms of high-quality, herbicide- and pesticide-free leafy greens daily, using 99% less water than outdoor fields. Its location close to Dubai World Central Airport (DWC) and the Expo 2020 site will enable quick delivery of fresh products within hours of harvest, maintaining the food’s nutritional value and reducing carbon emissions associated with transportation. The first products are expected to be delivered to Emirates Flight Catering’s airline and retail customers in 2020. The initiative will have an immediate impact, as the company’s 11,000 employees prepare an average of 225,000 meals daily.

Besides its vertical farm and solar power projects, EKFC runs a comprehensive recycling program, ensuring recyclable items – plastic bottles, aluminum cans and foil – are separated from galley waste after they are removed from the aircraft. All cardboard packaging and office paper waste is recycled into new paper products. Every

month, 278,000 kilograms of material is diverted from landfills to ensure the recycling of 130,000 kilograms of cardboard, 4,000 kilograms of paper, 14,000 kilograms of aluminum cans and foil, 120,000 kilograms of glass bottles and 10,000 kilograms of plastic bottles.

Additionally, EKFC has recently introduced a new packaging solution to further reduce waste across its food manufacturing operations. It has replaced cardboard packaging with reusable crates to store and transport an average of 100,000 inflight meals daily. As a result of its newest environmental initiative, it will save 750 tonnes of cardboard waste, the equivalent of 260,000 square meters (65 acres) of mature woodland, annually.

At the time of this announcement in October, Saeed Mohammed said: “We are committed to operating with a mindset of efficiency and environmental sustainability. In addition to our vertical farming and solar power projects, our new packaging solution is already the third key initiative we have launched in a year to reduce our environmental footprint and deliver more value for our stakeholders. We continue to challenge our processes and practices to ensure the highest possible level of environmental efficiency across our operations.”

Delicious egg specialities ...

y l e t i s i u q . x d e e . r . a . p e r p Gut Springenheide GmbH • Weiner 152 • 48607 Ochtrup • Germany Tel. +49 (0) 25 53/10 22 • Fax 10 25 • E-Mail: info@gutspringenheide.de

AMENITIES

selection of Albéa Travel Designer’s recent work with Air France

Branding &

beyond

by JANE HOBSON

While the Middle East remains known for its high standards in onboard amenities, suppliers are seeing a transition to non-branded kits from other carriers.

PAX International connected with the industry’s leading suppliers to get the latest scoop on the amenities kits market

E Buzz products collaborated with Acqua Di Parma to refresh Etihad Airways’ First Class Amenity kits

24 DECEMBER 2019

tihad Airways, Qatar Airways, Emirates and Saudia Arabian Airlines often come to mind first when the aviation industry discusses onboard pampering and indulgence. These carriers have long set high standards for inflight amenities, with exquisite offerings and sophisticated collaborations with the world’s most distinguished brands, from fashion houses and cosmetic companies to professional skincare partners.

While amenities in the Middle East continue to focus on these trendy, big-ticket partnerships, the industry is seeing a movement by airlines to opt for non-branded kits — instead, branded by the airline itself, complete with premium offerings, but without an external luxury partner. For suppliers responsible for bringing both branded and non-branded amenity kits from concept to cabin, each style presents its own benefits and challenges.

Galileo Watermark worked with luxury brand NATAN to launch kits for Brussels Airlines

FORMIA supplies Missoni branded Business Class kits for Saudia Airlines as part of its ongoing partnership with the airline

Match-making trend-hunters

For suppliers of Middle East airlines, it’s no surprise to hear that carriers in this region still prefer to add a luxury brand on board their offerings.

When working on branded projects, SPIRIANT engages in what it calls ‘co-creation.’ “We work with our airline partners to come up with the designs and brand selections which are uniquely theirs,” says Angie Fung, Managing Director and Head of Amenity Kit Business Unit of SPIRIANT. SPIRIANT focuses on finding what makes each airline special and translates that through the concepts and products that will be provided.

For a non-branded kit, Fung says, there is usually freedom for designs to be more innovative and out-of-the-box as there is only the image of the airline to consider. “The added value is not through the brand, but rather the design and use of the kit itself.”

But, it doesn’t matter if a brand is up-and-coming or well-established, the most important thing is to have a perfect match with the airline’s image.

“When done well and the images of the brand and of the airline are well aligned, it creates a sense of harmony and the kit will be regarded as a special gift from the airline to the passenger,” Fung says.

Take for example SPIRIANT’s new First Class kits for Qantas Airways by Martin Grant with LaGaia cosmetics.

Sustainability – a hot trend right now for good reason – was an important focus for each party in this collaboration.

SPIRIANT paired the airline with Australian designer and skincare brand LaGaia to successfully source suitable products without compromising on luxury. It combined their stories, values and pride of being Australian, SPIRIANT says.

Incorporating trending ideas, products and brands into kits can also significantly boost the passenger’s perception of luxury, modernity and brand recognition – and the airline can be seen as the market leader in collaborating to bring that trend into the cabin, Fung explains.

For FORMIA, keeping up with trends means watching the latest in fashion, lifestyle, skincare and beauty and wellness to create collections that focus on comfort, practicality and luxury.

The company studies its client’s ethos, priorities and precise requirements to understand which brands best suit the airline.

“Our creative expertise to customize bespoke proposals for each airline results in distinctive, quality amenity kits containing exclusive offers from well-known brands,” says Philipp Wendschuh, Chief Commercial Officer of FORMIA. “For example, bringing in new, high-end products which offer a luxurious experience, such as a very good quality eye mask and hydration sachets with electrolytes, offer passengers something extra which is sure to delight.”

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AMENITIES

Branded or not, suppliers must consider that both the kit and its content are a representation of the airline that affects the passenger experience

Angie Fung, Managing Director and Head of Amenity Kit Business Unit, SPIRIANT

The First Class kit by SPIRIANT for Qantas Airways by Martin Grant with LaGaia cosmetics

In an extension to its existing partnership with Saudia, FORMIA is now supplying the airline with a set of First and Business Class amenity kits by Italian fashion brand Missoni. Recognized for its brightly-colored crochet-knit design, the kits are presented in two colors and feature an embossed Missoni logo.

But, FORMIA’s work is not limited to famous fashion houses. “We enjoy collaborating with brands to create opportunities where we can present products in different and more engaging ways. Time and time again, brands rise to the challenge of devising new travel-focused product lines which meet the airline’s aspirations to pamper and delight their passengers,” says FORMIA Chief Marketing Officer Niklas Sandor.

“Passengers lucky enough to travel at the pointy end expect the amenities to meet their refined expectations – retail quality, regularly refreshed and collectible items with aspirational appeal,” says Simon Yaffe, Director of Client Relationships for Buzz.

In October, Buzz collaborated with Acqua Di Parma to refresh Etihad Airways’ First Class and Business Class amenity kits. Last spring, Buzz partnered with BYREDO to bring a skincare Wellness Pod to First Class passengers aboard Emirates flights.

While the products themselves can’t speak, they can start a conversation. If passengers in premium cabins are impressed, they’ll share their experience on social feeds and in person. “They’re coveted along the journey and they continue to be shared and loved afterwards,” says Yaffe.

Regional inspirations

For LA-based WESSCO International, staying abreast of developments in fashion, materials, brands and lifestyle is part of its global ongoing process to find opportunities that make the best match for amenity kit programs.

The company recently partnered with Swedish luxury

26 DECEMBER 2019

mattress maker Duxiana to bring the label to Etihad Airways’ The Residence – which is considered the most exclusive commercial passenger experience. WESSCO crafted the soft goods program to match and enhance the passenger experience of the three-room cabin suite, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of an Arabic luxury boutique hotel.

The Duxiana partnership was successful using WESSCO’s multidisciplinary approach to brand alignment, which includes addressing passenger demographics, logistics, budget considerations, safety standards, environmental policies and more. “The Duxiana label is found in the finest hotels in the world. It was the first time a bedding of its caliber was brought onboard an aircraft,” says Petros Sakkis, Chief Marketing Officer at WESSCO International.

Sakkis adds, “Certain airlines choose a more ‘conservative’ outlook reflecting their brand, nation or even a country’s landscape, whereas others adopt modern values and are keener on new ideas and fresh brand collaborations.”

He further points out that one-of-a-kind luxury brands are still the most prevalent option for the Middle East and Asia, with the exception of some airlines which may wish to focus on their cultural heritage in combination with premium amenities. An example being the kit WESSCO created for Garuda Indonesia featuring regional batik patterns inspired by indigenous Indonesian folk art.

Branded or not, suppliers must consider that both the kit and its content are a representation of the airline, and that affects the passenger experience. AK-Service says it never overlooks the airline’s location, history and culture when designing kits. “Visiting new countries and having adventures gives us new ideas,” says Aleksandr Ferents, CEO of Russiabased AK-Service, adding that participating in activities of that region sparks creativity and helps designers discern what products will actually be useful to passengers during flight.

The importance of a regional understanding has been part of AK-Service’s philosophy since designing kits for the 2014 Winter Olympic Games in Sochi, Russia. The home-based project marked the company’s first-ever collaboration (with the International Olympic Committee). “It was a huge excitement for our whole nation and people loved the amenities we made. The bags were so colorful and bright.”

AK-Service also ensures it is matching the project to its demographic. “For example, you can’t use a fashion brand for young modern people if your target is business class passengers in standard airline – they would appreciate something more luxury and classic,” says Ferents.

Albéa Travel Designer considers every kit as branded, “since each airline has its own history and DNA,” explains Maxime Ridoux, Brand Partnership Manager at the France-based company. Albéa Travel Designer proposes tailor-made solutions, whether they are in collaboration with a fashion or skincare brand, or only feature the airline’s brand, such as La Compagnie, Air Calin, MEA and Air France, with whom Albéa Travel Designer has been creating airline-branded pouches for more than 15 years.

“The advantage of an airline-branded kit is that it represents a real gift and memory of a particular journey with the airline - why not extend that through the only thing that the passenger will bring back home?” says Ridoux.

Sometimes it’s more difficult to find an ideal match for suppliers designing branded kits for First Class passengers who can already afford, well, likely everything they want.

“Generally speaking, Middle East and Asian airlines are more attracted Aleksandr

by collaborations with very prestigious luxury brands,” Ridoux says, adding that this can be explained by the importance given to those luxury brands in these regions.

“For many passengers, the quality resides in the brand name only. It is a synonym of luxury and exclusiveness.”

Is exclusivity essential?

SPIRIANT sees it as “extremely beneficial” for an airline to have an exclusive brand. “We work with brands exclusively on a project-by-project basis. By doing so, we create a synergy between the brand and the airline that tells a story and forms a connection between them,” says Fung of SPIRIANT. Madrid-based supplier Kaelis is no stranger to brand exclusivity. The company says exclusive access to brands makes its amenities offerings special, providing a unique service to passengers and creating loyalty for its clients – which is what Middle East airlines are after.

“Their [kits] are very unique and refined. They are in search of the Wow! factor,” explains Fernanda Veiga, Chief Marketing Officer at Kaelis, which supplies both branded and nonbranded kits. “We study each airlines’ needs and adapt our designs, materials and brands,” she adds. “An airline will always opt for brands that are similar to their philosophy, values and market reach.”

Reaching passengers on aircraft is an incredible opportunity for both well-established brands and lesser-known brands that are expanding, Veiga explains. “If you offer a brand that you can find in the market, the passenger will feel more valued and in turn, will appreciate the detail offered by the airline.”

2018 saw Kaelis create six kids’ kits for Kazakhstan’s Air Astana, each one dedicated to a profession. “It was one our most exciting challenges and Kaelis is very happy with the

Ferents, CEO, AK-Service

In its first-ever collaboration, AK-Service worked with the International Olympic Committee to bring colorful amenity kits to the 2014 Winter Olympic Games in Sochi, Russia

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AMENITIES

WESSCO International partnered with Swedish luxury mattress maker Duxiana to bring the label to Etihad Airways’ The Residence, and created the soft goods program to match

result,” Veiga says. “The response from the children, and the industry as a whole, was very good.” The kits won all three industry awards – PAX International, Onboard Hospitality and Travel Plus – making it the only project to date to do so.

At Galileo Watermark, onboard experience comes down to keeping passengers engaged by featuring partnerships that have stories to tell and offering brands that have not been featured onboard before.

“The brand requirements vary significantly from region to region. In the Middle East and Asia, for example, we tend to see strong branded proposals whereas in Europe there seems to be more of a focus on local brands and influences,” says Tamara Vasquez Perez, Marketing and Brand Partnerships Director at Galileo Watermark.

Of its recent branded launches is the Brussels Airlines kit.

The company worked closely with NATAN, a Belgian couture brand that dresses members of the European royal family.

“Working with such a luxury brand was a real honor and we felt we had to treat the design with huge respect in order to do the brand justice,” Vasquez Perez says, adding that there is a perceived luxury that comes with exclusive branded kits.

Ultimately, whether it’s branded or non-branded, exclusive or not, a successful brand collaboration aligns the brand with the airline’s DNA, introduces a well-designed concept onboard and improves the passenger experience, bringing higher brand awareness and market benefits to the whole partnership.

Kaelis’ created six kids’ kits in 2018 for Air Astana, each one dedicated to a profession. The kits won best children’s amenity kit at the 2019 PAX International Readership Awards, among other industry awards

EMIRATES MAKES ROOM FOR KIDS Practical inflight items for parents to choose for their children have long been a staple for airlines. Parents flying on Emirates have for years been able to pick from a range of special meals served on child friendly trays, have a formula bottle heated in an aircraft’s galley and select from a wide array of age-specific inflight entertainment now topping 150 channels in 40 languages.

In the past couple years, the airline has also added a selection of stuffed friends to keep children occupied. The stuffed animals are part of the airline’s Fly With Me offering that has grown to 17 characters.

A new group of characters took center stage this year joining past Fly With Me animals such as Eric the Eagle, Fudo the Tiger, Eve the Reindeer, Carlos the Macaw and Brett the Bear. The plush characters, supplied by

Australia-based Buzz, are teamed with a backpack and printed activity blanket and given to all children between the ages of seven and 12 years. Children ages three to six get suitcase-inspired activity pack filled with fun items.

On shorter flights, the product range includes vibrating plush characters that can be attached to a stroller.

Every six months, four new animals are introduced to make the possibility for a collectable group. The new characters have been chosen by viewers via social media. Once a character is retired, they are usually available for purchase on the airline’s Emirates Official Store. They are also enjoying a brisk business on eBay where they are selling for as high as US$30.

Emirates offers this selection of stuffed toys to occupy children as part of its Fly With Me offering

28 DECEMBER 2019

Join the leading global event for travel catering, onboard retail and passenger comfort Source innovative products and services from over 350 international suppliers.

Network with over 4,000 onboard professionals including 800 airline and rail buyers.

Be inspired by thought provoking presentations and demonstrations.

SAVE THE DATE 31 March - 2 April 2020 worldtravelcateringexpo.com Co-Located with:

Organised by:

EVENTS

Spirit Airlines Chief Executive Officer Ted Christie and Host Aaron Heslehurst of the BBC look over the airline’s new Business Class seat from Acro Aircraft Seating

Three

in one

APEX, IFSA and Aircraft Interiors North America gathered under one immense roof this fall, bringing in a host of airline CEOs and a week’s worth of news

FlightPath3D Vice President of Marketing Jon Norris demonstrated the map’s new features for visitors at APEX Expo 2019

30 DECEMBER 2019

T

op executives from seven international airlines joined colleagues from more than 120 carriers, 5,000 delegates and members of the media from September 9 to 12 in Los Angeles for the three-in-one event of the year; the Aircraft Interiors North America, International Flight Services Association and the Airline Passenger Experience Association expos.

Hosted at two separate Boston venues in 2018, all three expos were conveniently accessible in massive halls at the Los Angeles Convention Center this year. The event is the largest industry gathering outside the annual Passenger Experience Week in Hamburg, and September 9 set the tone for three days of networking.

Among the high-profile attendees kicking off the event were Delta Air Lines Chief Executive Officer Ed Bastien, JetBlue Airways President and Chief Operating Officer Joanna Geraghty, Spirit Airlines President and CEO Ted Christie, Virgin Atlantic CEO Shai Weiss, JSX CEO Alex Wilcox, Star Alliance CEO Jeffrey Goh and Xiamen Airlines Chairman Zhao Dong.

The talk of the morning covered Delta’s efforts to reduce carbon footprints, JetBlue’s biometric solutions for travelers, a first look at Virgin Atlantic’s recently launched A350 cabin and Spirit’s new seating products from Acro Aircraft Seating.

Much of the remaining days were taken up by news and announcements from exhibitors at all three events. Here is a rundown of some of the highlights from the trade floor:

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• Astronics Corporation announced that it signed a deal with Collins Aerospace to provide its Ku-band tail-mounted satellite communications (SATCOM) antenna for the Collins Aerospace KuSAT-2000 solution. Astronics AeroSat, a wholly owned subsidiary of Astronics Corporation, will supply the technology for the system. The company also showed visitors a new in-seat power retrofit solution for airlines. The EmPower® Xpress is designed to be attached quickly and directly to installed seat tubes and has an onseat USB outlet housing solution that delivers USB charging options for aircraft in an overnight maintenance turn.

• Burrana announced a program to retrofit a Latin American airline’s A320 and A321 fleets with its in-seat power solution. The update is part of the airline’s US$400 million investment program to retrofit cabin interiors for a better passenger experience. Under the contract, Burrana will supply more than 100 aircraft with 2.1A USB and 110V AC in-seat power in premium economy and USB power in economy class.

• Jon Norris, FlightPath3D Vice President of Marketing, showed visitors versions of the moving map display product, which has recently surpassed the 60-airline customer mark and is flying on 2,600 commercial aircraft. The goal per year is for 1 billion passengers to use FlightPath3D to track flight information and explore popular locations at their destination.

• Inmarsat announced that its GX Aviation inflight broadband solution is available to passengers onboard the first of Virgin Atlantic’s new A350 aircraft. The milestone was achieved September 10, when Virgin

Atlantic operated its inaugural A350-1000 flight from London to New York. As part of the observance, the airline unveiled a promotion offering free access to GX Aviation for the next month. Virgin Atlantic is scheduled to receive 12 A350-1000s over the next three years.

• JetBlue announced that Thales’ AVANT inflight entertainment system would be part of the onboard experience for its new fleet of 70 A220-300 aircraft. Scheduled for first delivery in 2020, Thales’ AVANT IFE will provide JetBlue customers with a selection of entertainment and information at every seat. The Android-based system has high capacity servers, locally stored content and integration with the onboard connectivity system.

• LATAM Airlines Group has partnered with Global Entertainment and media agency Spafax to bring anime content to its inflight entertainment options. The airline is the first in South America to offer anime content and will feature a total of 10 hours of the Japanese animations through a partnership with LA-based Toei Animation Co. and distributor Televix Entertainment. Passengers can now watch series including Captain Tsbuasa, Robotech, Saint Seiya, Digimon, Dragon Ball Z and Sailor Moon.

• Panasonic Avionics announced a launch customer for its Arc Inflight Map Platform with the Indian airline Vistara.

Next year, Arc will debut on Vistara’s fleet of 787-9s and A321neos along with Panasonic’s gaming component, a new addition to Panasonic’s Theatre Inflight Entertainment launched in April. Also, Panasonic announced in Los Angeles it would continue its association with Swedish company Toca Boca adding a new playful version of Arc for children.

Andy Mason (left), General Manager of R&D Operations, and Jon Moseley, EMEA Avionics and Business Development at Kontron, are shown here with the company’s Cab-n-Connect P100 portable IFE unit. Kontron announced an unnamed launch customer for the product at APEX

32 DECEMBER 2019

AlbĂŠa is the first Cosmetic Packaging Company to sign the Ellen MacArthur New Plastics Economy Global Commitment

From design to complete solution

We understand what makes you unique We deliver the most complex projects AlbĂŠa Travel Designer has been serving leading airlines since 2006 Designing, manufacturing and delivering amenity kits from Business to First class www.albea-group.com traveldesigner@albea-group.com

TRAVELPLUS AWARDS 2018 SUPPLIER OF THE YEAR

EVENTS

APEX Awards honor airlines and suppliers Members of the Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX) and the International Flight Services Association honored their peers the evening of September 9 during the inaugural APEX/IFSA Award Ceremony. Brian Kelly, Chief Executive Officer and Founder of The Points Guy, emceed the event. The ceremony was sponsored by gategroup, Paramount Pictures, Spafax and Thales.

“APEX is proud to highlight the most innovative approaches to business in passenger experience from our member airlines and vendors,” said Maura Chacko, co-chair of the APEX Awards Committee in the announcement of the awards. “We honor these organizations who have shown exemplary dedication and innovation to advancing the passenger experience.”

Winners were determined by industry and media judging panels that met over the summer to review the many finalists. This is a list of winners from each of the categories:

IFSA President Paul Platamone (right) and APEX President Juha Järiven address the attendees at the inaugural APEX/IFSA Awards

APEX AWARD WINNERS

Fiji Airways: Best Lounge Innovation for its nannies at Fiji Airways Premier Lounge SriLankan Airlines: Best Marketing Innovation for its Spirit of SriLankan Airlines and The Magic of Vesak promotion VT Miltope: Best Inflight Connectivity Innovation for its system of securing wireless cabin networks American Airlines: Best Inflight Entertainment Innovation for its Calm program on American Airlines

NEWCOMER OF THE YEAR AWARD Flight Center Instituto de Aviación: Flight Attendant VR Training Program

2020 IFSA AWARDS

American Airlines: Best Inflight Food or Beverage for its partnership with Zoës Kitchen Clip Limited: Best Onboard Amenity for its JetBlue Mint Class Kits New this year is the APEX/IFSA Awards for Best Cabin Innovation and Best Product or Service. These awards recognize outstanding achievements in creating a thoughtful new cabin environment, and innovations in passenger comfort, including seats, design, lighting, temperature control, air quality and more.

2020 APEX / IFSA AWARD WINNERS Astronics: Best Cabin Innovation for Intelligent Bin Solution/Smart Aircraft System Air New Zealand: Best Product or Service for improvements on its long-flying Skycouch

APEX + CRYSTAL CABIN AWARD WINNER AIRBUS: Best Customer Journey Experience: Connected Experience

APEX LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD

APEX honored Brinder Bhatia with the APEX Lifetime Achievement Award. The ceremony celebrated Bhatia for his decades of selfless work, vision and dedication to the industry. Over the course of his career, which spans more than 40 years, Bhatia worked tirelessly to push for the building of both custom and customizable systems that made IFEC central to the passenger experience for virtually every airline. Even in retirement, Bhatia remains committed to helping airlines transform and build upon their passenger experiences.

34 DECEMBER 2019

EVENTS

From climate change to

cutlery PAX International’s Asia Correspondent Jeremy Clark shares his perspective on this year’s APEX/IFSA EXPO and AIX in Los Angeles

N

o one can have escaped the media frenzy surrounding the recent appearance of climate change heroine Greta Thunberg at the United Nations in late September. Some were moved to declare an unfailing support whilst others cringed at the alleged over-dramatic presentation. Either way, the message was clear, something’s up and something must be done. My own observation is that what the young lady has in passion, she lacks in constructive content. It’s one thing to declare that the end is nigh, it’s quite another to work hard to prevent it.

So, with this, we look to the many silent contributors who are working tirelessly on real projects that are actually delivering to address Thunberg’s concerns – some of whom

are in the aviation business. There is no question that airlines and supporting industries are acutely aware of the need to do something and many are.

But, advising everyone to charter a sailing boat is not a realistic solution.

This becomes even more apparent looking at this year’s APEX EXPO and AIX Expo conference presentations in Los Angeles this past September.

Among talks on passenger services and technical advances, and the usual grilling of senior executives by the BBC’S excitable Aaron Heslehurst, environmental awareness was the common theme of every presentation.

Xiamen Airlines Chief Executive Officer Zhao Dong described the airline with huge emphasis on environmental issues, saying, “XiamenAir has never forgotten

Hans Engels (left), Export Manager of Sola Airline Cutlery, and Bernd Koperdraad, Junior Export Manager, display lightweight metal cutlery at this year’s IFSA Expo

Gispol Sales Manager Hugo Moura (left), General Manager Ricardo Alves (middle) and PAX International Publisher Aijaz Khan at the 2019 IFSA Expo in Los Angeles

its social responsibility on the path to development. More than two years ago, we reached friendly cooperation with the UN at its New York headquarters, becoming the first airline in the world to commit to supporting the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.

This commitment represents XiamenAir’s determination to share the same future with people around the world.”

As further evidence of the airline’s ongoing commitment to sustainability and to fostering the legacy of a healthier environment, Dong referenced its United Dream aircraft. It debuted in 2018, but the commitment to promote environmental awareness remains. Apparently, United Dream’s namesake is the result of a global online vote and the aircraft embarks on special themed flights to call international attention to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals.

XiamenAir expects to carry 100 million passengers annually by 2030, and will continue promoting the UN goals. It was an altogether gratifying presentation which one hopes pervades into Chinese business ethic as a growing resource consumer.

JetBlue Airways, Qantas Airways and Spirit Airlines all came through with some revelations, but to be perfectly honest, a lot is rehashed stuff they have been talking about for years. Today’s flavor seems to be ‘biometrics.’ We are all going to be able to get from curbside-to-seat by just smiling at the camera – apparently.

But there are issues with this.

For one, JetBlue Chief Operational PAX-INTL.COM

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EVENTS

Officer Joanna Geraghty said there are major privacy challenges. Some passengers are taking part in the biometric check-in option, but it is not certain if this is because they want to be part of the new system or because they are oblivious to what it involves. Implementing the process for domestic United States travel is fraught with problems as photographic databases are not as comprehensive as needed. JetBlue aims to address that problem, but how? It remains to be seen.

My own perspective is that we are a long way from this Utopian dream. On most of the 16 flights I took this month, I’ve counted about five to eight “checkpoints” between arriving at the terminal and sitting in my seat where I had to produce either ID, boarding pass or both.

Looking at their international ambitions, Geraghty repeated the carrier’s position regarding difficulty gaining access to congested airports, such as Heathrow, saying that the slots are “extremely expensive.”

Gatwick, Luton and Stansted airports are options for the company.

“The JetBlue experience will work well – in different ways – at all those airports,” said Geraghty. JetBlue’s planned London routes from New York City and Boston are still targeted for 2021.

Spirit Airlines Chief Executive Officer Ted Christie was all about their new seats, and with Heslehurst’s help, tried to make non-reclining seats something we should look forward to. Spirit engaged some UK-based researchers who have miraculously discovered ‘usable legroom’ as another way of measuring distances between seats and convincing us that a round peg can indeed be put in a square hole. Heslehurst looked as unconvinced as I am.

In the catering sector, the talk was all about the acquisition of gategroup

by Temasek and what might happen next. Temasek has converted its mandatory exchangeable bond and acquired additional shares adding up to a 50% stake in gategroup. They are now co-shareholders, with RRJ Capital owning the remaining 50% of the company. The transaction was completed on September 25. The question now is whether Temasek, a long-term investor headquartered in Singapore and part-owner of SATS, will turn gategroup into SATS or keep the two brands alive?

The other elephant in the room is what will happen to LSG Group?

36 DECEMBER 2019

Some speculate “nothing.” There are three major caterers left other than gategroup, so it’s them, an investment house – or nothing.

At the Expo the next day, it was evident when strolling into IFSA, from the adjacent APEX, area where the money is still being spent. That being said, there are some great new products every year to see and, as has been the theme, a lot on the environmentally-friendly side. Especially from the packaging and equipment sectors. A new innovation from Portugal’s Gispol demonstrated products made from recycled and recyclable plastics and some organic flatware. It seems this is the future, and as the European Union and other forward-thinking countries look set to regulate against single-use plastics, the early entrants into this arena will benefit.

Sola Airline Cutlery B.V. showed off their Mercury Award-winning lightweight cutlery and also a new super lightweight metal cutlery designed to replace plastic. It costs a fraction more but is disposable and 100% recyclable or reusable, making it a first in the industry.

Dutch cheesemaker Beemster showed off a new range of travel-inspired products all using its award-winning cheese, including make-your-own sandwich kits, cheese and wine pairing and ambient cheesy cookies infused with that marvellous Edam flavor.

One newcomer was Creative Fine Foods, offering frozen salads among other things. I found it quite innovative although the packaging needs work. The products, however, were edible and tasty. Frozen salads – who would have thought it.

Spirit Airlines Chief Executive Officer Ted Christie (right) reveals details of the Series 6 seat by Acro Aircraft Seating for APEX Association Chief Executive Officer Joe Leader (seated) and BBC’s Aaron Heslehurst (middle) on Day One of this year’s APEX EXPO

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SIAL MIDDLE EAST

The Deep Seafood Company displayed a fresh catch from the Persian Gulf at last year’s SIAL Middle East

Hungry for more H

by JANE HOBSON

Abu Dhabi will once again host the food, beverage and hospitality industries at this year’s SIAL Middle East from December 9 to 11. Saeed Al Mansoori, Executive Director of SIAL Middle East, tells us what makes this year special Nations around the world beat a path to Abu Dhabi in December of the annual SIAL Middle East

osted in a region with deep roots in hospitality, tradition and luxury, SIAL Middle East is regarded as one of the most-anticipated food, beverage and hospitality events of the year.

“It both continues to evolve and become a mainstay for the people of the food and beverage industry,” says SIAL Executive Director Saeed Al Mansoori, adding that its success is largely due to the Middle East’s fast-growing aviation hub where people have a thirst for travel and money to spend.

A major milestone

Chefs judge creations for the La Cuisine competition that spans 19 categories

38 DECEMBER 2019

SIAL Middle East 2019 marks the 10th year of the event and it is an important anniversary, both for the food, beverage and hospitality industry and the region as a whole.

To date, AED 34 billion (US$9.3 billion) in deals have been made during SIAL Middle East’s 10-year stint, bringing a total direct and indirect economic impact of AED 819 billion (US$223 billion) to the emirate’s economy.

Last year alone, 20,529 trade visitors attended the show, with an overall AED 7.08 billion (US$1.93 billion) of deals signed between exhibitors and visitors during the event. SIAL organizers say 135 major food and beverage industry deals were signed in just three days.

“The upcoming edition of the event is set to mark significant growth in terms of participation from leading local and international

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600 INNOVATIVE EXHIBITORS

16,000 INDUSTRY ATTENDEES Organised by: 31 MARCH 2020

Co-located with:

SAVE THE DATE

31 MARCH APRIL 2 2020

245 AIRLINES REPRESENTED In co-operation with:

Supported by:

SIAL MIDDLE EAST

2018 figures 1089

EXHIBITORS

20+

NATIONAL PAVILIONS

organizations,” says Mansoori.

Showcasing thousands of neverbefore-seen products, SIAL Middle East 2019 is expected to attract the likes of more than 1,000 exhibitors and 20,000 industry experts from 50 countries. While the conversations and items on display encompass the entire food service, hotel, restaurant and café industry at large, with delegates specializing in many different food and beverage sectors, SIAL Middle East has for the last decade left visitors hungry for the next opportunity to be up close and personal with the latest innovations in hospitality, catering and restaurant and hotel food service products.

20,529 UNIQUE TRADE VISITORS

Creative cuisine

As always, La Cuisine is set to be all the buzz in Hall 7. As one of the fondest and largest meeting points for foodservice professionals in the region, La Cuisine is a culinary treat for all that showcases cooking competitions, ice sculpting and top chefs as they boast their creativity and expertise. This year, La Cuisine at SIAL is hosting a competition organized by the Abu Dhabi chapter

AED 7.08 billion (US$1.93 BILLION) IN DEALS SIGNED

of the Emirates Culinary Guild. It’s guaranteed to be a lively event, open to any professional chef, cook, baker or pastry chef and with no restrictions regarding age, position or workplace.

With SIAL Middle East serving up all of the above and more at this year’s edition, Mansoori says 2019 is expected to mark yet another “unique event” when it comes to food, beverage and hospitality in the region.

Back and better

Hosted at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre once again, back-toback events are queued up for the three days. From the annual Hosted Buyer Programme to Roaming Chefs and facilitated government introductions, Mansoori says it is the show’s format that makes it easy for visitors to get close to attendees and host meetings in a relaxed business environment year after year.

The Hosted Buyers Programme specifically places fully hosted food and beverage buyers at the show with the purpose of sourcing new products, meeting with suppliers and developing new businesses. Last year, 10,583 introductions and meetings took place between exhibitors and hosted buyers in the dedicated private Hosted Buyer Introduction Suite for ‘Speed Networking Sessions.’

Back again this year is SIAL Middle East’s Roaming Chefs. Ideal for visitors looking for food service providers and caterers, these senior chefs participate in multiple daily guided tours around the show to meet with exhibitors to taste and discover new and innovative products.

40 DECEMBER 2019

STAY CONNECTED AT SIAL 2019

# Official hashtag: #sialme Facebook: @SIALintheMiddleEast Twitter: @SIALMiddleEast Instagram: @SIAL_me

WHAT’S HOT

What’s Hot!

 Augmented reality kids kits – AK-Service: AK-Service announced a new aviation themed kids’ kit for Rossiya Airlines that features an augmented reality (AR) component. Complete with an activity book, board games, badges, school supplies and other trinkets, the kits come with a 3D puzzle and playing field that comes to life via a mobile application and phone camera.

Kids can assemble an airfield, control objects and simulate various airport scenes within the AR module. Children seven years and older receive the kit as a modern waist bag. Children younger than six years old get a round bag that can be carried as a backpack. ak-service.ru

 SAS Cube 2.0 – gategroup: A partnership between gategroup’s deSter brand and SAS Scandinavian Airlines has produced an updated, 100% bio-based version of the award-winning SAS Cube. The inner plastic has been replaced with sustainable cardboard components and the cutlery, presented in a napkin roll, is fully compostable. gategroup.com

 Plastic-free paper cup – gategroup: A plastic-free cup is the first of its kind on the market. Developed by deSter for Transavia, the cup is recyclable and compostable, made with a revolutionary 100% biodegradable liner. It does not have a plastic liner which is what makes other cups difficult to recycle and compost. gategroup.com

 Cornstarch-based cutlery – Kaelis: Kaelis has developed a series of sustainable cutlery and toothpicks for use on board, which Icelandair has selected. Cornstarch-based products produce significantly fewer greenhouse gas emissions over their lifetime than traditional plastics, there is no net increase in carbon dioxide when they break down and they do not produce toxic fumes when incinerated. Both the packaging and utensils are biodegradable. kaelisgroup.com

 Missoni First and Business Class kits – FORMIA: In extension to its existing partnership with Saudia, FORMIA is supplying the airline with a newly created set of First and Business Class amenity kits by Italian fashion brand Missoni. The individually styled men’s and women’s kits are presented in two attractive colors and feature an embossed Missoni logo. formia.com

42 DECEMBER 2019

WHAT’S HOT

 Organic offerings – Gourmet Primo: This Thailand-based sister company of Bangkok Air Catering is offering nutrient-based foods and snacks with a focus on vitamins and minerals.

There will be gluten-free offerings and different dairy options, as well as some fare that is low in fat, salt and carbohydrates. gourmetprimo.com

 Cutlery kits – WK Thomas: From WK Thomas’ newest range of disposable cutlery packs is its 97% rPET cutlery, natural birch ply cutlery and CPLA utensils. rPET plastic is material that has been used numerous times, saving it from landfills and incineration. CPLA is fully compostable and made from renewable cornstarch. The CPLA utensils can be paired with a compostable film wrapper, condiment kit and a sustainably sourced napkin, ideal for operators who want to dispose of cutlery with food compost. The mix-and-match makeup of the cutlery makes it easy to fill an operator’s sustainability needs. wkthomas.com

 Canned water – Radnor Hills: These canned spring waters from Radnor Hills is part of the company’s move to “embrace the can.” Sourced from the company’s family farm in Wales, each 330ml aluminum can of sparkling or still water is 100% recyclable, lightweight for easy transport, leak-proof and boasts a long shelf left. Radnorhills.co.uk

 Vibianini – Castello Monte Vibiano: This extra virgin olive oil is the peak of luxury when it comes to convenient single serving unfiltered olive oil onboard. Like other Castello Monte Vibiano offerings, this same-day-harvested olive oil adds extreme freshness to the inflight food service and overall passenger experience. montevibianio.it

 Snack and drink combo – FlyFit: This inflight snack from FlyFit is a drink and nutritional bar in a convenient combo package. It comes ready packed per 28 units in a cardboard trolley, making it “the perfect solution to save extra handling for the crew,” according to a release from the company. It is available to every continent, can be tailored to airline identity and has a 12-month shelf life. The beverage helps prevent dehydration during flight and is packaged in recycled materials.

The bar is packed full of vitamins. flyfit.com

PAX-INTL.COM

43

WHAT’S HOT

 Packaging solution – Emirates Flight Catering: This nifty packaging solution from Emirates Flight Catering replaces cardboard with reusable crates to store and transport an average of 100,000 inflight meals per day.

The company says this will save 750 tons of cardboard waste, equivalent to 260,000 square-meters (65 acres) of mature woodland, annually. emiratesflightcatering.com

 Italian panini, toast and wraps – Group SOI: These Italian paninis, toast and breakfast wraps are new from Group SOI. They can be heated without removing the packaging, can be eaten hot or cold and can be supplied frozen or chilled. Airlines can also request custom-made recipes and special flavor profiles. groupsoi.com

 Street Beef in the sky – Mr Lee’s Pure Foods: Mr Lee’s Pure Foods announced in October that its gourmet instant noodle flavor Hong Kong Street Beef is now offered as an inflight meal on Virgin Australia. Mr Lee’s makes six gluten-free nutritious flavors, including two vegan options with absolutely no animal byproducts. Sold in two cup sizes: 10oz and 14oz. mrleesnoodles.com

 First Class amenity kits – Buzz products: Buzz Products has introduced a new collection of Acqua di Parma First and Business Class amenity kits for Etihad Airways. These bags celebrate the airline’s 787-9 Dreamliner daily services to Milan, Italy. buzzproducts.com

 Inflight meditation – Immfly: This guided meditation content is perfect for nervous flyers or passengers who just want a reminder to relax. Through Journey Meditation’s LIVE app, passengers can access 15-minute onboard meditation classes that focus on relieving stress and anxiety, improving performance, sleep, relationships and generally promoting happiness. The content launched by Immfly in October. Immfly.com

44 DECEMBER 2019

WHAT’S HOT

 Bassú tray – Kaelis: This innovative phone and tablet holder tray allows passengers to watch movies or television shows on their personal electronic devices hands-free while eating. The light, ergonomic tray has a space where passengers can dock their phone or tablet so it doesn’t take up valuable tray space. Kaelis holds a patent on the product and can adapt the design, size and materials to fit client needs. kaelisgroup.com

 Single-serve condiments – Chosen Foods: The largest supplier of avocado oil in the world launched a new line of single-serve mayos and dressings this summer.

The line is made with 100% pure avocado oil and nonGMO ingredients and includes: Lemon Garlic Dressing, Chipotle Ranch Dressing, Traditional Avocado Oil Mayo and Traditional Vegan Avocado Oil Mayo. chosenfoods.com

 Vallebelle pillow mist – Albéa Travel Designer: The French designer made this travel-sized version of its Vallebelle pillow mist available this summer.

The mist is part of Albéa Travel Designer’s full range of relaxing items for passengers and is available in eight fresh fragrances: Hodei, Elura, Semea, Alaba, Nahia, Horia, Aisia and Bakea. albéa-group.com

 Recyclable paper Super Cups – Linstol: These paper cups are made with EarthCoating® in an effort to optimize storage and combat single-use plastics. EarthCoating uses up to half the plastic and is designed to be easily pulped back into recycled paper products. It is also specifically designed to nest 40% more cups per stack to save space and make for easy pre- and post-usage storage and collection. linstol.com

 innovation center – Snackbox To-Go: The company will use this innovation center in Roosendaal, The Netherlands as a presentation space, client meeting spot and to showcase products, offer samples and collaborate on projects. It’s equipped with a kitchen and airline oven for tastings and demonstrations. snackboxtogo.com

PAX-INTL.COM

45

ASSOCIATION NEWS

Taking tech to travel IATA surveyed 10,000 passengers on their experience and found few surprises; most rely heavily on handheld technology every step of the way

T

op priorities among passengers responding to the 2019 Global Passenger Survey by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) show that they rely heavily on technology to improve their travel experience. The results were released in mid-October.

IATA surveyed 10,877 passengers in 166 countries and found top passenger priorities to be: • More personal control over their journey via their smart phone • The ability to use biometric identification to speed up travel processes • The ability to track baggage • Maximum wait times of 10 minutes for baggage collection, immigration and customs • Access to Wi-Fi on board Passengers want to use their personal device to control more aspects of their travel journey. According to the results, an airline app is the preferred method of booking for passengers, with 24% from North Asia preferring this method. It is also the second most popular choice among passengers in the Middle East, favored by 14% of travelers. Booking through an airline website remains the method of choice by 39% of travelers,

46 DECEMBER 2019

Passengers are becoming more willing to share personal information to help them streamline the travel process

although less popular than in 2018.

Using a smartphone is also identified by 51% of survey participants as their preferred method of check-in.

Most passengers (72%) want to be kept informed throughout their journey via travel notifications sent to their personal device.

Short message systems (SMS) remains the preferred IATA Director General Alexandre de Juniac notification option for 39% of passengers, but IATA says this trend has been decreasing since 2016.

Preference for receiving information via smartphone app has increased by 10%.

The survey found that 83% of passengers want to receive information on the status of their flight and 45% would like information on their baggage. Passengers are also asking for information to help them plan airport movement with 45% correlates with the number of flights wanting to know wait times at security taken per year. The highest support for and border control and 37% wanting this (76%) is among fliers who travel for to know wait times at customs. business, more than 10 times per year.

The survey found that 70% of In addition, 46% of passengers passengers are willing to share addiwould prefer to use biometric tional personal information including identification instead of a paper their biometric identifiers to speed up passport and 30% would opt to use a processes at the airport. This increase biometric token to board the aircraft.

READERSHIP AWARDS 2020

HELP US HONOR THE BEST IN THE BIZ From onboard caterers to amenity programs, and from connectivity to the latest in aircraft cabins, the PAX International Readership Awards will once again recognize those in the industry that stand out from the crowd.

The award winners will be announced on April 1, 2020 at the Radisson Blu Hotel in Hamburg.

Deadline to vote is March 2, 2020.

Award winners will be featured in a special spread in PAX International, as well as in our e-Newsletter.

Don’t miss your chance. Make your voice heard.

VOTE NOW

AT PAX-INTL.COM

ASSOCIATION NEWS

“Passengers are willing to share more personal information if it removes hassle from their travel experience. But it’s clear that concerns over data privacy remain,” says Alexandre de Juniac, IATA’s Chief Executive Officer and Director General.

“While the majority of passengers want to use biometric identification instead of a paper passport, 53% of those that did not, said they were concerned about the security of their data.”

More than half of passengers (53%) said that they would be more likely to check their bag if they were able to track it throughout the journey. And 46% said that they want to be able to track their bag and have it delivered directly to an off-airport location, if that service were available.

Airlines and airports are working together to improve baggage information reliability by tracking baggage at major touch points such as loading and unloading. At its 75th annual general meeting, IATA resolved to support the global deployment of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) for baggage tracking. The survey indicated that

From check-in to gate, the majority of passengers want their personal technology at hand along their journey

48 DECEMBER 2019

80% of passengers want to wait no longer than three minutes to drop off a bag. This increased to 10 minutes for queuing at immigration/customs for 79% of travelers. And only 2% would accept a waiting time longer than 20 minutes. Passengers (74%) also want to wait no longer than 10 minutes for baggage delivery. And almost none want to wait longer than 20 minutes.

Further, 53% of surveyed passengers found onboard Wi-Fi important. The importance is the highest in Africa (71%), Latin America (68%) and the Middle East (67%) and the lowest in Europe (44%) and North America (49%).

Passengers once again identified airport security screening processes and border control as two of their biggest pain points when traveling.

Removing personal items was identified as a pain point by the most travelers (60%), closely followed by the removal of laptops and large electronic devices (48%) and variations in screening processes at different airports (41%).

To improve the boarding

experience, the top three suggestions from passengers are: • More efficient queuing at the boarding gate (60%) • Not needing to get a bus to the aircraft (51%) • More bin space for cabin luggage (46%) To improve the connection experience, the top three desires from travelers are the ability to forego security at the transfer airport (60%), not having to reclaim their bag at the transfer airport (59%) and not having to pass immigration at the transfer airport (55%).

What’s NEXTT for the industry

Many of the identified demands of passengers are covered by the NEXTT (New Experience in Travel and Technologies) initiative. The joint IATA and ACI (Airports Council International) effort seeks to develop a shared vision to enhance the on-ground transport experience, guide industry investments and help governments improve the regulatory framework.

T H E M I D D L E E A S T ’ S O N LY A I R C R A F T I N T E R I O R S E V E N T

It’s what’s inside that counts

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FACTS & FIGURES

Dreaming of Abu Dhabi The capital of the United Arab Emirates is set to host one of the region’s largest international food shows this month

1971

20,529 The number of trade visitors who attended SIAL Middle East 2018 from 90+ countries

On December 2, 1971, the first six UAE emirates combined as a federation

12 tons The weight of the world’s largest mosque chandelier, in Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, Abu Dhabi

82

US$1.93 billion

The amount of deals that were signed between exhibitors and visitors at last year’s SIAL event

The number of architectural domes on the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, in seven different sizes

Fifty-five How many laps drivers sped around Yas Marina Circuit for Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2019 on December 1

ONE

Abu Dhabi has its own central governing organ called the Executive Council, under which there are several departments and municipalities that carry out the emirate’s plans and policies

The GAHWA tradition Serving Arabic coffee, pronounced “gahwa” in Emirati Arabi dialect, to guests is an important element of hospitality and a symbolic act of generosity in Emirati society

10 chopped parsley leaves

0.94 mg grated lemon zest

A drizzle of truffle oil

Juice of 1 lime slice

16,000 soups a day.

Each with the perfect finishing touch.

5 g of beef bacon crumbles

29.5 mg coconut flakes

7.3 ml of yoghurt

1 fennel frond

12 toasted pumpkin seeds

A smidgen of paprika

A hint of nutmeg

1 finely chopped scallion head

4 crushed black pepper grains

5 tiny square-cut pieces of smoked salmon

A dab of togarashi

8 drops of balsamic vinegar

A drizzle of truffle oil

A touch of cayenne pepper

A trickle of hoisin sauce

9 cilantro leaves

A dash of hot sauce

12 drops of fish sauce

15 g of crumbled feta

8 croutons

1 finely chopped jalapeno

5 finely chopped coriander leaves

Discover our appetite for perfection at emiratesflightcatering.com At Emirates Flight Catering, we serve over 180,000 meals a day, each WYLWHYLK WYLJPZLS` [V [OL ]LY` OPNOLZ[ Z[HUKHYKZ >L VќLY H ]HYPLK international menu for customers to choose from, put together by the crème de la crème of chefs. So when it comes to making the world feel at home, the sky is not the limit for us.