PAX WTCE AIX 2021

SEPTEMBER 2021 • WWW.PAX-INTL.COM

WTCE Virtual

New s and analy sis for the passenger ser vices executive

Catering and cabin comfort

IN THE NEW WORLD

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EDITOR’S LETTER

PAX International PAX Tech Mississauga, Ontario Canada Tel: (1 905) 821-3344 Website: www.pax-intl.com

PUBLISHER Aijaz Khan E-mail: aijaz@globalmarketingcom.ca

EDITORIAL OFFICES Rick Lundstrom, Editor-in-Chief PAX Tech 723 Jefferson Street, NE Minneapolis, MN 55413, USA Tel: (1 612) 354-2343 Mobile: (1 612) 859-4502 E-mail: rick@pax-intl.com Jane Hobson, Editor Tel: (1 416) 997-3914 E-mail: jane@pax-intl.com Ash Khan, Social Media Coordinator E-mail: ash@pax-intl.com

CONTRIBUTORS Mary Jane Pittilla

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT OFFICES Kevin Greene, International Business Development Manager E-mail: kevin@pax-intl.com Tel : (1 519) 870-9836

ART DEPARTMENT Jessica Hearn, Art Director E-mail: jessica@globalmarketingcom.ca PAX International and PAX Tech are

Back to business

A

question that invariably comes up as we talk back and forth with each other on our computer screens is: when will business travel, the lifeblood of the industry, return in a significant way?

The Global Business Travel Association, which bills itself as the largest business travel association in the world, has been asking that question of its membership, and asking and asking again.

This August, the group released its 22nd poll. It came to the conclusion that despite “a bit of a detour” caused by the delta variant there are signs of progress.

And there is a substantial contingency with the willingness to get onboard.

In the group’s poll released August 26, 72 percent of the business travel buyers felt their employees were willing or very willing to travel on business.

Nearly half of the people polled (47 percent) see a moderate increase for September and running into November. Fifty-six percent of the people polled said their company’s travel spend will be increasing “somewhat” to “a lot.”

Only around a fifth of the travel buyers surveyed said their companies have introduced new restrictions on travel as a result of the increase in COVID-19 cases.

Further, almost half said their company is unlikely to introduce new restrictions.

The restlessness is even more pronounced in Europe, something we have experienced in recent weeks. The GBTA reports that 66 percent of the respondents from Europe said their companies are not likely to introduce new restrictions on non-essential business travel. Three quarters of the respondents from Europe say they expect to see business travel increase moderately or significantly in the September to November time frame.

The desire for international travel in Europe shows up daily on the PAX International Twitter feed (@paxintl) since the discussions Editor Jane Hobson has been having with Airline Passenger Experience Association CEO Dr. Joe Leader. APEX’s push to open up Europe – US travel has led to an outpouring of support. The hashtag #LiftTheTravelBan has resonated across social media in recent weeks. The response from many corners of the world has been gratifying and exciting. My hope is that such efforts translate into solid results especially as the first industry gathering that will allow face-to-face as opposed to screen-to-screen interaction is on track for October.

published a total of 10 times a year by PAX International, Mississauga, Ontario, 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. July 2019.

All rights reserved. Nothing may be reprinted in whole or in part without written permission from the publisher. © PAX International magazine

Rick Lundstrom Editor-in-Chief PAX International and PAX Tech

ISSN 1206-5714 Key title: Pax International

PAX-INTL.COM

3

CONTENTS

14

WTCE VIRTUAL COVERAGE

CATERING

22

24

KSML CONNECTION In a city that is known as an international crossroad, it is no surprise that Dubai’s largest airline caterer saw the need to establish a facility to supply certified food for one of the world’s major religions SUSTAINABLE SOUS VIDE Cuisine Solutions weighs in on its award-winning sous vide processing facility in San Antonio

ONBOARD EXPERIENCE

26

Features

28

14

30

PROFILE

16 20

POST-PANDEMIC PUSH With a new aircraft on order and a refurbished fleet of turboprops, Toronto-based Porter Airlines will set out to conquer a continent starting next year ON THE JOB Airport construction and a fattening flight schedule are taking place on Turkish Airlines, and the famous Flying Chefs are back in the skies AEROFLOT’S RUSSIAN EVOLUTION Russian flag carrier Aeroflot is proud of its rich heritage and, while a global network airline, it offers a distinctive sense of place both inside and outside the cabin

COMFORT CATEGORY GIP has introduced new products to its comfort collection, positioned to help airlines keep passengers calm and comfy in the cabin BETTER TOGETHER Sola has launched a rebrand to encompass all divisions under one unified brand image THE RIGHT MIX Few passengers browsing the extensive KrisShop catalog on Singapore Airlines will consider the effort on many fronts to bring them a buying experience that is now coming into its own in the aircraft cabin

GUEST COLUMN

32

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SEPTEMBER 2021 • WWW.PAX-INTL.COM

THE QUESTION IS WASTE Anne De Hauw, Founder of IN Air Travel Experience, Member of Board of Advisors at IAWMA, and Partner at The Hayward Partnership, discusses how a universal standard on waste handling could benefit global aviation FLYING TOWARD NET ZERO Alison Wells, Co-Founder and Director at Plane Talking Products, discusses how suppliers and the industry at large can work toward change that benefits the environment

New s and analy sis for the passenger ser vices executive

Catering and cabin comfort

IN THE NEW WORLD

ON THE COVER Kosher Arabia has established a facility to supply certified kosher meals. Read more on page 22.

FOOD & BEVERAGE

35

ONBOARD BITES DFMi, sales and marketing company for culinary solutions, showcases trendy snacks ideal for inflight snackers

EVENTS

58

Departments EDITOR’S NOTE

3

NEWS

8

ASSOCIATION NEWS

57

WHAT’S HOT

61

4 SEPTEMBER 2021

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AIX AND WTCE VIRTUAL Hosted on a fully digital platform, WTCE and AIX Virtual will enable the entire supply chain of cabin interior and onboard services professionals to reconnect from September 14 to 16 NOT LONG ‘TIL LONG BEACH CEO Dr. Joe Leader gives an update on the what to expect at APEX/IFSA EXPO, as well APEX’s pressure on the U.S. to open doors to vaccinated travelers from Europe CRUISIN’ INTO CONFERENCE SEASON The Cruise Ship Hospitality Expo (CSH) and Cruise Ship Interiors Expo (CSI) is set to take place in Miami Beach this October

®

™

CONTENTS

AIX VIRTUAL COVERAGE

Features IFE

44 46

AUTOMATING PORTABLES Portable IFE, now on thousands of aircraft, has caught the attention of regulators in Europe and one manufacturer talked with PAX Tech about its solutions SOUNDS OF SUCCESS Global Inflight Products has adapted to trends in inflight headsets for decades, now showcasing its latest line of soothing sound products

SEATING

48

WEIGHING IN In this Q&A, Markus Höllerer, Head of Strategy and Products at Recaro Aircraft Seating, takes PAX Tech through all the considerations and steps to produce a lightweight, award-winning seat

50 IN THEIR ELEMENT

Two companies with their design fingerprints on airline cabins around the world are collaborating on the next generation of airline seating

50

INTERIORS

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PROTECTING PASSENGER HEALTH International Water-Guard introduces its collection of touchless lavatory products

TECH ADDING DIMENSION TO DESIGN

SEPTEMBER 2021 | www.pax-intl.com

THE JOURNEY BEGINS WITH KYDEX® THERMOPLASTICS

AIX Virtual

MRO, Interiors & IFEC

IFE, SEATING AND TECH

TO IMPRESS

ON THE COVER Recaro’s CL6720 lightweight Business Class seat was an award winner this summer.

PAX Tech talks with the company’s Head of Strategy and Products on page 48.

54

56 TOGETHER IN TECH

IdeaNova Technologies introduces its Inplay WeWatch feature that allows passengers to say connected while enjoying their favorite titles

EVENTS

kydex.com

58

Departments EDITOR’S NOTE

3

NEWS

40

ASSOCIATION NEWS

57

WHAT’S HOT

62

6 SEPTEMBER 2021

DIGITAL DUO AERQ, the collaboration between two high-tech giants in their respective industries, is ready to bring its platform to the aircraft cabin

59

AIX AND WTCE VIRTUAL Hosted on a fully digital platform, WTCE and AIX Virtual will enable the entire supply chain of cabin interior and onboard services professionals to reconnect from September 14 to 16 NOT LONG ‘TIL LONG BEACH CEO Dr. Joe Leader gives an update on the what to expect at APEX/IFSA EXPO, as well APEX’s pressure on the U.S. to open doors to vaccinated travelers from Europe

60 CRUISIN’ INTO CONFERENCE SEASON

The Cruise Ship Hospitality Expo (CSH) and Cruise Ship Interiors Expo (CSI) is set to take place in Miami Beach this October

A new look to match our values.

Designing and delivering solutions to the Global travel industry has been part of our business since the first inflight services began.

Our new corporate identity proudly reflects our 100 year history of innovation, product design and service.

Introducing the new sola-cutlery.com

Today, served by Sola

NEWS

SUPPLIER

Kaelis launches comfort set for MEA Lebanon’s national carrier Middle East Airlines (MEA) has tapped Kaelis to create a Business Class comfort set.

The contemporary set includes a blanket and pillow.

The quilted blanket is made of microfiber to distribute heat evenly, featuring an embroidered logo for a sophisticated touch. It is large to provide comfortable rest while flying on MEA’s routes.

Available in two colors: grey and azure blue.

Following the same color palette as the blanket, the pillow has a distinguished and contemporary design with geometric patterns. As a final touch, the MEA logo is thoughtfully placed on the front. The pillowcase is made of peach skin so the texture is soft and comfortable.

“This comfort set excels on its materials, constructs and provides a warm and cozier travel experience. The designs and colors give an elegant and contemporary look to the whole set as it increases the loyalty of MEA’s passengers,” reads the August 19 press release from Kaelis.

The blanket and pillow comfort set made

by Kaelis for Middle East Airlines

PEOPLE

dnata picks Managing Director for Singapore Musdalifa Abdullah, Managing Director Singapore, dnata

dnata announced in July the appointment of Musdalifa Abdullah as the company’s Managing Director for operations in Singapore. Abdullah will oversee dnata’s ground handling, cargo and catering operations at Changi Airport in Singapore. He will manage a team of 1,800 employees, for more than 40 airline customers.

A Singapore national, Abdullah joined dnata in 2017.

As Chief Financial Officer for dnata’s Asia Pacific Region, he has played an important role in the transformation and innovative development of dnata Singapore in the last few years. Before joining dnata, Abdullah held several senior positions within the aviation industry in Singapore and the United Arab Emirates.

SUPPLIER

Zibo Rainbow updates shortand long-haul amenity kits Since the outbreak of COVID-19, inflight products supplier Zibo Rainbow has updated its short- and long-haul amenity kits by including face mask, hand sanitizer, antiseptic wipes, gloves and more. With many years of industry experience, the company is devoted to providing airlines with suitable passenger travel protection solutions.

Zibo Rainbow has also created hygiene kits for passengers and crew. The content can be custom-

8 SEPTEMBER 2021

ized, including face mask, hand sanitizer, antiseptic wipes, gloves, head cap, shoe cover, face shield, gowns and more, depending on the airline requirement.

“We can design and suggest the packing bag suitable for the hygiene kit with customized printing and size,” reads the press release. The company encourages any interested parties to reach out.

Endless reusability for JetBlue

A consciously designed concept with a reusable storage pouch and socks made from 100% recycled PET fabrics. Created to travel with JetBlue customers long beyond their journey.

NEWS

PEOPLE

En Route International announces new Managing Director En Route International has tapped Nick Wiley Nick Wiley, Global as Global Managing Managing Director. Wiley brings Director, En Route more than 25-years’ International experience, working with companies that include Marks & Spencer, GrandMet, Exel and Geest. Most recently, he led the UK and Ireland operations of a global manufacturing and distribution business.

“With the experienced team at En Route, I’m excited to invest in further innovation and open new business segments, developing more products consumers love and fostering a high-performance culture across our global network. I have always relied on building strong and effective relationships with customers and listening to and understanding their needs. I intend to do the same here, listening intently and delivering on our promises,” Wiley said.

En Route expanded its non-aviation business during 2020, trialing products with a leading British retailer and progressing towards its launch of direct-to-consumer sales. En Route has invested in the development of alternative packaging as it works with airlines to reduce and remove plastic, non-recyclable and nonbiodegradable packaging from the supply chain.

Wiley will be based at its head office in Windsor, UK.

CATERING

SATS to build central kitchen in India SATS Ltd. (SATS) announced in July plans to build a S$37 million (US$27.2 million), 14,000 square meter central kitchen in Bengaluru, India.

The unit is expected to produce up to 170,000 ready-toeat meals per day and be operational in 2022. The central kitchen will be located at Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru (KIAB/BLR Airport), where SATS has signed a deal for a 27,000 square meter plot with Bengaluru Airport City Limited (BACL). SATS already has a long-standing relationship with Bengaluru Airport through two of its associate companies that already operate there – aviation food solutions provider TajSATS and ground handler AISATS. SATS says it intends to combine its understanding of the latest food trends and authentic Indian flavors, as well as harness product and packaging innovation capabilities, using a wide range of food technologies such as fresh, cook-chill, and advanced ambient and frozen technology, to distribute and export products. Through its digital integrated supply chain, SATS is able to aggregate demand and efficiently scale production to serve different customer needs in India’s domestic market and overseas.

SATS intends to train 300 staff at the production facility.

The new SATS unit will be located near Kempegowda International Airport

SUPPLIER

Bayart Innovations unveils Business Class kit for Air Caraïbes Bayart Innovations has unveiled its latest amenity kit collaboration with French airline partner Air Caraïbes.

The new Business Class MADRAS amenity kit pouch is composed of a sweat pouch with loop patch. Available in four designs and shades from blue to grey, it includes an eye-mask with nose cover, a dental kit, a pair of socks, a shoe bag, a comb, a pair of earplugs, and a pair of headphone covers. It also has a full set of L’Occitane cosmetic products with an almond hand cream, shea face cream and a lip balm. The generous offer of three L’Occitane products made in France help further leverage the luxurious experience of the passen-

10 SEPTEMBER 2021

ger. The pouches have a unique and innovative design which makes them a trendy accessory for the traveler.

MADRAS pouch by Bayart Innovations comes in four colors

NEWS

COMPANY

Retail inMotion partners with Eurowings Discover to deliver onboard retail program Retail inMotion (RiM) has joined forces with Eurowings Discover, the new leisure airline of the Lufthansa Group, to bring food & beverage and boutique products to passengers.

The catalog offers a mix of beauty products such as Nuxe 50 SPF sunscreen, outdoor must-haves like Active Bird ultralight foldable Rucksack, and sustainable items like Bracenet Bracelet, which is handmade from old or savaged fishing nets. Economy Class passengers can enjoy a premium selection of alcoholic beverages, as well as sweet and salty snacks.

Eurowings Discover is the first airline to have a fully digital and immersive magazine on board, which was made possible through Retail inMotion’s exclusive partnership with technology led digital magazine publisher e-Mersion Media (e-MM), announced in late 2020. The partnership will help airlines to stay engaged and connected with their passengers, via an immersive mobile communications platform, and to generate revenue via untapped channels in the magazine industry.

Furthermore, the new platform enables airline advertisers to gain value and profit from their adverts as a result of tracked reader analytics and interaction with the ads as well as direct from page e-commerce capability. The new retail offer became available on Eurowings Discover’s flights starting on July 24, 2021.

Change for Good With the travel sector being a major contributor to global waste pollution, NOW is the time to change the way you buy your consumable products...

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T +44 (0)1962 761747 E info@planetalking.net www.planetalking.net @plane_products

12 SEPTEMBER 2021

PROFILE

Post-pandemic push With a new aircraft on order and a refurbished fleet of turboprops, Toronto-based Porter Airlines will set out to conquer a continent starting next year

by RICK LUNDSTROM

During the Shutdown, Porter’s fleet of Dash 8-400s were painted and refurbished

F

or the past 15 years, Porter Airlines has earned local popularity with a stylish brand of service appealing equally to business and leisure travelers and an ideal location within a short drive or walk from the condominiums and banks in Toronto’s financial district.

However starting next year, Porter will be boldly swimming into much larger waters filled with new competition. It will also be the first airline in

Porter Airlines President and CEO Michael Deluce

14 SEPTEMBER 2021

North America to take the latest aircraft from Embraer boasting environmental bona fides and a transcontinental range.

But first things first, Porter has to get flying again. And this summer, the airline was planning a launch for September 8.

Porter has spent the last 15 months shut down by the COVID-19 pandemic.

As vaccinations increased and case numbers dropped in Canada in late summer, it was poised to call back approximately 500 employees. Some will be working on its fleet of 29 de Havilland Dash 8-400s that have spent pandemic months in a total refurbishment.

“We took advantage of the pandemic as it became clear that this would be a prolonged event,” says the airline’s President and CEO Michael Deluce. “We have spent a significant amount of capital investment on our existing fleet.”

The Dash 8-400s in the Porter fleet are averaging 10 years old.

But in September when they again take to the air out of Billy Bishop Airport on Toronto Island, passengers will see an aircraft with a top-to-bottom

refurbishment. Porter has replaced the seating with a lightweight product from Expliseat. Carpeting, sidewalls, overhead bins and lavatories also have a new look.

As for the second half of 2022, the focus of operations will be shared from Billy Bishop Airport Toronto City Airport to Toronto Pearson Airport and beyond when Porter will receive the first orders of Embraer’s E195-E2 aircraft. Though assembled in Brazil, Porter has taken pains to put a Canadian mark on the aircraft as much as possible.

More than 37 percent of the aircraft will be from Canada based aerospace companies. Pratt & Whitney will be supplying the geared-turbofan engines.

Thales in Ontario will be supplying avionics and Alta Precision in Quebec will supply the main landing gear.

Other suppliers are yet to be determined. Deluce said the airline is still deciding on many of the cabin products from seating to IFE and will be making announcements in the months ahead as they prepare to launch the E2 service out of Toronto, Montreal, Ottawa and Halifax. From those locations the aircraft - which seats

Porter’s E195-E2s hold between 120 and 146 passengers

between 120 and 146 passengers - will fan out with a transcontinental reach.

In the late-July announcement of the order, Embraer’s Arjan Meijer said the E2 with Porter would be making a “stunning North American debut.”

Though still short on specifics now, the new aircraft will have much of the earmarks of the Flying Refined model that has given Porter the high Net Promoter Score earned before the pandemic. The airline served complimentary beer and wine in glassware and had a selection of premium snacks. Cabin configurations had not been decided in late summer, but Porter emphasized that there would be no middle seat.

A map on the Porter website shows the city-pair plans for the E2. The initial order from Porter is for 30 aircraft with options for another 50. Over the upcoming years of expansion, Deluce says that the number of employees at Porter could grow from the pre-pandemic total of 1,400 to more than 6,000.

A few of the airlines pilots will be getting grounded soon on the E2.

At the of July, Porter announced an eight-year agreement with FlightSafety

Porter’s planned network with the longer-range E195-E2s

International to build North America’s first E2 flight simulator, which will take its first pilot training in April.

The E2 will be the latest aircraft being produced with a focus on sustainability and the environment. The airline says that the E2 operates 65 percent quieter than aircraft of previous generations and carbon emissions are 25 percent lower per seat. While such goals are really part of every airline’s present planning, the need for efficiency and sustainability is acutely felt within Porter, says Deluce.

“Billy Bishop airport is obviously an urban airport that interacts with the community,” he says. “And I think that is really ingrained in our DNA — that sort of need to be sensitive to the

local community and the balance between airport and community.”

The first routes with the E2 will be announced in the future, however Deluce says they will be a familiar group of cities with high appeal to leisure and business travel. Porter also has its ambitions set on destinations in Mexico and the Caribbean — routes that, in the past required making a connection.

“We really think this will elevate service in North America and really provide a competitive choice for customers and — you know —shake things up,” says Deluce. “So it is something we are very focused on, looking forward to, and our entire team is excited to execute on this.”

PAX-INTL.COM

15

PROFILE

On the

job Airport construction and a fattening flight schedule are taking place on Turkish Airlines, and the famous Flying Chefs are back in the skies

Business Class comfort on Turkish Airlines

S

ummer came and left this year with many airlines still looking for ways to restore lagging flight schedules and revive international and business travel, which will be vital to any sustained recovery from what has occurred in the last 18 months.

While certainly feeling the strain of the COVID-19 pandemic like every other player in the industry, Turkish Airlines moved through the last year and a half still flying to more than 200 destinations.

Kerem Sarp, Senior Vice President for Sales at Turkish Airlines

16 SEPTEMBER 2021

by RICK LUNDSTROM

Daily flights climbed to nearly 800 in early spring, and by the time summer travel would normally have started in full, Turkish Airlines surpassed the 1,000 daily flight mark. About that same time, the first of the grounded Flying Chefs were again masked up and in the cabin on flights of eight hours or more.

The airline that boasts more international destinations than any other in the world, is now directing its focus across the Atlantic, at its 14 gateway cities in North America, with the intention of adding two more to its network; Dallas on September 24 and later Denver.

But even an airline with a vast network and robust schedule could not emerge from the worst of the COVID-19 pandemic unscathed.

Istanbul Airport, which opened with two runways in April 2019 took a hit like everywhere else.

“Despite a 68 percent traffic loss, Istanbul Airport (IST) outperformed its competitors and was Europe’s most successful airport in December 2020,” Kerem Sarp, Senior Vice President for Sales at Turkish Airlines, tells PAX International. “A result buoyed by

Turkish Airlines performance.”

When traffic lessoned, the airline converted 50 of its passenger aircraft to freighter configuration to meet the (still large) demand for international cargo. More than 50,000 tons of health products and medical equipment have been hauled since the beginning of the pandemic. The airline developed solutions to carry COVID-19 vaccines while maintaining time and temperature ranges.

“Now it has the necessary infrastructure to carry all kinds of COVID-19 vaccines,” says Sarp.

In the cabin

With such priorities being handled in one part of the airline, other departments specializing in the passenger experience were being pressed into service, with the help of its longtime catering partner DO & CO. A new food service protocol was in place in May, when Flying Chefs again took to the air. Meal service is now preplated and served with a cover. Trolley service for appetizers and desserts has been eliminated. The Flying Chefs were filled in on the changes via online meet-

Cabin crew prepare aircraft for one of the 1,000 daily flights now operated by Turkish Airlines

ings. The Chefs are also now onboard some of the airline’s short-haul flights.

Hot meal service has been restored in Business Class and Economy Class on flights of more than two hours 15 minutes. Among some the recent menu items were: Breakfasts of Honeycomb from Erzincan and “kaymack” clotted cream from Afyon. A grilled flat pastry called Gozleme filled with cheese and spinach, a selection of aged Turkish cheeses and cheese and tomato omelet.

For dinners, the airline featured Turkish Style meatballs, sautéed zucchini and red pepper, grilled swordfish brochette, traditional “dolma” varieties with minced beef filled vine leaves and zucchini and an eggplant with minced beef, tomato sauce and yogurt.

Turkish DO & CO is now handling operations from a new unit at IST. Sarp says the caterer will be extending its current unit and building a new one at the airport as traffic volumes increase.

IFE and Connectivity

Turkish Airlines is flying with IFE hardware from both Panasonic Avionics and Thales Avionics depending on the aircraft type and has developed

During the downturn in travel, Turkish Airlines kept many of its aircraft parked at IST

some unique partnerships for content and headsets for its widebody fleet.

On flights of eight hours or longer, the airline has selected Denon as a supplier for its noise-canceling headsets.

Passengers wearing the high-quality product can access a backbone of audio from an inflight music platform called My Music Planet, which features content from Universal Music Group.

The collection is massive, with more than 750,000 songs from 3,500 artists as well as a cache of live concerts, backstage footage and music charts. The airline has also partnered with Disney and several other film companies.

Turkish Airlines is working with Türk Telekom to form the infrastructure for its high-speed wireless Internet that is aboard five aircraft types.

PAX-INTL.COM

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PROFILE

With help from the airline’s Flying Chefs, stylish meals are again part of the Turkish Airlines service

Through personal electronic devices, passengers can access broadband Wi-Fi. The service is currently available for purchase in Economy Class, while Business Class passengers can access up to one gigabyte complimentary.

A glittering home

The new Istanbul Airport is now three runways into a multi-phase construction process that will eventually grow the to six runways. With half that number now operating, IST has grown from 80 to 120 takeoffs per day, and passenger capacity has increased to 90 million per year.

Turkish Airlines this summer began operations out its cargo facility, and offices have been opened for the airline’s maintenance arm Turkish Technic. The cargo facility was an important step, says Sarp as it will be operational during a period where the airline will be seeing record demand.

Next phase will be the construction of an east-west runway and another terminal building to accommodated 30 million passengers. In the fourth and final phase, a fifth parallel runway will be built and a satellite terminal with a passenger capacity of 30 million will be put into service and the airport will be at its capacity of 200 million passengers per year. Due to the changeable conjuncture based on the pandemic, all the large plans for the airport are still in a state of flux and will depend on investment and time, Sarp adds.

“With the normalization of the industry after the pandemic the investment dates of the phases will begin to become clear,” he points out.

But even in its less-than-potential operating capacity, Sarp says IST has served an important purpose for Turkish Airlines. The airport complex afforded the airline additional parking capacity for grounded aircraft. When social distancing was stressed at airports around the world, IST was new, with a hygienic and comfortable, spacious area for passengers.

“Thanks to the facilities offered to us by the airport, we introduced contactless check-in and baggage delivery processes to our guests,” Sarp says.

TURKISH AIRLINES’ TK EXTRA CARE

Turkish Airlines this summer announced a partnership with Dr. Mehmet Oz, world-renowned surgeon, author, and television personality, to educate the public on protection protocols for every point of contact throughout their journey.

The TK Extra Care program is a high-quality protection protocol for every point of contact through the passenger journey. It consists of five stages; pre-flight, airport, boarding, in the cabin and disembarking.

Passengers can check in online, either through the mobile app or website. They can visit Turkish Airlines’ website or the IATA Travel Center to find up to date help information before the flight, such as admission to the flight and entry conditions for the destination.

The promotional video recommends travelers to bring spare face masks to last throughout travel and to change mask every four hours.

At the airport, the TK Extra Care program reminds passengers to mask up and use disinfectants that are available. At IST, body temperature is measured upon arrival at the airport and all baggage is disinfected by a UV system at the entrance. One and a half meter social distancing between people is required and see-through barriers are set up at check-in, boarding, transfer and passport control service points. Contactless bag drop is available and boarding pass checks are also offered.

When boarding, temperatures are checked again, then passenger enter the aircraft in small groups. Every aircraft is cleaned in detail with disinfectants after each flight and HEPA filter-equipped to renew air every three minutes. Turkish now has ‘Hygiene Experts’ aboard all flights. They are responsible for things such as cleaning sinks and ensuring the use of masks. As part of the program, every passenger is given a hygiene kit with mask, hand sanitizer and antiseptic wipes.

Turkish Airlines is battling COVID-19 with the help of Dr. Mehmet Oz and onboard hygiene kits

18 SEPTEMBER 2021

PROFILE

Aeroflot’s Russian evolution

by MARY JANE PITTILLA

Aeroflot’s tableware, developed by designers Mikhail Chistiakov and Yulia Chistiakova, won a Red Dot Award in June 2021 (Photo copyright Mikhail Chistiakov and Yulia Chistiakova)

Russian flag carrier Aeroflot is proud of its rich heritage and while a global network airline it offers a distinctive sense of place both inside and outside the cabin

B

oasting almost a century-long history, Aeroflot is the calling card of Russia across the world. The airline aims to infuse Russian hospitality and top international standards, and its mission as Russia’s flag carrier has manifested itself in numerous forms both inside and outside the aircraft cabin.

Aeroflot Group is going through a major transformation aimed at implementing its strategic goals (Strategy 2028), developing the route network and enhancing service quality as part of its premium segment development.

This season, Aeroflot is looking to resume international flights as borders gradually reopen. In recent months, Aeroflot has begun rebuilding its international route network with a long-haul focus on Asia and new leisure destinations. It recently began international operations from the newest Terminal C of Moscow Sheremetyevo Airport.

20 SEPTEMBER 2021

One of Aeroflot’s strongest competitive advantages is its fleet, which is one of the youngest fleets of any global carrier operating more than 100 aircraft.

In 2020, Airbus A350 deliveries began making Aeroflot the first operator in Russia of the world’s most advanced wide-body passenger aircraft. The latest addition to the fleet is the A320neo, featuring an ergonomic interior layout. Both types have brought greater efficiencies and a new level of comfort for passengers while enhancing the airline’s environmental credentials.

The three-class A350 cabin layout has 28 private business class suites, including two-meter full-flat beds. As well as privacy and space, the suites come fitted with a 54 centimeter screen.

The Business Class cabin also has a bar offering drinks and snacks. Economy and Comfort Class offer increased legroom and seat pitch. The spacious cabin, reduced noise and adaptive

lighting create a relaxing atmosphere.

The A320neo is configured with 12 Business Class seats and 144 Economy Class seats. The seat pitch of Business Class seats is 96.5 centimeters, that of Economy Class seats is up to 76.2 centimeters. The Economy Class seats feature an ergonomic backrest and an adjustable headrest, and Business Class seats are fitted with 13-inch HD monitors, individual sockets and USB ports.

In the latest news, Aeroflot has just unveiled its first long-range 777 aircraft with retrofitted cabin. The cabin is configured with 28 Super Diamond NG seat from Collins Aerospace equipped with sliding doors in Business Class, 24 seats in Comfort Class and 375 seats in Economy Class. All seats come in high-quality jacquard upholstery. The seat pitch in Economy Class averages 80 centimeters, in Comfort Class 96 centimeters. Business Class passengers enjoy individual suites, boasting sliding doors, an extra armrest, an 18.5-inch HD monitor and two-metre full-flat bed.

Award-winning tableware

A sense of place is evident throughout the cabin. Aeroflot’s tableware, devel-

Aeroflot has just unveiled its first long-range 777 aircraft with retrofitted cabin seating in high-quality jacquard upholstery

The latest addition to the Aeroflot fleet is the A320neo, featuring an ergonomic interior layout

oped by designers Mikhail Chistiakov and Yulia Chistiakova, won a Red Dot Award in June 2021. Aeroflot’s tableware concept showcases a contemporary reinterpretation of the Russian table culture with a traditional appeal. The sets, including porcelain, cutlery, glassware and paper products, are available on all of the airline’s flights.

The airline regularly introduces new menus several times a year. Leading chefs from Russia and from all over the world take part in creating Aeroflot menus. The current menu was designed by a team of chefs of Aeromar. JSC Aeromar is Russia’s is Aeroflot’s long-standing

partner, with the inclusion of certain dishes created by celebrated chefs from Moscow and St Petersburg. Russian cuisine often centers around ancient recipes.

The culinary art is based on the ability to take the best of the season from nature.

Attention to detail is also evident in inflight entertainment and connectivity.

Onboard the newest A350, in addition to the latest-generation Panasonic eX3 IFE system, HD screens and Wi-Fi connectivity aim to ensure an enhanced experience for all passengers on long-haul flights. On the A320neo, passengers can connect to the wireless IFE system on their personal devices,

or get high-speed Wi-Fi internet access.

HD monitors are available in Business Class. Aeroflot has also modified wireless IFE systems on its 737 and A320/321 aircraft. Now, to access the versatile inflight multimedia program, passengers can connect their devices to the onboard Wi-Fi network, launch a browser and select a content category, including movies, TV series, audiobooks, music and children’s channel. There is no need to use Aeroflot’s entertainment mobile app or cinema player.

AEROFLOT BOOSTS CHILDREN’S AMENITY KIT RANGE

Aeroflot’s Business Class amenity kits, supplied by AK-SerThe award-winning children’s kits are available on all vice, are designed to maintain the highest level of passenger flights in all service classes. Aeroflot now offers activity packs comfort onboard. with age-appropriate infotainment materials for children of The kits include all the necessary components for a good all age groups: zero to two years, three to five and six to 11. rest during the flight, with an eye mask and slippers, souvenir pen, hairbrush, shoehorn, toothbrush and toothpaste, as well as face and hands moisturizers and lip balm by a luxury brand.

Aeroflot has expanded its range of children’s amenity kits, which are now available to even its baby passengers. Kits comprise a handy bag, a colorful soft toy book, an age-appropriate soft toy puzzle, and a pack of hypoallergenic wet Aeroflot’s expanded range of children’s amenity kits include a handy bag, wipes designed for kids under two years old. a colorful soft toy book and an age-appropriate soft toy puzzle

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CATERING

An example of the kosher onboard offering. Kosher Arabia currently has one Israeli airline as a customer

KSML connection In a city that is known as an international crossroad, it is no surprise that Dubai’s largest airline caterer saw the need to establish a facility to supply certified food for one of the world’s major religions

Matthew Rickard, General Manager of Kosher Arabia

by RICK LUNDSTROM

T

he Executive Chef of Kosher Arabia in Dubai hails from New Zealand. Senior Sous Chefs are from Syria and Morocco. Mixed in with the culinary team are kosher supervisors from South Africa and Israel. The back house has managers from Nepal and India.

The diverse group faces one big challenge as the COVID-19 virus recedes in much of the world: bring the complex and exacting standards of kosher food to an also complex task of catering aircraft.

Certified meals move to hospitality venues throughout a teeming city and later this year to a World’s Fair. The ribbon was cut in the stand-alone facility last April. The ceremony included addresses from shareholder spokespeople from both Emirates Flight Catering which designed and developed the facility and CCL Holdings. The traditional

22 SEPTEMBER 2021

Mezuzah, a piece of parchment called a klaf contained in a decorative case and inscribed with Hebrew verses from the Torah, was placed at the entrance of the facility when it was officially opened by Rabbi Krakowski, head of the Orthodox Union’s Israel branch.

Operations were just getting started at Kosher Arabia when activity in the world slowed down and in some cases ground to a halt. Now, the first airline customer from Israel is receiving regular catering and the city’s hospitality industry is demanding similar meals.

From its location at Al Maktoum International Airport (DWC) in Dubai South (approximately 40 minutes’ drive from DXB), Kosher Arabia is working toward its goal of supplying up to 2,000 meals per day. In its rotation are 10 menus for airlines to choose from.

“The over-arching culinary direction

is inspired by Sephardic cuisines with flavors of the Middle East and the Mediterranean with some staple favorites taking center stage, such as smoked salmon and salt beef for breakfast,” Matthew Rickard, General Manager of Kosher Arabia, tells PAX International.

Kosher meals have long been one of the most often requested special meals aboard on commercial flights. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) adopted the code KSML for the meals as well as KCML for children’s kosher meals. There is also a code SKML for meals that have a special certificate originating in Jerusalem.

Lead time for most special meal orders runs from 24 to 72 hours, however most airlines can still accommodate a special meal in a day’s notice.

Like any other world cuisine kosher flavors run the gamut and rely heavily

RED ISHES PREPA POPULAR D ARABIA

BY KOSHER ed lant with Spic Stuffed Eggp o, at Onion, Tom Sweet Potato Spinach and Lamb, Yemini Spiced den Raisins, Wild Rice, Gol Dressing Soya Yogurt , an Sea Bass Baked Chile , ce Onion Ri Caramelized mato Salsa To Herb and wich on Rye

Rueben Sand

ownie, Chocolate Br y rr Compote Sour Strawbe

At full capacity, Kosher Arabia will be able to produce 2,000 meals per day

on fresh ingredients. “In the menu composition we think about the textures of every dish ensuring that there is contrast across the tray, with light, heavy, smoothness and crunch,” adds Rickard.

The company also prepares products for a longer shelf life and when logistics and time require them for transit and storage. The international mix of well-known entrees and side dishes are suited to a freeze-thaw process.

They also have to carefully consider the purity of the kosher process that consumers trust. Any product that is packaged must carry the kosher seal. To accomplish the task, Kosher Arabia relies on two groups —The Kashrut Division of the Orthodox Union (OU) and the South African Union of Orthodox Synagogues (OUS). Kosher Arabia, and by extension Emirates Flight Catering, handles all the food production supervision, while CCL Holdings provides certification and production supervision including support for menu development and foodstuff procurement. The unit serves only OU Glatt kosher meats, prepared in a designated meat kitchen. The breads are Pas Yisroel, baked in the Parev kitchen.

The United Arab Emirates is highly dependent on imports. However, Rickard says that the unit can buy cooking oil, spices and wraps locally. When sourcing becomes more complicated, it looks to partners in the area who can produce kosher items from their facility at DWC.

Kosher Arabia is also looking to get fresh produce from Emirates Flight Catering’s vertical farm, which will be a valuable source because fresh produce is grown in an environment free from insects, which are prohibited by the laws of kosher.

With the recent diplomatic agreement between the UAE and Israel, many would conclude that demand for kosher products would grow. However, Saeed Mohammed, former Chief Executive Officer at EKFC told PAX International last fall that it was only part of the reason for opening a kosher facility. He said the UAE has always had a demand for kosher products and the nation sees the possibility of up to 50,000 visitors per year from around that world that would require kosher cuisine throughout their stay.

The UAE is home to people from 200 nations including a thriving Jewish community. In September 2019, the UAE announced the construction of an interfaith complex in Abu Dhabi that will have a Jewish synagogue, a Christian church and Islamic mosque.

The Sustainability focus

Any facility, airline catering or not, has to keep an eye on sustainability and environmentally safe products in the 21st century. In the past, Rickard says that kosher products were traditionally packaged heavily with an eye to preserving purity. However, now the facility

is confident it can pare back the excess packaging and still preserve the quality and standards that make the food kosher.

“Wherever possible, we have removed single use plastics and foils from our meal packaging, and we will continue to work hard to eliminate such materials further,” he says. “Kosher food is often ‘over packaged’ to ensure kosher integrity, with layers of plastic and flow wrap, which are not only detrimental to the planet, but the excess packaging is cumbersome for the consumer in the seat.”

Among the green products that are used are paper and board products from sustainable forestry sources, cutlery made from avocado stones and PLA containers. Plastic and foils have been dramatically reduced and the majority of the packaging is compostable or biodegradable, says Rickard.

Kosher Arabia has just begun supplying airlines and so far, has one carrier from Israel as a customer. But as the brand grows and the travel industry recovers, Rickard sees increased demand for its offerings. Visitors to the country will also have the opportunity to sample the company’s offerings when it supplies meals to (the postponed) Dubai Expo 2020, which will start October 1 and run through March 31, 2022, postponed due to the pandemic.

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23

CATERING

Sustainable sous vide Cuisine Solutions weighs in on its award-winning sous vide processing facility in San Antonio

Gerard Bertholon, Chief Strategy Officer, Cuisine Solutions

by JANE HOBSON

T

he pandemic wreaked havoc on the passenger services industry. Occupancy rates are fluctuating, labor availability is low, ingredients and commodities markets are ever-changing, and supply chain disruptions create outages on basic materials. Transportation leaders across sectors have turned to Cuisine Solutions, the global sous vide manufacturer, to ensure consistency, predictability and labor pressure relief.

The company has been helping airlines withstand the labor shortage. It supplies ingredients that chefs can then add their signature style to, building a diverse menu, helping combat the current staffing situation, reducing waste, and with delicious options.

And in April, the company was named Food Engineering Magazine’s ‘2021 Sustainable Plant of the Year’ for its processing facility in San Antonio, Texas. With nearly US$200 million in investment and 315,000 square feet, it is the largest such facility in the world. Cuisine Solutions tapped development group Cambridge Holdings LLC to complete the project.

The magazine recognizes Cuisine Solutions for its sustainability commitment in design, construction, and operations. The plant features solar installations, storm water management and a water recycling program. In August PAX International spoke to Gerard Bertholon, Cuisine Solutions’ Chief Strategy Officer, on what this accomplishment means.

“Every time we build a new plant, we try to do better. It’s part of our core values to continually innovate,” says Bertholon.

24 SEPTEMBER 2021

Cuisine Solutions has five other plants: Louviers, France; Alexandria, Virginia; Sterling, Virginia; Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; and, Bangkok, Thailand. It also founded Emirates Cuisine Solutions, a joint effort by Emirates Flight Catering and Cuisine Solutions to designate a Dubai facility as the exclusive sous vide supplier in the MENA region.

The San Antonio facility features a 300-space parking lot, shaded by solar panels and available for purchase by local residents. Residents reap the benefits of the panels without needing to install them at their homes – preserving energy and claiming a tax credit for the next 25 years.

“Water management was of the utmost importance to us when constructing the plant because it’s the best medium to control the perfect cooking temperature. It’s crucial for sous vide method and we wanted to be thoughtful about our use,” Bertholon says.

The parking area and roof are outfitted with bioswales designed to assist with storm water runoff and remove pollution. The water runs through the bioswales, is filtered and then reused.

The San Antonio facility is recognized for its commitment to sustainability in design, construction and operations

A recycling program was developed so water used in the cooking process is filtered and used again for future batches. This reduces potable water consumption by 30 percent, surpassing minimum code requirements.

“The only water that is not reused is the water for cleaning due to the use of chemicals and sanitizer,” Bertholon explains.

The facilities are not the only aspect of Cuisine Solutions’ sustainabilityfocused business model. The company has offered plant-based products for years, like fire roasted red pepper sauce and vegan bolognese.

Bertholon says some airlines are replacing meats and animal products with plant-based equivalents, guaranteeing food that is fresh, consistent, and safe for passengers as it is RTE (ready to eat).

“The Thailand plant helped develop Thai-inspired plant-based meals, multiple different curry sauces, coconut oatmeal and egg bites, all very popular,” he says. “From airlines to hotels and cruises, everybody needs a plant-based option.

Some of those companies don’t have the qualification or the knowledge to create these products, so they come to us.”

ONBOARD EXPERIENCE

Comfort category GIP has introduced new products to its comfort collection, positioned to help airlines keep passengers calm and comfy in the cabin

The Avioluxe Cushion by GIP is an ultra-lightweight and foldable cushion that adds support and comfort without taking up much room in the cabin

The new comfort collection from GIP offers premium duvets, comforters, blankets, support cushions and pillow cases

by JANE HOBSON

I

t seems this is the new era for comfort. Professional meetings transitioned to Zoom, allowing for more casual than business casual attire, and the general population has become accustomed to spending days – sometimes weeks – in the comfort of their homes. As people transition back to pre-pandemic activities, such as travel, the desire for comfort is still very much a priority.

“As always, passengers expect the same level of comfort, quality and design in the aircraft cabin as they experience at home, during hotel stays and when shopping in retail,” says Lisa Benzaoui, Chief Executive Officer at Global Inflight Products (GIP).

The onboard products company has launched a new comfort collection, which reflects the “beauty of comfortability,” Benzaoui tells PAX International, adding that the product range can be described as “elegant, cohesive, minimalistic and cozy.”

It includes duvets, comforters, blankets, support cushions and pillow cases.

“In response to our airlines’ requests, our comfort line features custom-designed products that illustrate understated elegance that is also practi-

26 SEPTEMBER 2021

cal for inflight use. GIP always keeps the focus on the customers’ dreams to deliver customized, quality, cost-effective onboard products,” Benzaoui explains.

The duvets and comforters are available in various fills, such as goose down and synthetic, and customized patterns, colors, weights and sizes depending on airline customer needs.

Soft fleece and microfiber blankets can help passengers stay warm. The options include double-sided, anti-pill, lint-free, custom stitching, embroidery, printing and trim. The woven modacrylic blanket is offers an upscale look with woven-in custom logos or patterns to enhance the airline brand and cabin interiors.

The Avioluxe Cushion adds support and comfort. It is an ultra-lightweight and foldable cushion that is practical for the limited space cabin. The ultrasoft Spunlace, non-woven single-use pillow case for onboard pillows brings a relaxing and fresh experience to the passenger. It can also be customized with printed patterns or logos in any size.

Pillows are available in vacuumpacked slim, stackable packaging to offer savings on transportation and storge costs, as well as to make inventory handling easier.

In the comfort category, sustainability is an important consideration when airlines make their buying decisions – and this remains to be the case post-pandemic. Benzaoui says the ‘Green Is Possible’ line is the best choice from GIP for airlines looking for sustainable and eco-friendly options.

“An amazing option for a ‘green’ blanket is manufactured from recycled plastic bottles (RPET) that are transformed into a fine thread which is woven into an amazingly soft blanket,” she says.

The comfort products can be combined with GIP’s amenity kits for an overall cohesive look that enhances the airline branding and customer experience.

“Design and product development drive our business when working with our customers – from sketched ideas to product manufacturing, to develop functional, practical solutions that are beautiful to the eye,” Benzaoui says.

Precision with every plate

ONBOARD EXPERIENCE

Better together Sola has launched a rebrand to encompass all divisions under one unified brand image

by JANE HOBSON

28 SEPTEMBER 2021

W

hen the pandemic brought the airline industry to a sobering halt, a well-known Netherlands- based supplier took advantage of the downtime to reevaluate its entire organization through all divisions.

The Gerritsen family started silverware production and supply in 1868 and went on to found Sola in 1922.

Originally a household cutlery producer,

other divisions were added through the years each with specialized staff knowledgeable of the target market, from hospitality to cruiseline to railway to airline. The privately owned company is now the supplier to more than 80 of the world’s most prestigious and leading airlines and many major hotel chains.

With nearly 100 years of success, Sola is emerging from the pandemic with a

Sola has undergone a rebrand, including refreshing the company logo

to present Sola as a company that it is, and not all these separate divisions.

We are much bigger than people might think. And a refresh, done in the right way, is always a good idea. It sets our goals straight and creates a clear image of what people can expect from Sola.”

Sola officially launched a new website, logo and brand colors in early-June.

Now, customers can find all Sola entities on the same webpage: Sola Hospitality Cutlery, Sola Airline Cutlery, Sola Railway Cutlery and Sola Cruiseline Cutlery.

The crisp new logo is a modern font for S O L A with tasteful accompanying artwork of a fork, spoon and knife. The website colors feature the recognizable blue tones of Sola’s previous branding, but with sophisticated and refined hues.

A rebrand was in the works just ahead of the outbreak, which ended up providing some extra time to perfect the image, Engels says. The company planned to make the announcement at this year’s trade shows, but COVID-19 threw a wrench in the excitement, so Sola aims to celebrate with “a splash” in the future, he adds.

Tried and true

Sola remains focused on addressing climate change, offering its recyclable super lightweight steel cutlery

refreshed and unified brand image.

For many years it made sense to keep a clear distinction between the entities based on industry, but when the company continued its momentum of growth, it was time to bring attention to the brand at large, Sola Export Manager Hans Engels tells PAX International.

“All divisions are stronger because of this rebrand,” he says. “The goal was

Unlike in some instances, the brand refresh did not mean a restructuring of personnel or a disruption of product development. Each division has maintained its employees and development plans as each require a special understanding of cutlery requirements for the respective industry.

“The plan of combining departments was not to move people around. The specialists that work in these files will continue to service our clients like we did in the past,” Engels says. “The products are very different. For example, the volumes and all other aspects are different between the airline and railway division compared to the hotel chain.”

The industry can continue to expect high-end, practical solutions for stainless steel cutlery for First, Business and Premium Economy classes. Engels says Sola expects the demand for customizable and sustainable onboard cutlery will develop farther as the pandemic comes to a hopeful end.

Sustainable steel

Sola will remain focused on addressing climate change with a focus on its natural and recyclable super lightweight steel cutlery options.

The Dutch company took two major climate-conscious steps forward in 2019: it became a full member of amfori BSCI and made a commitment to uphold the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). amfori BSCI is an organization that enables companies to trade with purpose and strive to improve the social performance in their global supply chains by applying a uniform code of conduct across all suppliers. It lays down a series of conditions that manufacturers must adhere to in order to attain certification and the right to manufacture for Sola.

The SDGs is a collection of 17 global goals that “emphasizes a holistic approach to achieving sustainable development for all,” according to the UN website. The goals were established in 2015 at United Nations General Assembly and with a goal for full achievement by the year 2030. The goals are interdependent and have a list of targets that are measured with indicators. A variety of tools exist to track and visualize progress towards the goals.

“We are more than just knives, forks and spoons. We are acutely aware of the need to address climate change issues as well as best business practices, fair trades and environmental and social care,” Engels says. “We demand it, our customers demand it, and increasingly, the public at large and end-users of our products demand to know we are doing our bit to ensure a sustainable future.”

Several airlines have trialed the super lightweight cutlery. Despite the pandemic slowing demand, business is picking up again with recovery on the horizon.

“We will continue to design new cutlery items and other inflight catering items, which we will communicate throughout the coming year. And, like everybody else we look forward seeing our clients and friends again soon,” Engels says.

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ONBOARD EXPERIENCE

The

right mix

by RICK LUNDSTROM

Few passengers browsing the extensive KrisShop catalog on Singapore Airlines will consider the effort on many fronts to bring them a buying experience that is now coming into its own in the aircraft cabin

T

wo years ago, Singapore Airlines rebranded its inflight shopping program with a goal of enhancing the passenger experience through an e-commerce platform that places thousands of products before them on the screen of its KrisWorld inflight entertainment system.

Over the summer, as the airline emerged like others from nearly two years of downturns and pandemicrelated woes, the stage has been set for a shopping experience, done with the help of some well-known partners in the cabin services world.

The word “partnership” comes up more than usual in the summertime announcements from the airline. It has selected both Thales Avionics and Panasonic Avionics to join in launching the KrisWorld shopping experience aboard its long-range aircraft. Behind those two suppliers are others joining the effort to make shopping easy, personalized and consumer centric.

30 SEPTEMBER 2021

The airline is rolling out an e-shopping platform of some form on all of its aircraft types, except the 737NG. For now, shopping is limited to select A350 aircraft, but the experience will be on many more aircraft in the weeks and months to come.

The airline is rolling out ane-shopping platform of some form on all of its aircraft types, except the 737NG. For now, shopping is limited to A350 aircraft, but the experience will be on many more aircraft in the future.

“We believe that digital technologies will be integral to recovery,” a spokesperson for the airline tells PAX International. “On that front, SIA has been rolling out smart travel features to promote contactless travel, including the introduction of seatback shopping.”

But inflight shopping of the sophisticated variety on Singapore Airlines is more than a way to calm jittery passengers returning to the air.

With the technologies, passengers

Passengers are now enjoying KrisWorld shopping on selected A350 routes

using the e-commerce system offered by the world’s big IFE players lets them choose multiple delivery options.

Purchases can be delivered to their homes or collected on connecting or returning flights. A digital onboard shopping experience eliminates weight on the aircraft and the myriad efforts required to support onboard shopping.

Then there is choice. With more than 4,000 products — duty free and duty paid — Singapore Airlines has the largest selection of seatback shopping experiences in the industry.

Thales and airfree

The first of the announcements happened in early July when Singapore Airlines announced it had selected Thales Avionics and its partner airfree to supply the e-commerce backbone for the A350 fleet. The first of the aircraft with airfree e-commerce platform went into service June 28.

Now, passengers use the airline’s IFE graphic user interface (GUI) to browse the selection and complete purchases.

Flight attendants have been handling the duties of informing passengers of the options. Cedric Rhoads, Vice President, Product Policy at Thales InFlyt Experi-

The Singapore Airlines KrisShop on the Thales Avant system

Combine that with the ability to embed video and 4K high-definition images into the KrisShop shopping experience and Rhoads says passenger will have a “truly immersive experience.”

Making a Marketplace

ence said additional improvements to the systems and ways to make it more automated are “part of our ongoing efforts with Singapore Airlines to improve the KrisShop experience onboard.”

The company has a solid partner in the French company airfree. During the process to select the partner, Rhoads told PAX International that Thales was impressed with airfree’s capabilities.

“They brought several value propositions to us that we thought would be quite beneficial to the market,” says Rhoads. airfree has platform that can accommodate multiple merchants.

With a ready-made solution, and with airfree holding commercial relationships with major duty-free product

suppliers, airline customers stand to gain a significant revenue share while improving value for the passenger.

The other advantage, Rhoads says was that airfree was capable of allowing airlines to put their “own storefront” on the e-commerce platform. Content can be easily managed through a “single page app” that can be integrated easily into the Thales Avant system and passengers’ personal electronic devices.

Those capabilities are poised to be enhanced further as Thales rolls out its next-generation IFE system called Avant Up. The platform will feature enhanced resolution through its Samsung QLED technology that will deliver picture quality in the 4K high dynamic range.

The announcements kept coming thought the summer. In early August, Singapore Airlines also became the launch customer for the Marketplace digital e-commerce platform from Panasonic Avionics and integrated into KrisShop as well. The system will be used in all the Singapore Airlines aircraft that use Panasonics X-series inflight entertainment system.

In the announcement of the partnership, Panasonic touted Marketplace’s capabilities for customization that can be brought down to the route and cabin level. Retailer catalogs can be assigned to specific routes and cabins to align with passenger demographics.

“E-commerce is the future of shopping and integrating this feature into our inflight entertainment system is yet another industry first for SIA,” said Yeoh Phee Teik, Senior Vice President Customer Experience, Singapore Airlines.

“Marketplace marks our latest commitment to revolutionizing and revitalizing the inflight experience with our growing portfolio of digital solutions and is an integral part of our efforts to welcome passengers back to the skies,” added Andrew Mohr, Vice President, Digital Solutions at Panasonic.

Panasonic’s Marketplace will be used on Singapore Airlines aircraft with the company’s X-series IFE

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31

GUEST COLUMN

The question

is waste Anne De Hauw, Founder of IN Air Travel Experience, Member of Board of Advisors at IAWMA, and Partner at The Hayward Partnership, discusses how a universal standard on waste handling could benefit global aviation

E

nvironmental sustainability is high on the agenda of airlines in the post-pandemic era. Despite the unparalleled crisis the pandemic has caused, the industry has reconfirmed its commitment to the environment. Combating climate change remains a top priority: cutting CO2 emissions in half by 2050 through innovative technologies, sustainable aviation fuel and improved operations and infrastructure. But, also on the agenda is noise reduction and managing waste responsibly.

From a worldwide economic perspective, (food) waste is a global issue recognized by the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UN SDGs). The UN would like to see global food waste per head in cut half by 2030, a great opportunity for airlines.

And last but not least, from a passenger perspective, the pandemic has accelerated environmental consciousness and passengers expect a positive response when it comes to climate change.

Anne De Hauw, Founder of IN Air Travel Experience, Member of Board of Advisors at IAWMA, and Partner at The Hayward Partnership

32 SEPTEMBER 2021

The International Aviation Waste Management Association is trying to move the needle on standards for waste handling

The waste hierarchy

With the increasing public awareness of the harmful effects of our “throwaway culture,” and that our planet’s valuable resources are not unlimited, a shift towards a circular economy is necessary even if it’s a long-term ambition. In other words: making products last longer, and recovering materials or other benefits from them when they can’t be fixed.

However, it is paramount to evaluate waste management initiatives objectively: prevention comes before minimization, re-using, recycling and energy recovery. The last and final option is disposal (landfill and incineration).

First step: reducing cabin waste

The first step airlines should take is to move to an on-demand consumption model (pre-order), enabled by digitizing the end-to-end experience front- and back-end. This disruptive business model relies on airlines to only load onboard the products that will actually be consumed by the passengers, resulting in significant waste reduction.

Next, industry stakeholders (airlines, airports and their service providers) should collaborate and work with regulators to simplify the inflight service and standardize the materials used to generate opportunities for a circular ecosystem and create meaningful change.

In this respect, the IAWMA (International Aviation Waste Management Association) is trying to move the needle.

IAWMA is a non-profit organization that was formed after completing a global research study, funded by the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration), which clearly demonstrated the gaps our industry is facing: a lack of standards and programs for domestic and international travel, a lack of targeted waste collection streams and advocacy surrounding international waste and last but not least, a lack of industry collaboration.

The purpose of the IAWMA is to share best practices to reduce and eventually eliminate all solid waste resulting from air transport activity worldwide and to support the industry to build back greener.

Standardization

Exactly when environmental sustainability was gaining ground and being slowly but surely adopted in aviation, the industry finds itself submerged in even more single-use plastic from the pandemic. That is due to increased safety measures and a lack of an integrated plastic supply and collection chain.

Taking the impacts of the pandemic out of the equation for a second, the question arises if the development of materials standards to advance sustainability in an industry that has historically struggled with basic recycling would be worthwhile? Could a sourcing or supply chain strategy built around the circular economy deliver the cost efficiencies the current procurement process demands?

For environmental sustainability to be viable in businesses, it must demonstrate both economic and environmental benefits, and its metrics must be transparent and measurable.

Currently, the implementation of standards in catering, safety and more, is common practice in the aviation industry, but there is a total absence of standards for waste handling.

Instead of shaping narratives around how products are seemingly sustainable, perhaps the focus should shift to design and identification using a predetermined shared blueprint across aviation assets and brands? For example, can a plastic fork have an airline’s logo while leaving its material composition to be preselected by industry experts, which, after all, is a non-competitive function? Could standards unlock collection and monetization barriers and deliver verifiable and measurable environmental stewardship? Having one type of disposable fork could drive down costs, offer greater sustainability, and yield efficiency from collecting a single material type.

Standardization could also mitigate the industry from regulatory pressures of handling its waste because waste composition would be pre-determined and known beforehand. Today, however, policymakers mandate costly handling protocols to protect other sectors that depend on a pathogen-free environment because, as of now, we cannot guarantee that aviation waste is devoid of pathogens. Standardizing materials means items could be readily identified and recaptured in a pathogenfree manner, rather than buried forever after only one use.

Why, then, has the industry resisted developing, adopting or executing standards for its disposables? Could these activities help an industry rebuild and even future-proof its supply chains? Can resilience, or our relationship with the rest of the natural world, be built on the procurement of recyclable goods that meet perceived policy constraints and add to bottom-line benefits? Airlines and airports currently focus on their own internal sustainability initiatives and operate independently of the rest of the supply and collection eco­system. These silo strategies have had a negative impact when considering local collection infrastructure. After all, the components that make up the international industry must adhere to local waste programs and abide by national regulations.

Through standards, airlines and airports could avoid costly waste management and policy constraints. Standardization of supply and collection chains would provide proper resource management and accelerate the aviation industry’s transition to a circular economy.

Unfortunately, by incorrectly assigning zero value to waste, resources are given a one-way ticket to a landfill or an incinerator. Perhaps with the industry in reset mode, we can all pause to collaborate and embed standards to ensure we can all build back better.

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33

GUEST COLUMN

Flying toward net zero Alison Wells, Co-Founder and Director at Plane Talking Products, discusses how suppliers and the industry at large can work toward change that benefits the environment

W

e may be seeing light at the end of the tunnel in terms of travel opportunities opening up. Plane Talking Products has felt and shared the pain of our customers in the last 18 months. Previously, we were busy developing, manufacturing and dispatching products. Overnight, production lines stopped and warehouses filled up. It’s been hugely challenging for the entire industry, and change is in the air.

As we emerge from the depths of the pandemic, it’s a time of reset and renewal. Digital transformation is accelerating, working practices changing, and now is the time to transform our approach to sustainability.

With public commitments made by governments around the world and the airline sector itself, change is essential to become net zero by 2050.

For our part, Plane Talking has been exploring ways to become more sustainable. This isn’t just about working in greener ways and supplying more sustainable products; but also looking at our end-to-end supply chain and making as many positive changes as we can to reduce impacts on the environment.

34 SEPTEMBER 2021

Alison Wells, Co-Founder and Director, Plane Talking Products

The obvious ones are material choice and production methods; we are developing products made of new and more sustainable materials. However, we need to go further and look at, for example, the locations of production facilities and shipping to points of consumption. Logistics is an important piece of the jigsaw. Filling containers properly, using EV and hybrid vehicles, and so on. We’ve been working with a UK-based company that’s developing tech to harness wind power for tankers and container ships. This exceeds the 80 percent carbon reduction that must be achieved by this sector to meet its on net zero targets. It’s an exciting development, so watch this space.

For the products themselves, we need to keep asking important questions comparing rotable to disposable, waste management practices, on and after a flight, product lifecycle tracking and other areas. As suppliers, how can we reduce packaging around products whilst ensuring they’re still clean and fresh?

How can technology be used to only load onboard what’s actually needed?

It will be interesting to see how passengers react to the changes in onboard

service that will inevitably come. Will passengers choose an airline based on its messages around sustainability onboard and not only through initiatives in fuel and choice of aircraft? Will people find it acceptable to reuse products onboard?

Of course, it’s impossible to discuss net zero in the travel sector and anywhere else without mentioning money. Cost will inevitably be a factor in making more sustainable choices.

But this change is something that we have to do. Looking at the total lifecycle cost of a product can help airlines and their suppliers and partners to decide where and how to direct and prioritize investments to have the greatest impacts.

One thing is clear from conversations we’re having with Plane Talking clients and prospects: the importance of working together to find the best ways forward, listening and responding to issues raised on all sides, and innovating.

We’ve already taken off on this journey and we’re all in it together. The question is, how can we navigate our route to net zero, and land safely and profitably?

FOOD & BEVERAGE

Onboard

BITES DFMi, sales and marketing company for culinary solutions, showcases trendy snacks ideal for inflight snackers

by JANE HOBSON

W

hether flying a short distance or long-haul, airlines are always on the lookout for food that will keep the passenger satisfied. But, a lot of specifics are taken into consideration for a snack to find its way into the inflight offering. It must be delicious, have a long shelf-life, fit conveniently in the trolley, be packaged sustainably and be lightweight – to name a few requirements.

And the COVID-19 pandemic adds another important consideration to the list; minimal touch, prepackaged food is in demand, says Kim Brown, Director of Marketing at Georgia-based DFMi, the premiere sales and marketing company that works with brands to bring their quality food items to airline customers.

“There is still a focus on reducing touch points, and I don’t see this going away anytime soon,” Brown tells PAX. Pre-packaged snacks, such as Nuttee Bean Co’s Favalicious fava bean snacks or Lesser Evil’s Mindful Snacking range, help reduce touch points throughout the supply chain process of getting food onboard, helping passengers feel safer while still fulfilling what the airline is looking for in a snack, Brown explains.

Favalicious is a fava bean-based snack made with whole roasted fava beans that are small batch roasted in expeller pressed high oleic sunflower oil. It is produced in an exclusive “fava bean only” facility to eliminate the risk of cross contamination with food allergens such as peanuts or gluten, and they are kosher, gluten-free, certified

Lesser Evil’s Mindful Snacking range offers snacks with organic ingredients from sustainable farms, made through energy-efficient production and with biodegradable packaging. The snacks include paleo puffs, veggie sticks and popcorn

vegan, non-GMO verified and free of trans fat and cholesterol, ideal for travelers with dietary restrictions.

“Our promise is to deliver everything you need in a snack — no junk — everything you need, nothing you don’t,” said Frank Guido, founder of Nuttee Bean Co., in the company press release.

The snack is available in three flavors: chili and lime, wasabi and ginger, and salt and vinegar. Each two-ounce bag provides 14 grams of protein and 16 grams of fiber.

“We are also seeking out more vendors who have a strong sustainability program and long-term plans that will be compatible with the goals the airlines have for their corporate sustainability programs,” Browns says.

The company is looking specifically at brands with packaging that is easily disposed of and “earth friendly,” as well as those that reduce single use items and use “bio friendly materials.”

Lesser Evil offers snacks with organic ingredients from sustainable farms, made through energy-efficient production and with biodegradable packaging as part of its Mindful Snacking range. The snacks include

Nuttee Bean Co’s Favalicious fava bean snacks in Wasabi & Ginger flavor

paleo puffs, veggie sticks and popcorn, each individually packaged.

The puffs fit almost every diet at 130 calories per serving. They are organic, vegan, grain free and nutrient-dense, packed with cassava flour, sweet potato flour and “good” fats to satisfy any snack craving. Once baked, the puffs are tumbled in organic oil, sprinkled with Himalayan pink salt. The popcorn is air-popped for a tender bite, made with “the best” fats and without refined sugars are salts. It is made with organic oils and Himalayan pink salt and rings in at just 10 calories per serving. The Veggie Sticks feature seven organic vegetables: cassava, tomato, sweet potato, pumpkin, carrot, spinach and broccoli, seasoned with organic olive oil.

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NEWS

COMPANY

Jamco America expanding abilities The Jamco America machine shop has expanded its capabilities from basic machining. The Everett, Washington, facility can now do sheet metal bending, profiling, and forming; countersinking, dimpling, riveting, and other preparations for sub-assembly; large four-axis horizontal milling and machining; smaller three- and four-axis vertical machining; and lathe turning for round components.

The large four-axis machine centers hold 240 tools each, and are accompanied by an automated 36 pallet cell, for flexible, efficient milling around the clock, ensuring rapid turnaround time.

One of the shop’s most unique capabilities is delivered by its freeform CNC tube bender, installed in summer 2020.

This machine forms a round tube into a tubing frame and is used to produce Jamco’s Venture Business Class seats with embedded aluminum edge trim. The shop also houses a digital cutter/router for composite materials, open cell core, textiles, and more. Used traditionally in the sign-making industry, Jamco has adapted this technology for aircraft seating and other innovative projects.

New machinery and new capabilities at Jamco America in Everett, Washington

SUPPLIER

Diehl and HAECO team up for cabin upgrade solutions Diehl Aviation and HAECO Cabin Solutions (HCS) have signed a preferred strategic commercial agreement to supply upgrade solutions for commercial aircraft cabins.

Diehl Aviation is a full-service provider with design, engineering, qualification, manufacturing and service competences for cabin interior solutions, offering – together with its affiliates – a full rate product portfolio for the aerospace market. HCS provides a comprehensive suite of cabin interiors products and services for commercial aircraft and private jets, including design, vendor management, installation and certification through its FAA

40 SEPTEMBER 2021

Organization Designation Authorization (ODA) approval, including expertise with Supplementary Type Certificates (STCs). In combination, both companies have a highly complementary list of customers, products and services.

The joint capabilities will cover floor-to-floor interior components, cabin lighting, galleys, lavatories, seating, reconfiguration engineering, certification and installation for cabin upgrade requirements of airlines and MRO providers around the world. The HAECO Group will provide installation and modification services through its worldwide network of advanced airframe MRO facilities.

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NEWS

CONNECTIVITY

Icelandair to fit out fleet with Viasat connectivity In June, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) granted Viasat a Supplemental Type Certificate, allowing in-flight connectivity for customers like Icelandair on its 737 MAX-9 aircraft.

The approval clears the way for Icelandair’s MAX-9s to activate Viasat’s connectivity solution. The system was installed earlier this year, but it had been deactivated pending the certificate from EASA. The MAX-9 aircraft will now join Icelandair’s MAX-8 fleet, providing connectivity to passengers flying between the U.S. and Europe via Iceland. This service launched on MAX-8 aircraft in March 2021 and has already been enjoyed by thousands of Icelandair passengers.

Icelandair expects all Viasat-enabled aircraft to be installed by April 2022.

The Viasat-equipped Icelandair aircraft will connect to

Viasat’s high-capacity satellite network. Over Europe, this network includes the KA-SAT satellite and could include others like Avanti’s Hylas constellation in the future. When traveling over the U.S., Iceland and the Atlantic Ocean, the aircraft will connect with several other Viasat satellites, including ViaSat-2.

In the future, Icelandair aircraft will be able to link to the company’s next-generation satellite constellation, ViaSat-3. It includes three ultra-high-capacity satellites that will offer global coverage – with each expected to deliver over 1 Terabit per second of total network throughput.

As a result of the partnership, Icelandair passengers on Viasat-equipped aircraft can enjoy a home-quality internet experience from gate-to-gate, including streaming videos, movies, music and TV shows, browsing the Internet, messaging and e-mail.

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IFE

Job Heimerikx, Co-Founder and CEO of AirFi

AUTOMATING PORTABLES Portable IFE, now on thousands of aircraft, has caught the attention of regulators in Europe and one manufacturer talked with PAX Tech about its solutions

W

by RICK LUNDSTROM

hen Job Heimerikx, Co-Founder and CEO of portable IFE provider AirFi used to visit British Airways, he would pass through the gates at Heathrow Airport and see a sign with bold lettering stating: Safety is our first priority.

With that kind of commitment, the Netherlands-based AirFi has worked with its broad customer base over the years to make its products easy to use and safe in all situations. The European Union Aviation Safety Administration (EASA) this spring published a memorandum airing its concern over the charging practices of PEDs and portable IFE that are oftentimes stored permanently into aircraft and charged with aircraft power supply.

The April Memorandum states the use of areas designed to hold PEDs (including portable IFE hardware) during their battery recharge process may increase the risk of fire from the lithium batteries. In the Memorandum, EASA has reclassified any charging station in an aircraft stowage compartment as a “major modification.” The Administration’s concern is that lithium batteries charged out of the sight of cabin crew could overheat and go undetected.

Though not a binding rule at this

44 SEPTEMBER 2021

time, the EASA concern addresses issues in an increasingly crowded field of dozens of suppliers. Heimerikx estimates that more than 2,200 aircraft are now flying with portable IFE systems that allow passengers to access entertainment and connectivity through their personal electronic devices. AirFi has been supplying airlines with its line that has grown to three products. The Venus Box, the Moon Box and the soon to be released Mars Box that will interface with LEO, its low-bandwidth connectivity solution.

Since the company was formed in 2011, it now supplies products to 76 customers in 31 countries pre-COVID. AirFi is staying ahead of EASA and other regulators’ concerns with its Fully Automated Semi-Embedded (FASE) solution that gets its charge from power sources within the aircraft.

The solution was launched in 2018 on Sun Country Airlines. AirFi has now updated the software logic that governs the autonomous operation to also control battery charging. It uses the same sensors that FASE was already using to know when to turn on/off and when to connect to cellular networks for updates Sensors within the product can determine when an aircraft has wheels on the ground, and it is most safe to charge the batteries.

AirFi estimates that more than 2,200 aircraft are now flying with portable IFE like the company’s Venus and Moon boxes

With a system like AirFi’s Heimerikx says that the process of charging portable IFE batteries (which can hold a charge up to two days) is out of the hands of cabin crew, which is one of the company’s main goals for maintaining optimum safety.

“It is very important as part of the ‘never question safety’ to take the human variable of the crew out of the equation.” he says. “That’s our company perspective on this on this issue.”

For now, the April Memorandum serves as guidance material. However, Sander van Lochem, Avionics Specialist at ADSE Consulting and Engineering addressed its future application on the AirFi website.

“EASA Certification Memoranda are living documents into which either additional criteria or additional issues can be incorporated as soon as a need is identified by EASA,” said van Lochem.

“All CM are reviewed periodically (no later than two years after its publication), to ensure its currency with the regulatory material.”

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IFE

Sounds of success

GIP offers a range of highquality inflight headsets, including earbuds and noise reduction styles

Global Inflight Products has adapted to trends in inflight headsets for decades, now showcasing its latest line of soothing sound products

P

by JANE HOBSON

assenger experience is critical to the success of any airline.

Airlines must deliver a flawless, quality inflight experience for each and every passenger. And, to do so, they must stay abreast of consumer trends that are important to their passengers.

“Style, sound and comfort are timeless trends in the airline industry,” says Lisa Benzaoui, Chief Executive Officer at Global Inflight Products (GIP).

“New technologies make the industry exciting. Airlines must stay competitive by developing new, unique ways to surprise and delight their passengers.”

Through the decades, GIP has seen inflight headsets transition from pneumatic to lightweight wire headbands, ear clips, silicon ear buds, noise reduction and, in more recent years, noise cancellation headsets.

GIP is highlighting a newly enhanced line of earbuds in a modern silicon model that provides a comfortable fit for the passenger.

“The demand for excellent sound quality has always been very important and GIP consistently works to enhance current headset models with new sound technology,” Benzaoui says.

46 SEPTEMBER 2021

Many airlines are moving toward earbuds in lieu of heavier headbands as they present a lighter, more modern look and require less packaging, Benzaoui says, adding that this helps make the airline’s onboard product offering more environmentally friendly. Specifically in Economy Class, earbuds in eye-catching colors are in demand, she says.

Meanwhile in First and Business Class, the focus is on creating a relaxing, upscale environment with soothing music to help set the tone. This is where noise reduction headsets that fully encompass the ears are most popular. Airlines tend to upgrade the headband earcup cover from foam to faux leather, transforming the headset into a more luxurious looking product with more comfortability.

“Both comfort and appearance are extremely important – especially since passengers are now used to the latest technology in headsets for the personal use,” she explains.

The headsets are ideal for feebased programs.

“In relation to cost, the sound quality of our headphones is phenomenal. We encourage our customers to compare our

headsets with higher-end, brand-name products on the market by listening to classical music so they can hear each and every note,” Benzaoui says.

GIP headsets are available in varying colors to match airline cabin colors and branding, or to delight children with a fun color. The noise reduction headphones are fully customizable to any color or logo imprint, adding to the passenger’s premium experience. All headset models including matching soft or hard-shell cases, which can also be customized with printed or embossed logo.

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SEATING

WEIGHING IN R

Markus Höllerer, Head of Strategy and Products at Recaro Aircraft Seating

In this Q&A, Markus Höllerer, Head of Strategy and Products at Recaro Aircraft Seating, takes PAX Tech through all the considerations and steps to produce a lightweight, award-winning seat

by RICK LUNDSTROM

48 SEPTEMBER 2021

ecaro Aircraft Seating this summer received the Focus Open Special Mention Award for its newest Business Class seat. The CL6720 Business Class seat was first introduced to the market in 2019 and will be flying on several airlines starting in 2022.

Sustainability was at the forefront of the design process for the Business Class seat, which resulted in the CL6720 being the lightest seat in its class by 10 to 20 percent and can help lower CO2 emissions. In this Q&A, PAX Tech speaks with Markus Höllerer, Head of Strategy and Products at Recaro Aircraft Seating, about the steps the company takes to design a product that is desirable while ticking the boxes for sustainability and lighter weight.

PAX TECH: What did Recaro do to develop a seat that is 10 to 20 percent lighter than others in the market?

MARKUS HÖLLERER: Lightweight design is not just a matter of using sophisticated materials. Lightweight starts with the concept. Let’s have a look at the backrest of our SL3710 (short-haul seat). Customers in short-haul flights do not use the recline mechanism as often, which resulted in a “pre-reclined fixed” backrest. This led to a much more simplified food tray table mechanism and removal of the expensive recline mechanism. The result was a very comfortable short-haul seat. This also led to improved privacy because the backrest did not protrude into the living space of the passenger behind.

The requirements for loading the various components has been reviewed and discussed carefully. A reduction of load requirement leads to less material and reduced weight. In order to make it obvious we see the seat legs of the base frame.

In the past we used always the same seat leg independent on its load during crash

The CL6710 lightweight Business Class seat from Recaro

Recaro’s CL6710 Business Class seat was on the market in 2019 and Focus Open Special Mention Award last year

The SL3710 seat brings simplicity and comfort to short flights

testing or in service load. Due to a more specific definition of the load spectrum of each component, a significant amount of weight could be taken out of the seat.

Changing into a more durable material is often correlated with a more intensive process or production capability with an increase in costs. The role of the material is always combined with its availability and process stability. Moreover, the requirements of materials in the aerospace industry need special attention and control.

These aspects are always considered carefully in the specific components.

PAX: Is weight the same priority for narrow body and wide body aircraft?

HÖLLERER: Weight has direct impact onto the performance data of any aircraft. However, due to longer distances/ flight legs and the need to carry more fuel to start with, the weight sensitivity on widebody is generally rated slightly

higher than on a narrow body aircraft.

Weight has always been a major factor when seating solutions are being selected. Due to financial constraints in the industry, pricing has become more important plus other factors like superior quality and reliability of the product. The main goals are to keep the Total Cost of Ownership (TCO) as low as possible over the lifetime of the seat, while also increasing efficiency of the aircraft to save fuel and promote sustainability. Needless to say, a strong partnership with the airlines and exceptional original equipment manufacturer (OEM) performance helps to support us. Our global leadership position in Economy Class helps us to translate lightweight ideas and concepts also to Business Class which makes our Business Class solutions the lightest in the market.

PAX: What is being done in the factories to achieve the goal of less weight?

HÖLLERER: Based on the above-mentioned light weight design principles the tool of weight tracking and weight management is consequently done either in the basic platform projects as well as in the running customer projects. Furthermore, the internal as well as external suppliers are always welcomed if input is given about technologies, production method improvements or possible material changes with the basic goal to reduce weight and cost.

PAX: What materials are being used to develop seats that meet the demand for less weight?

HÖLLERER: We use a huge mix of different materials in the seats such as aerospace aluminum alloys in order to reduce specific wall thickness. The usage of thermoplastic material is mostly driven by cost and qualification challenges and contributes significantly to reduced weight of the whole seat. In cushion design, an optimized approach together with the customer needs to take place. The selection of the covers is an important factor to control the weight of the seat. Composite material is also an important topic, especially for our Business Class products, which is why we have strengthened our in-house composite capabilities at our AAT site.

PAX: Are there any materials and methods on the horizon that are being developed for making seating even lighter?

HÖLLERER: Recaro collaborates closely with research institutes and suppliers to develop new materials and processes. Here, we see the consequent way to invest into the development of high tensile strength aluminum alloy accompanied by reduced costs by respecting the “green footprint” and also in the development of usable and suitable magnesium alloys. The latter one has a huge chance in the low density, however the process relevant answers to decisive questions are in work.

PAX-INTL.COM

49

SEATING

In their element

Two companies with their design fingerprints on airline cabins around the world are collaborating on the next generation of airline seating

by RICK LUNDSTROM

Stowage space and accommodation for PED’s are part of the construction of Elemento

T

he name of Geven’s new Economy Class seat has been part of the Naples-based company’s lineup for several years, but its latest collaboration with a well-known UK based design house is visibly changing the characteristics and providing an enticing prelude to the next steps up in aircraft class and design.

Geven unveiled the latest iteration of the Elemento in early August. In its design, Geven states that it is seeking to bring functionality of its modular construction in line with a seat that can stand the test of time in elegance and stay true to Italy’s reputation for craftsmanship and design. The company did not have to look far to create a color palette seeking to incorporate the look of the Italian coastline at sunset with a combination of light gray, deep blue with accents of red.

The company wasn’t alone in the development and will continue to work side by side with PriestmanGoode on the look of a new Premium Economy and Business Class seat that will next year join Geven’s offering of products.

“Our partnership is the perfect combination of the technical knowhow and engineering expertise of Geven

50 SEPTEMBER 2021

The colors of the Italian coast are part of Elemento’s new design

with PriestmanGoode’s design skills and understanding of passenger behavior,” Daniel Macinnes, Design Director at PriestmanGoode tells PAX Tech. “The result is a new series of aircraft seats that are very much people-centric with a host of new passenger benefits, and importantly, highly customizable by airlines and adaptable to many aircraft types.”

In addition to the standard products that airlines around the world are seeking, Geven and PriestmanGoode found room in the tight Economy Class real estate for a number of unique features. The Elemento can be outfitted with headrests along with integrated table lighting. The seats are made with a company patented “wave

system” designed for comfort. There was also design improvements in the form of a cocktail table and larger passenger stowage compartment.

Geven picked PriestmanGoode through a standard tender process.

Candidates were asked to provide creations that that embody the company’s new image that can be found on its website and logo. PriestmanGoode had worked with the company on projects in the past. The challenge the company laid down was for the designers to infuse Geven’s Italian identity and heritage of fashion-savvy creativity and top-notch craftsmanship, devoted to the care for detail, whilst expressing the high standards of technological innovation.

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INTERIORS

PROTECTING PASSENGER HEALTH

The Healthy Lav by International Water-Guard includes touchless faucet, touchless flush, the ‘HE’ (high efficiency) lavatory water heater and the UVL1 LED water disinfection unit

International Water-Guard introduces its collection of touchless lavatory products

by JANE HOBSON

T

he COVID-19 pandemic has highlighted a much greater awareness of hygiene and personal safety. With this awareness comes the responsibility for the aviation industry to introduce updates and innovations that help keep passengers safe and healthy in a space that is more often than not passed over in conversation – the lavatory.

In April, APEX/IFSA CEO Dr. Joe Leader shared with PAX some developments about the APEX Health Safety Standard powered by SimpliFlying.

Following a review by the medical board, it recommends airlines worldwide to include notifications for travelers not to remove masks in lavatories and public restrooms since COVID-19 can remain in the digestive system for up to 14 days.

Keeping up with recommendations in passenger health is no problem for International Water-Guard (IWG) which has been supplying water disinfection units to airlines for more than 30 years.

The company has recently unveiled its Healthy Lav offering, a range of touchless lavatory solutions and new water disinfection technology to help passengers stay safe and feel comfortable.

“Before the pandemic, we were already working on lavatory touchless solutions and UVC-LED water disinfection as part of our mandate to provide innovative hygiene solutions to the aerospace industry,” Mathew Pownall, Technical Sales and Support Manager at International Water-Guard Industries Inc. tells PAX Tech. “The pandemic precipitated the idea of offering these innovative products together.”

52 SEPTEMBER 2021

The offering includes a touchless faucet, touchless flush, the ‘HE’ (high efficiency) lavatory water heater and the UVL1 LED water disinfection unit.

These touchless components and the UVL1 will be flying and certified in Q3 2021, and the HE Heater is available now. Additional touchless lavatory components are in an advanced stage of development and will be available soon.

The HE Heater is a reliable, weightsaving, high-performance drop-in replacement for many existing lavatory water heaters. IWG HE Heaters have FAA PMA certification meaning it is eligible for install on the majority of Airbus and Boeing airframes without the need for an STC. The UVL1 carries out the vital task of ensuring that the aircraft water is free of harmful pathogens such as the bacteria and viruses that cause a range of illnesses (including dysentery, e-coli, rotavirus and legionella). These pathogens can also cause airlines to fail coliform sampling testing and the associated cost and inconvenience that brings. It uses LED lights that emit ultraviolet light in the UV-C spectrum which render pathogens unable to reproduce and therefore harmless to humans. The UVL1 is compact, lightweight and is straightforward to install just upstream of a spigot, faucet or galley water supply lines.

The Healthy Lav offering is available in separate components or as a complete line-fit or retrofit package.

To assist with integration, all touchless products and the UVL1 can be powered from IWG’s Lavatory Control Module so just one new power input into the lavatory is required.

The ‘HE’ (high efficiency) lavatory water heater by International WaterGuard is a reliable, weight-saving, high-performance drop-in replacement for many existing lavatory water heaters

The International Water-Guard UVL1 LED water disinfection unit

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TECH

DIGITAL DUO

A combination of consumer electronics knowhow and aviation knowledge created cabin solutions by AERQ

AERQ, the collaboration between two hightech giants in their respective industries, is ready to bring its platform to the aircraft cabin

by RICK LUNDSTROM

The AERQ Class divider can be clear or opaque

54 SEPTEMBER 2021

T

he elegant images of touch screens and starry-sky cabins that are part of the AERQ platform portfolio of products convincingly display the important collaboration of consumer and aviation electronics and other technology that players in the industry have been striving to combine for years.

The AERQ Welcome Board shows a fictional flight — Q162 from Hamburg to Seoul — driving home the collaboration between Lufthansa Technik and consumer electronics giant LG Electronics, which teamed up to launch the company into the aviation supply world in 2019. AERQ (a name combining AERO and IQ) will be able to show its platform— masked-face-tomasked-face — for the first time this fall when the industry gathers in Long Beach for the APEX/IFSA EXPO. During the past 18 months AERQ has kept busy, adding to its staff of

AERQ expects to first market its Welcome Board in the second half of 2022

AERQ Managing Director Arnd Kikker

around 150 people, sponsoring virtual events and working to secure launch customers for its open IT platform that combines elements of hardware, software and data solutions “which ultimately gives airlines the tools at hand in order to design the digital space within the cabin in a new fashion,” said AERQ’s Co-Managing Director Arnd Kikker.

Kikker spoke with PAX Tech from Hamburg on a rainy afternoon in August about the collaboration and what each of the companies brought to the table.

Though the staff is predominantly employees from Lufthansa Technik, a half-dozen employees from LG are part of the Hamburg-based team.

While Lufthansa Technik will supply the necessary knowhow required to operate products in the aircraft cabin, LG will manufacture the sleek-looking screens and 4K monitors, along with Cabin Digital Signage that a passenger would see in a fully kitted out

cabin interior of AERQ products.

All are part of an “open IT” platform that pulls together onboard touchpoints and software that allows and airline to customize the passenger experience.

One of the first products that Kikker says will be available will be the Welcome Board which could be in aircraft cabins in the second half of next year. Designed to be lightweight the Welcome Board can be made in sizes up to 65 inches.

While the Welcome Board can be used for mood lighting, personalization and customization, the Ceiling Panel can give passengers a facsimile of the sky above them with the help of organic light-emitting diodes (OLED) that can display a field of stars and other features. AERQ is developing an Inseat System that gives passengers the possibility of enjoying inflight entertainment on their own devices.

The OLED feature is a cutting-edge visual technology. It is made by layering

a series of organic thin films between two conductors that emit a bright light when electrical current is applied, according to OLED-Info. OLED displays do not need backlighting making them thinner and more efficient than LCD displays. OLED technology can be used to create not only transparent displays, but displays on flexible material as well.

Other AERQ products have attracted the attention of organizers of the Crystal Cabin Awards. Shortlisted for the Awards in 2020 was the company’s Transparent Class Divider, which divides cabin classes and incorporates, content while remaining transparent. This year the company’s concepts of “QTouch” which enables passenger to control the in-seat display with hand gestures, and “QSound” which provides an individualized sound bubble without headphones have been shortlisted for 2021.

What the company seeks now is a launch customer. AERQ has been working with airframe manufacturers in hopes of getting its products into their catalog of offerings as well as seeking out prime customers for retrofit. Kikker sees the company’s products as a great addition of any airline offering but realistically sees the first customers as airlines with smaller fleets or used within a certain aircraft type of a larger airline.

The company’s offices are located in the Aviation Cluster, a group of Hamburg businesses that specialize in aerospace. The company joined the Hamburg Aviation Network and also APEX early this year. ‘’Although it is a challenging time for our industry, we believe that it can be an opportunity, too. We feel that especially now given the current circumstances digital and passenger centric products will flourish,” said Sang Soo Lee, Co-Managing Director at AERQ, in the announcement of the company’s joining the Hamburg Aviation Network.

The aim of AERQ is not to merely bring enticing and attractive technology into the cabin, but also technology that creates value and brings the world of consumer electronics into the passenger experience. The goals are to bring products to airlines that see the passenger more holistically “giving him opportunities and services that enhance digital experience which drives loyalty and gives the airline business opportunities that drive ancillary revenue,” says Kikker.

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TECH

Together in tech The IdeaNova WeWatch feature in Inplay

IdeaNova Technologies introduces its Inplay WeWatch feature that allows passengers to say connected while enjoying their favorite titles

by JANE HOBSON

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n a time when tech has tethered people together to help them endure months-long lockdowns and quarantine periods, the desire to keep connected is more acute than ever. Technology that fills that need is also being developed for the aircraft cabin to help passengers become more comfortable with travel again.

Following the successful launch of its Video Chat function, IdeaNova announced in August the official addition of the WeWatch feature to its Inplay IFE streaming platform.

WeWatch allows passengers to select a movie or show that can be enjoyed simultaneously, but from different seats and screens. Passengers can check out what others are interested in via chat, then use the WeWatch function to enjoy the show or movie together. Together the functions aim to help passengers stay connected inflight even if they are not sitting together. It also adds a sense of socializing as passengers can sync up with groups and other individuals for a heightened film sharing experience and more engaging flight.

“The pandemic opened doors to stream media with friends and family from different locations, so why not do

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it in the sky as well,” says Juraj Siska, Chief Executive Officer at IdeaNova.

“We believe people travel to reach new destinations and they almost always want to stay in contact with each other.

The purpose of these new products is to make their experience more enjoyable, while respecting social distances and overall convenience that many of us are accustomed to on the ground.”

While the WeWatch function is a technically complex update to the platform, IdeaNova makes new product lines such as this one as convenient as possible for the airline and passenger. Airlines are offered each new product line and can customize their choices. The company ensures that all of the Inplay Portal components integrate well with chat and video.

“For example, when the user starts watching content and would like to use the text or video chat functionality, the player automatically pauses, allowing the user to concentrate on the chat message.

This is not the case for WeWatch, where the goal is to synchronously watch and chat with your friends,” Siska explains.

IdeaNova can easily onboard new content to Inplay to keep it fresh. Passengers can access popular

content, user-generated content, such as YouTube, Pinterest, and TikTok. The Inplay streaming platform is IdeaNova’s most popular product, but Siska says many airlines are also interested in integrating the inflight social networking tools, such as Chat and Web Conferencing.

“Safety is the primary focus. We provide safe and efficient ways of communicating between passengers and crew members, thus removing yet another friction point that might be raising concerns while flying,” Siska says.

Along with this product line, IdeaNova also offers other services, such as Intouch, a virtual meeting platform. Siska said IdeaNova predicts this service will continue to be popular for airlines as it encourages business travel with the ability to stay up to date with colleagues on the ground.

“With Intouch, airlines have yet another incentive to provide an efficient and bandwidth-sensitive way of communicating,” Siska explains.

“It also gives airlines an opportunity to monetize business options and therefore boost their revenue.”

ASSOCIATION NEWS

Expanding a network

by RICK LUNDSTROM

Travel Pass in one of the most extensively used travel tools for handling COVID19 related requirements

IATA’s new agreement with a worldwide network of testing labs stands to ease the necessary testing that will be required for future international travel

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lobetrotters that sign on with the IATA Travel Pass app in the post-pandemic world will now be able to access a network of more than 2,000 testing labs from departure locations through a new partnership with a well-known medical diagnostic services provider.

The agreement between the International Air Transport Association and SYNLAB was announced in mid-August.

The two parties touted the agreement as an important step in a world where requirements for entry and exit of various countries are changing constantly.

After passengers are tested at their departure location, SYNLAB will provide them with certified test results directly through the IATA Travel Pass app. The app checks the result against the Travel Pass registry of national entry requirements to produce an “OK To Travel” status. In turn, passengers can share their status and the

digital test certificates with authorities and airlines to facilitate travel.

“Proof of a negative COVID-19 test is a requirement for travel to many countries. Understanding what type of test is required and where to get tested can be time consuming and complex for travelers,” says Nick Careen, IATA’s Senior Vice President for Operations, Safety and Security. “IATA Travel Pass provides a one-stop-shop for passengers to find out what COVID requirements are needed for travel, where they can get tested and verify that they are ‘OK to Travel.’”

Travel Pass in one of the most extensively used travel tools for handling COVID-19 related requirements. It is currently being trialed by more than 70 airlines and 245 routes across the world.

SYNLAB is a Europe-based medical diagnostic services provider. It offers more than 5,000 types of clinical tests across all medical disciplines. Operating in 36 countries, SYNLAB provides

services to than 100 million patients a year. Since the outbreak of COVID-19, SYNLAB has conducted more than 30 million COVID-19-related PCR tests.

The two partners worked over the past several months in a pilot project, testing passengers on Colombia.

Further development of the IATA Travel Pass app is also in the works.

Careen says the group is working in Europe and now has the ability to upload the EU Digital COVID Certificate (DCC) and the UK National Health Service COVID Pass onto the app. This gives travelers a place to store verified vaccine records.

“This information can be shared with airlines and border control authorities who can have the assurance that the certificate presented to them is genuine and belongs to the person presenting it,” adds Careen.

What is slowing IATA’s ability to integrate vaccine records from other countries is the absence of a global standard. Without a standard developed by the World Health Organization, Careen says the restart of full international travel would continue to be hampered.

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EVENTS

AIX and WTCE Virtual is hosted on a fully digital platform where the entire industry can reconnect

AIX and WTCE Virtual Hosted on a fully digital platform, WTCE and AIX Virtual will enable the entire supply chain of cabin interior and onboard services professionals to reconnect from September 14 to 16

by JANE HOBSON

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his September marks the firstever digital edition of Aircraft Interiors Expo (AIX) and World Travel Catering & Onboard Services Expo (WTCE), organized by RX (Reed Exhibitions). AIX and WTCE Virtual replicates the in-person show, which is due to resume next June in Hamburg.

“The focus is really going to be all about reconnecting the industry to accelerate the recovery,” Polly Magraw, Event Director at RX tells PAX. “Some of the key benefits for attendees will include pre-event matchmaking, pre-scheduled and drop-in video meetings during the event, and supplier product showcases and demos.”

As with the physical events, AIX and WTCE Virtual are “co-located” on the same platform. RX worked with Sector Global to create the digital platform that encompasses AIX, WTCE and the Passenger Experience Conference (PEC).

Representatives from more than 90 airlines and onboard service providers plan to participate in the virtual event, including Air France, Emirates, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific Airways, Virgin Atlantic Airways, United Airlines, as well as gategroup, Rail Gourmet Ltd, LNER and Eurostar.

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WTCE’s popular programs will return, taking a deep dive into the prevalent challenges facing the catering and travel retail sectors, with sustainability at the top of the discussion agenda, looking at how disruption in the industry will lead to a brighter future.

The WTCE lineup of exhibitors includes ECO Wheat, The Bamboovement, GUDRUN Group Chocolates, Dolceria Corallo, NibNibs, PLAYin CHOC, Monty’s Bakehouse, Egret Aviation, Sola Airline Cutlery, Callington, Coffee Planet and more.

AIX Sessions will offer inspiration for the cabin interiors and inflight entertainment, with discussions examining new business models, revenue streams, and a focus on bringing leaders together to share case studies and ideas. Exhibiting and speaking participants include representatives from Cirium, Tronos Aviation Consulting, Diehl Aviation, Safran, JLS Consulting, British Airways, Flyr, Business Jet Interiors International, Camber Aviation Management, Design Q, Lufthansa Technik AG, Sustainable Aero Lab, Jetlite GmbH, Eviation Aircraft and more. Exhibitors include Geven SpA, MGR Foamtex, Inmarsat Global Ltd, Safran SA, Sabeti Wain Aerospace Ltd, Muirhead, ADHETEC, Mankiewicz,

Polly Magraw, Event Director, RX

Bucher, International Water-Guard, SEKISUI KYDEX, STG Aerospace, SCHOTT and Generation Global.

PAX Editor Jane Hobson will moderate the Women Behind Aviation panel, which will bring together a cross-section of women in senior roles in the aviation sector including Fadimatou Noutchemo Simo, Founder of Young African Aviation Professional Association; Karyn McAlphin, Design Director at Sekisui Kydex; Erin “Elle” Lear, Executive Sales Director for Jet Token and Founder of Jet Blondie, and Jane Hoskisson, Director Talent, Learning, Engagement & Diversity at IATA. To keep track of it all, the platform will provide each attendee with a personalized diary that will help them manage their time over the course of the three-day event.

“Allowing people to reconnect by facilitating those all-important business meetings, that’s really at the heart of the AIX and WTCE Virtual experience,” Magraw says.

EVENTS

NOT LONG ‘TIL

LONG BEACH

by JANE HOBSON

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CEO Dr. Joe Leader gives an update on the what to expect at APEX/IFSA EXPO, as well APEX’s pressure on the U.S. to open doors to vaccinated travelers from Europe

he commercial aviation industry is due to meet in Long Beach, California this fall for one of the first live in-person events since the start of the pandemic.

The APEX/IFSA EXPO takes place October 18 to 21, and CEO Dr. Joe Leader tells PAX it will be a vaccinated affair.

“We’re looking at health safety as the number one priority,” he says. “We’re following the strictest protocols of our airlines and our movie studios – those that have been through the worst parts of the pandemic.”

The Long Beach Department of Health will provide free vaccination booster shots, as well as free testing for everyone arriving and free PCR testing ahead of return flights. Masks will also be required at EXPO for additional safety and group eating will be conducted outside in covered areas, wherever possible.

This year’s show will follow a similar format as previous events but with a few smart changes to improve efficiency and convenience for foreign national attendees. The Thought Leadership Conference will happen on Tuesday, instead of the

traditional Monday time slot, followed by the Breakout Sessions and Keynote Addresses to help accommodate those arriving in Long Beach on Monday.

Wednesday will host the EXPO Open, Happy Hour and Awards Ceremony & Networking events, followed by the final day of EXPO on Thursday.

Discussions include health safety speakers, insights from APEX World, environmental sustainability, CEO keynotes speakers, and more. Plus, the APEX/IFSA Board of Governors meeting will happen live and in-person for all to attend, followed by an outdoor lunch.

“We’re trying to show the world that we can have a safe gathering of 2,000 individuals. We’re able to enjoy ourselves, reconnect, and show how business travel is done right in a new world,” Leader says.

In August, APEX called on the United States to end its blockade of international travelers from Europe.

At press time, many barred locations reported lower per-capita COVID-19 rates than the U.S., such as Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Iceland,

Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, the United Kingdom and many more. APEX will be providing U.S. National Interest Exemption waivers for individuals inbound from these countries.

In the letter to U.S. President Joe Biden, APEX cites that refusing entry to fully vaccinated travelers goes directly against Centers for Disease Control guidance, which proposes that people who are fully vaccinated with an FDA-authorized vaccine or a vaccine authorized for emergency use by the World Health Organization can travel safely within the United States.

“If the United States does not take the step to open its doors and stop banning vaccinated Europeans, I guarantee you that the European Union, European Commission, UK and others, will not keep the doors open forever. We are on a ticking clock. The Administration needs to open its doors to vaccinated Europeans now,” Leader tells PAX. APEX is working closely with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Rochelle Walensky and White House COVID-19 Coordinator Jeffrey Zients to move the needle on the issue. Leader says now is the best time to get vaccinated ahead of EXPO and that APEX is happy to provide any help it can.

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EVENTS

Cruisin’ into conference season The Cruise Ship Hospitality Expo (CSH) and Cruise Ship Interiors Expo (CSI) is set to take place in Miami Beach this October

by JANE HOBSON

A

viation is not the only travel industry set to meet in a sunny locale this fall. The Miami Beach Convention Center in Florida is due to host two co-located shows October 28 to 29, the Cruise Ship Hospitality Expo (CSH) and Cruise Ship Interiors Expo (CSI).

The event marks the first-ever CSH Expo America, previously launched in 2019 as the Marine Catering Expo. CSI Expo America also debuted in 2019.

The Expos bring together the entire cruise hospitality sector, covering everything from galley, F&B, guest experience, restaurant, hotel operations, health and hygiene, interiors, tech and more. The two-day event is composed of an exhibition, conference, and networking opportunities.

“Cruise line buyers, operations directors and decision-makers will reunite with their peers, customers and clients in addition to meeting fresh and exciting new-to-cruise faces,” says Toby Walters, Chief Executive Officer at Elite Exhibitions, the organizer behind the events.

The show will kick off with the

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reunion party, followed by networking, industry insights and innovative product launches. There are more than 300 exhibitors, 3,500 attendees and 47 cruise lines expected. Speakers feature representatives from Virgin Voyages, Carnival Cruise Line, Holland America Line, Royal Caribbean Cruises, Tomas Tillberg Design, SMC Design, MSC Cruises, and Vikand Solutions.

The agenda is stacked, including Cruise Conversations Live and the popular Happy Hour at the end of day one. Cruise Conversations Live is a conference with industry leaders across the hospitability and interiors sectors. Discussion topics include innovations for the digital customer

experience; the future of hospitality and service design; standardizing health and hygiene; and, F&B wellness trends.

Despite being unable to meet in person throughout 2020, both expos shared industry news, launched the successful Cruise Conversations webinar series, and hosted a virtual event, Walters says, adding that now, organizers cannot wait to reunite the industry.

“The caliber of our visitors is unmatched – attending CSH and CSI is one of the only ways you can meet the entire cruise ship hospitality and interiors supply chains, all in two days,” he tells PAX. Registration for both shows is now open.

WHAT’S HOT

What’s Hot!  United Airlines’ premium kits – Buzz: United Airlines tapped Buzz to expand its premium cabin kit offering on flights to Hawaii from U.S. and Guam. Buzz created three kits: two Hawaii-themed and one featuring quirky words for a playful touch. Pouches include eye masks, earplugs and a dental kit, tropical postcard, lip balm from Sunday Riley. Frosted material and metal zipper ensure it is durable for reuse. www.buzzproducts.com.

 Porridge and congee – Mr Lee’s Pure Foods: Mr Lee’s Pure Foods congee is available in two savory instant rice porridge flavors, Original Congee Rice Porridge and Chicken Congee Rice Porridge. Ready to eat in four minutes and made with authentic Asianstyle flavors, natural ingredients and a unique grain blend. Low in sugar and fat, gluten-free and no artificial ingredients. Launched in UK, USA and Australia. www.mrleesnoodles.com.

 Reusable amenity kits – FORMIA: The pouch for JetBlue’s transatlantic Core experience doubles as a reusable storage bag with resealable interlock zipper. Developed from platinum silicon, it is durable and easy to clean, and dishwasher, microwave, and freezer friendly. The pouch can be reused to carry travel essentials, food and more. The kits include a selection of inflight necessities, and two-tone athletic socks made from 100 percent recycled PET fabrics, part of FORMIA’s sustainability initiative. www.formia.com.

 Skincare range – FlyFit: FlyFit has launched a vitamin and mineral enriched skincare range designed to restore, energize and build immunity for passengers. Passengers benefit from key active ingredients that are proven to combat stress, anxiety, inflammation, jetlag and fatigue. The range includes lavender oil pillow mist, a relaxing roll on and more. www.flyfit.com.

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WHAT’S HOT

 Inplay Suite – IdeaNova Technologies: IdeaNova’s Inplay Suite is an affordable and attractive solution that uses a single gateway to secure streaming. Inplay Suite is suitable for playback on passenger devices and seatback monitors.

Inplay’s chat function allows for a social aspect of flying and a seamless transition from a text chat to a video chat - and even to a web conference meeting. www.ideanovatech.com.

 Atago – Tapis Corporation: Save up to one pound per seat. Combining the function of a high-performance fire-blocker with the aesthetic appearance of a dress cover material into one complete solution, Atago is a groundbreaking technology that reduces the number of components required, without sacrificing style or performance. Available early 2022. www.tapiscorp.com.

 E-commerce B2C platform – ABC International: ABC International enters the business-to-consumer market with the launch of an E-commerce platform to promote its line of personal protection products FLY SAFE. The platform aims to support industry recovery for both operators and passengers.

The products incorporate advanced material technology to ensure protection for safe flight and airport transit: masks, seat covers and sanitizing spray. www.abc-int.it.

 RISE platform – Burrana: Burrana develops innovative solutions that enable airlines to deliver a tailored inflight experience. The RISE platform is powered by a single software stack, shared hardware and a common power backbone allowing the flexibility for airlines to mix and match or combine seatback, wireless or overhead IFE with or without in-seat power. www.burrana.aero.

 Interactive map, travel applications – FlightPath3D: FligthPath 3D’s interactive travel map and applications are available on any IFE architecture (seat-back, overhead and Wi-Fi streaming) and on any OEM platform. It surpassed 500 installations in the first half of 2021. www.flightpath3d.com.

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Get onboard WTCE Virtual to reconnect with the travel catering & onboard services industry.

Discover the latest industry trends and insights from experts across three conference streams.

Find out more at: worldtravelcateringexpo.com Co-located:

Organised by:

Aircraft EXPO Interiors

Aircraft EXPO Interiors

V IR T U AL

14 16 SEPT 2021

28 – 29 OCTOBER 2021 MIAMI BEACH CONVENTION CENTER

REUNITING THE CRUISE HOSPITALITY COMMUNITY 300 Exhibitors | World-class Conference Sessions | Unrivalled Networking Opportunities R E G I ST E R F O R F R E E TO D AY www.cruiseshiphospitality-expo.com

co-located with