Local

The 100% electric, UK-based train operator Lumo has partnered with local suppliers for its first ‘Train Beer’ and local tea and coffee brands.

The ‘Train Beer’ created by Leith-based Donzoko Brewing Company, offers a vegan-friendly, dry-hopped pale ale, served in an eco-friendly printed 330ml sleek can. The train is also serving tea and coffee from Ringtons, a proud Newcastle company with a 115-year history in the region.

Facilitated by Rail Gourmet, Lumo’s environmental positioning is supported by an onboard menu on which half of all items are plant-based food and drink. railgourmet.com

Textiles tracking Skypro win in Dubai

SKYPRO has become the official supplier of pilot uniforms for Emirates. A thorough selection process focused on quality and reliability of materials, efficiency of logistics and ability to support CO2 reduction targets. wearskypro.com

Weave Intelligence has developed tracking technolgy that can be embedded in products from blankets to headsets. The system can help airlines track product usage and product locations, and provide full global inventory visibility. weaveintel.com

Ghost kitchen brands get onboard with LSG

LSG Group is launching 20+ new food brands to airlines, directly sold on delivery platforms around the world through ghost kitchens.

Popular branded products such as Cloud 9 Desserts, Flatbread House and Holy Moly Mac & Cheese will now also be available for airlines to offer onboard.

The new meal options have been selected for their unique and clear USPs, to help airlines launch best-seller products based on actual sales data, hence cutting wastage and increasing sales.

Passengers can experience these dishes both inflight and on the ground, and most of the chosen brands have engaging social media content, including actions with influencers, to further leveraged visibility for airlines. lsg-group.com

SWISS trials AI counting technology

SWISS has launched a three-month trial of artificial intelligence technology to conduct its passenger counts aboard selected flights.

Working with an unnamed third-party supplier the trial installs digital cameras on certain aircraft to record and count embarking passengers. AI is taught overtime to improve accuracy by identifying body shapes, accounting for items or children being carried. If successful the system could be used ultimately to ‘enhance security’ and to ease the workload of cabin personnel. swiss.com

What: APOT FORUM

Where: Vietnam

When: November 9-12, 2023

The Asia Pacific Onboard Travel organisation (APOT) is set to meet in-person again this November, for the first time since the Covid-19 pandemic.

The organisation brings together professionals from airline hospitality, service and the supply chain and is planning its next networking event in Vietnam from November 9 to 12. Details of the event are yet to be confirmed but the conference is expected to feature a competition among catering chefs, excursions and a sunset cocktail party.

APOT positions itself as the only Asiabased networking event specifically for the travel hospitality industry.

Jeremy Clark, APOT’s CEO, says the goal of the organisation has always been to bring limited numbers of focused industry colleagues together for an unparalleled opportunity to discuss experiences and share challenges over two full days. He says: in a superb stress-free environment. "This will be a return to the core values of APOT and we look forward to welcoming our international colleagues.”

Contact: ceo@apot.asia