SPRING 2020 | ISSUE 12
ยง
KEEP CALM AND
CARRY ON #staysafe WWW.AMENITIESMAGAZINE.COM
Tailor-made solutions. Endless possibilities. DISCOVER OUR LEISURE & SMART OFFERING AT WWW.SPIRIANT.COM
Contents
In this issue... NEW ARRIVALS The latest industry offerings.
EFFERVESCENT REHYDRATION POWDERS & TABLETS
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The quest to stay hydrated whilst onboard a long haul flight. Could these powders be the next big thing?
THE WORLD’S MOST EXCLUSIVE BAG
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A status symbol of state-of-the-art sophistication and savour-faire!
DARLINGS OF THE DECADE! La Crème De La Crème. Simon reveals his top ten amenity kits of the decade.
AUGMENTED REALITY ONBOARD
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AR can make the time spent travelling more fun and interesting not only for children but also adults.
IN THE SPOTLIGHT Amenities magazine put Harry Zalk, CCO of Matrix, In the Spotlight.
AIRLINE WINE Putting together an airline wine list requires a huge amount of time and effort, as our wine correspondent Richard discovered.
THE SHOW MUST GO ON! The show did go on - via a live webinar! We provide a full list of the category winners who received the Golden Seal of Passenger Approval.
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The Winners of the TravelPlus amenity Awards 30
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COVE R: Keep Calm and Carry On was a motivational poster produced by the British Government in preparation for World War II. However, the poster was only rarely publicly displayed and was little known until a copy was rediscovered in 2000.
Copyright © Avenel Investments. All right reserved. Reproduction in whole or part without written permission is strictly prohibited. The title Amenities is published three times a year and is a trading division of Avenel Investments. While every effort has been made to ensure that the information is correct, neither the author nor publisher can be held responsible for inadvertent inaccuracies or omissions. The views of the writers in Amenities Magazine are not necessarily share by the publisher.
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From The Editor
Welcome How the world has changed in such a short amount of time. Just one month ago we were all preparing with anticipation to attend another successful WTCE in Hamburg, and now we are all wondering what the future might hold. As air travel faces unprecedented restrictions, airlines grounded worldwide and estimated losses of $314 billion due to the Covid-19 outbreak, it is clear that the aviation industry is faced with an uphill climb as we return to a new “normal”. However, it is not the first time the industry has faced setbacks and challenges, including labour strikes, safety concerns, climate change, volcanic eruptions and economic downturns. I am certain that this will be another storm that the aviation industry will weather, and once international routes reopen, will rise to the challenge of assuring passengers that air travel is safe once again.
AMENITIES IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY...
coronavirus. They are also developing kits that include masks, gloves, hand sanitiser and wipes, a little glimpse into what the future of amenity kits might hold. Despite the upheaval that has been caused by Covid-19, we were thrilled to be the main media sponsors for the TravelPlus Airline Amenity Bags Awards that still went ahead with a global audience via webinar. The event was very well received with viewers and contributors from all corners of the globe. We feel lucky that we live in an era that such communication is possible, and are thrilled with the feedback received. In this issue, we are delighted to have worked with Richard Woodard on a feature on Airline wines. Richard Woodard began his professional life as a newspaper journalist but has specialised in writing about wine and spirits for the past 20 years. In that time he has edited and contributed to a number of magazines and websites, including Decanter, Club Oenologique and Scotchwhisky.com. An allrounder on the subject, his specialities include Champagne, Port and whisky of all varieties.
Of course, it will not be without its challenges, and will certainly not happen overnight. Passengers will be nervous and understand the role that air travel played in the global nature of the pandemic. This will mean that airlines will have to step up their health precautions, possibly introducing testing, providing facemasks and sanitiser throughout the stages of the journey, and possibly even some form of social distancing. Air travel will take time to return to whatever ‘normal’ looks like on the other side of the pandemic, and airlines and suppliers alike will have to rise to the challenges they face.
Thank you for taking the time to read Amenities, we hope that you, your family and colleagues around the world continue to stay safe and healthy.
Suppliers around the world are already adapting to the current global climate, as a number are moving their manufacturing to much needed PPE in a response to the
Editor in Chief Debra Bradbury-Ward
Publisher Simon Ward
Features Editor Hayley Hartland
Features Editor Lily-Fleur Bradbury
Wine Correspondent Richard Woodard
Designer Alison Parsons
Published by Avenel Investments Limited. Registered address: 5 Castle Street, Tonbridge, Kent TN9 1BH
Editorial: Debra / Lily-Fleur / Hayley @amenitiesmagazine.com 4
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For over 40 years, WESSCO International has specialized in branded amenities, passenger comfort items, food & beverage service ware, and a wide range of customized items for airlines worldwide. As your trusted partner of choice, our mission remains to design and supply an exceptional experience for your travelers.
www.wessco.net
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info@wessco.net
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+1 (310) 477-4272
New Arrivals
Air France pampers Premium Economy with new ‘padded” comfort kit! Known for their sublime amenity offerings, Air France tops the charts again with its latest gift for their Premium Economy passengers designed and curated in partnership with experts of elegance, Albea Travel Designer. From February 2020, passengers will receive a plush padded amenity pouch onboard the Air France’s Premium Economy Class. The original design features a padded texture ideal for getting through the winter and provides customers with the essentials of a night mask, a pair of socks, a toothbrush and toothpaste, earplugs and headphone covers. This chic new offering comes in four eye-catching colours; light blue, navy blue, grey and pink, and with its practical yet chic design leaves passengers feeling valued by Air France thanks to this new must-have travel item.
New animal amenities for Air Calin’s young adventurers! In partnership with renowned amenity supplier, Formia, Air Calin spoil their young passengers with new kits inspired by new Caledonia’s unique wildlife. Air Calin’s newest children’s offering blends education and culture to create an engaging offering that delights kids onboard as well as post-flight at their exciting travel destination or at home. Created for ages between 3-8 years, this colourful drawstring bag includes an activity book with puzzles, games and fun facts about the animals of New Caledonia, crayons and a card game that can be played with the whole family. Inspired by the rich biodiversity of New Caledonia, the airline look to excite children with their country’s beauty in discovering its’ amazing
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animals in a fun and educational way. ‘For this new kit, we wanted to highlight the forest animals with the emblematic cagou, endemic and iconic bird of New Caledonia, but also the bat, the parakeet, the deer and the gecko. Practical, fun, with a strong Caledonian inspiration was our motto to develop this kit in partnership with Formia,’ commented William Le Grand Chief Commercial Officer.
AlbĂŠa is the first Cosmetic Packaging Company to sign the Ellen MacArthur New Plastics Economy Global Commitment
From design to complete solution
We understand what makes you unique We deliver the most complex projects AlbĂŠa Travel Designer has been serving leading airlines since 2006 Designing, manufacturing and delivering amenity kits from Business to First class www.albea-group.com traveldesigner@albea-group.com
TRAVELPLUS AWARDS 2018 SUPPLIER OF THE YEAR
New Arrivals
British Airways launch their new World Traveller comfort items British Airways now offer soft blankets, cushions and a new headrest for its customers in its World Traveller (long haul economy) Cabin. The soft feel fleece & bright blue cushion with its classic herringbone design along with the fresh white headrest covers help customers to settle in and get comfy. The items have launched on all long haul flights from Heathrow and will launch from Gatwick on the 1st March 2020. Old blankets that are being replaced by the new super soft blankets will be donated to charities and projects in the UK and overseas including shelter and the RSPCA. Carolina Martinoli, British Airways’ Director of Customer Experience, said: “We want our customers to be able to sit back and really relax onboard, making the most of the comfortable new soft furnishings, the in-flight films and programmes and the four-course World Traveller menu. Our aim is to deliver them to their destination feeling refreshed and feeling their trip is off to a great start.” British Airways have also recently invested in new dining across all cabins, new bedding and Amenity kits for First, Club World and World Traveller Plus. The best quality WIFI is now onboard every aircraft and providing access to power for every aircraft seat. 8
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Air New Zealand launch their new Economy Skynest for the perfect flight’s rest! Air New Zealand’s latest innovation may well be the answer to all long-haul economy travellers’ prayers, with their new Skynest sleep solution guaranteeing those at the back of the plane a flight of sweet dreams and comfort. After 3 years of extensive research and development, Air New Zealand has proudly announced a new innovation for Economy class passengers unveiling their ground-breaking new lie-flat prototype sleep product; The Skynest. With the input of more than 200 customers at its Hangar 22 innovation centre in Auckland, the airline has now filed patent and trademark applications for the Economy Skynest which provides six full-length lie-flat sleep pods. Each pod will include a fullsize pillow, sheets and blanket, earplugs along with privacy curtains and lighting designed
for sleep. To top that, the airline is also exploring the additional features of a separate reading light, personal device USB outlet and ventilation outlet. Air New Zealand’s General Manager of Customer Experience comments that “We see a future flying experience where an economy-class customer on long-haul flights would be able to book the Economy Skynest in addition to their Economy seat, get some quality rest and arrive at their destination ready to go. This is a game-changer on so many levels.” Air New Zealand will make a final decision on whether to operate the Economy Skynest next year after it has assessed the performance of its inaugural year of Auckland-New York operations; which has a flight duration of 17 hours 40 minutes one way!
PREMIUM KITS Careful finishing + refined fabrics.
New Arrivals
Icelandair’s private jet sleep comfort is ‘set in stone’ Icelandair partners with supplier Kaelis, in their commitment to providing superior sleep comfort onboard their private jets program operated for Loftleidir. The Stone Sleep Duvet, designed by Kaelis, is a microfiber duvet that ensures ultimate comfort onboard as a result of its perfectly aligned shell and filling. Durable, quick-drying and wrinkle-resistant, the Stone duvet is both innovatively practical but also has a cool aesthetic design and super soft texture. It doesn’t skimp on size either with a great surface size to help Private Jet passengers snuggle up and snooze for the long journey ahead.
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From the fashion runway to the airline runway, Eva Air and Jason Wu ‘strut their stuff’ onboard! After their initial partnership launch in 2019, Eva Air and, internationally renowned designer, Jason Wu, collaborate on a second-generation sleep offering for royal laurel and premium laurel class passengers. Facilitated by amenity expert and supplier, BUZZ Products, Eva Air and Jason Wu have forged ahead with a new design for the airline’s long-haul sleep offering after overwhelming popularity and ultimate passenger approval for their first designs. Now drawing inspiration from Jason Wu’s latest ready to wear collection shown at New York Fashion Week, the sleeper suits and slippers have a new refined look with style and comfort a top priority. The suits themselves are made from the softest of materials and feature a stripe detail on the collar, cuff and pocket. Onboard from
February 2020, the athleisure styled offering will be available in three sizes to accommodate different passenger needs ensuring they are refreshed when they arrive at their destination.
New Arrivals
Finnair celebrates Chinese new year with stylish special edition amenity kit! In collaboration with their brand partner, Marimekko, Finnair take Chinese new year celebrations to the next level with a special edition kit to get the party started! With the appearance of the new moon on the 25th January 2020, comes the Year Of The Rat! In celebration of this, Finnair pays tribute to the Chinese New Year with a Special Edition amenity offering. Drawing inspiration from infamous Marimekko patterns, the airline give their traditional kits a twist, with a blend of Chinese colours; red and gold. It’s no secret that both have significant symbolism within Chinese culture. Red is symbolic of good fortune and joy, especially during the New Year festivities and other holidays, where red is omnipresent throughout the celebrations. Gold is considered the most beautiful colour and the centre of everything. It was also the colour of Imperial China and is esteemed in Buddhism due to its meaning of freedom from worldly cares. Finnair gives back to their customers with this thoughtful offering as the Asia route is the most important route for the airline. It is also the shortest connection between Asia and Europe. Another reason for Finnair to celebrate with this beautiful offering. Inside guests are treated to a travel-sized almond-coconut lip cream and a chamomile-lavender facial hydrator by the popular Nordic cosmetic brand L: A Bruket as well as a toothbrush and earplugs.
Kipling keep kits fashionable and fun onboard Eva Air’s Premium Economy Cabin Eva Air takes Belgian bag brand, Kipling, onboard in collaboration with supplier Clip Ltd, in their commitment to delivering exceptional passenger services. Famous for delivering fashionable, lightweight bags since 1987, Kipling, keeps things fun with EVA AIR’s newest Premium Economy offering which features the brand’s iconic crinkle fabric and monkey mascot. The kits will be introduced in a number of collectible colours and styles representing Taiwan’s most famous architectural landmarks, such as Taipei 101. Cindy lam, director at Clip, highlights, ‘by marrying Taiwan’s Taipei 101 on the back of the Kipling bag and adding the iconic monkey keyring to the bag; both airline and brand are providing an exceptional experience that is meant to last long after the flight.” In a further effort to deliver world-class amenities, the kits include New York farm-to-body brand Hudson Made’s Morning Shift collection products; consisting of a lip balm and face cream, as well as the traditional travel essentials; eyeshades, socks, a dental set, a comb and earplugs. AMENITIESMAGAZINE.COM
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New Arrivals
Supplier SPIRIANT make a beeline for sustainability in partnership with Honey Corn! With sustainability, a top priority for airlines and suppliers alike, SPIRIANT, the airline amenities expert, joins forces with a boutique natural and organic skincare specialist, Honey Corn to bring a kit to the skies that help save the planet’s bees! It’s no secret that bees are integral to the survival of our planet but are slowly but surely being eradicated from our eco-system as a result of industrial agriculture, pesticides, parasites, pathogens and climate change. In light of this SPIRIANT continue their mission for sustainable solutions with their most recent partnership with Honey Corn, in a bid to create sustainable products and broker eco-friendly collaborations for airlines. Honey Corn has a Bee Happy initiative at the centre of their skincare products, combining guaranteed glowing skin and a promise to keep the bee population healthy by investing in an ever-growing network of beekeepers across the developing world, as part of the ‘Bee a Keeper’ campaign. Their lovely cosmetics boast of botanical elements are ethically sourced and organic. Based on honey, their range of cosmetics is genderneutral and often referred to as liquid gold. Watch this space for news of Honey Corn taking flight… 12
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GOING UP? PREPARE FOR A SOFT LANDING.
The active rehydration formula in Uppy acts as a water multiplier, the added vitamins and minerals for natural energy, recovery and wellness. If you are flying, with dry and thin air, arriving, or if you are working out, Uppy will assist you to feel better, perform better and recover faster. We developed Uppy! red as a complement to our original Uppy by adding caffeine for energy making it perfect for day flights or upon arrival from an overnight flight. Both versions are also great when exercising, playing golf, skiing, attending a meeting or conference or even when dancing all night long. uppyflyer.com
Rehydration, Vitamin & Mineral tablets 
Effervescent rehydration powders & tablets
by Hayley Hartland AMENITIESMAGAZINE.COM
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Effervescent rehydration powders & tablets 
and crew whilst on board, and may make travelling long haul much more comfortable and productive. One airline that has seen the need for these products is Emirates, who have been offering a rotation of different hydration solubles to their First Class passengers for a little while. They have offered Uppy!, FlyFit and Phizz so far, and are keen to keep including them as an added extra for their passengers.
The quest to stay hydrated whilst onboard a long haul flight has been a challenge for airlines since the beginning of the commercial aviation market. All airlines offer water and other refreshments to their passengers, and amenity kits contain lotions and potions designed to keep the passenger’s skin as moisturised as possible in the dry air conditions during flight. The benefits of staying well hydrated are common knowledge, and during travel allows passengers to arrive at their destination refreshed, and ready to face the business meetings, lunches, shopping trips or tourist activities that they have planned. However, it is a challenge, as humidity levels whilst onboard can be as low as 10%-20% and so keeping hydrated is not as easy as one might think. On a long haul flight, it would be nearly impossible for the cabin crew to ensure that every passenger had access to enough water to keep fully hydrated. Any liquid consumed onboard will have a rehydration benefit, including water, Coca Cola, Sprite, Tea etc. However, the most desirable way to be considered an oral rehydration product is to follow the strict World Health Organisation guidelines. As more research is done into the importance of hydration on the human body, a number of products have been developed to help introduce the vitamins, minerals and water lost whilst travelling. Alongside hydration, these products contain a variety of ingredients designed to ensure that passengers, and airline staff, are able to stay sharp and focused. These products may be the answer in tackling the dehydration problems faced by passengers, 16
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Uppy! is an effervescent tablet or powder that can be added into water to create a blend of vitamins, minerals and electrolytes perfectly designed to aid passenger’s experience whilst onboard, and adheres to the WHO rehydration product guidelines. Uppy! was created by Olle Markoo, and launched in September 2015 after he spent a lot of time flying to meetings. He realised the importance of arriving refreshed and sharp, so took it upon himself to develop a product that helped both himself and the millions of other passengers around the world. The flavours of Uppy! include citrus and ginger, helping them be refreshing and desirable to drink. To start the development Olle, together with his team, spoke to passengers, pilots, nutritionists and flight specialists, including doctors, to ensure that their product was designed
Effervescent rehydration powders & tablets
with those that would be using it at the forefront of their minds. One such pilot was Per de la Motte, a long haul pilot with more than 35 years’ experience. He often uses Uppy! whilst working, and encourages his cabin crew as well. According to Per, “It is a no brainer to take Uppy! Why would you not enjoy the support Uppy give you? Avoiding getting dehydrated is important to stay sharp, obvious for me as a pilot but a treat for anyone.” Uppy! is the only rehydration product that has won an Onboard Hospitality Award for Wellness in 2018, and it continues to be well-received by passengers. They have now introduced a version that contains caffeine for an extra boost of energy called ‘the genius energiser’, perfect for after arrival at the destination, and are currently launching a version that contains melatonin to help with the effects of jet lag after a night flight. FlyFit’s founder, Boudewijin van Eeghen says, “The key to the product’s effectiveness and outstanding success lies with the power of our Q4 ingredients. Our broad range of FlyFit shots contain a unique balance of vitamins and minerals. This formula does contain a range of B, C and E - vitamins as well as specific minerals (micronutrients) which all work together and contribute to reduce tiredness and fatigue” Phizz is a scientifically formulated and research-led product that is also a strong competitor in this market. Formulated by a PhD neuroscientist and a leading research Swiss laboratory, the formulation is a 2in1 effervescent tablet with an extensive
multivitamin combination and elite hydration formula. One of the key differences is they are keen to keep products that promote dehydration out of their product, such as sorbitol and caffeine. Phizz is in fact already used by medical departments in charge of top sports teams around the world including Liverpool Football Club, Saracens Rugby Club and the South Africa National Cricket team to aid players for training, match day and travel. Whilst the developers of Phizz realise that although you cannot cure jet lag, or completely rule out health problems whilst travelling, by creating an ‘all-in-one’ product that encourages the body to stay hydrated it can help passengers feel more comfortable whilst onboard, and minimise the impact on passenger’s health. Indeed Emirates selected Phizz as the first hydration tablet to be offered to their First Class passengers. However, Emirates are not the only airline to realise their passengers need for more rehydration whilst travelling. For years amenity kits have contained moisturising skin products, however, now for the first time American Airlines have included Flyfit rehydration product within their amenity kit offering. Flyfit is a product in either tablet or powder form that is dissolved in water, allowing passengers to get antioxidants, vitamins and minerals whilst rehydrating onboard. Often passengers don’t want to use an unknown moisturiser on their sensitive skin, and so by including rehydration products in their amenity kit, this could lead the way for airlines to have a new way of thinking on hydration during flight, and how to give their AMENITIESMAGAZINE.COM
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Effervescent rehydration powders & tablets
passengers products that they really want. Kevee is a product that has been used in areas of the world to ensure that children stay hydrated during extreme drought. Again, a sachet that is added to water, it is a combination of essential vitamins to ensure a high absorption rate, and encourage hydration. It has a World Health Organisation recognised formula and contains salt and sugar to combat the ill effects of dehydration on the human body. Interestingly, their third party research shows that 58% of passengers would consider buying rehydration products whilst onboard, and so offers another possible income stream for airlines operating a number of long haul flights. The new kid on the block in terms of onboard rehydration product is JetFuel, which has been developed purely with the aviation market in mind. They are doing things a little differently and contain 36 active ingredients designed to combat the 6 main health problems faced during travel – Immune, Digestion, Circulation, Energy, Cognitive Function and Rest. Presented in powdered form, rather than a tablet, to enable more ingredients
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to be included, they come in 3 sachets – Health, Performance and Rest, to be consumed at different times in a passenger’s journey. Founder, Papillon Luck developed JetFuel for the corporate frequent flyers she spent a decade working alongside. ‘Leaders look to professional athletes to emulate their optimal performance when travelling, so it was important JetFuel was Informed Sport accredited to prevent the risk of doping for travelling athletes.’ Although JetFuel is not yet offered onboard, this newcomer to the market has already created a stir in the media. They have partnered with a number of recognisable brands including launching on Net a Porter and Mr Porter and is already being stocked in worldrenowned London luxury department store Harrods. The number of products on the market already shows that the possible scope for them currently seems endless. Passengers are more aware than ever of their health whilst travelling the world. Whilst the thirst for worldwide travel seems to continue to grow, airlines are going to have to answer the calls from their passengers to solve the problem of dehydration. By offering rehydration products to passengers within amenity kits, or as a buyable extra, airlines could save themselves on weight and space of heavy bottles, not to mention the saving of plastic waste. It could be that the days of offering generic moisturising lotions might be over, and the amenity budget might be better spent offering scientifically researched hydration products that really do help combat the problem of dehydration. It is exciting that these products are starting to make inroads into the amenity market, and airlines are beginning to take notice. Hopefully, more will follow the lead of Emirates and American Airlines. After all, passenger comfort is what it is all about, and these products are researched and developed with airline passengers specifically in mind. That can only be a good thing, right?
Rimowa and dior
THE WORLD’S MOST EXCLUSIVE BAG RIMOWA AND DIOR:
A status symbol of state-of-the-art sophistication and savoir-faire! In the world of travel aficionados, it’s a universal knowledge that high fashion brands come with the territory, especially for those elite jet setters travelling First Class. Bvlgari, Givenchy, Carita, La Prairie are just a few, not to mention the array of luggage brands to ‘strut your stuff’ with through the airport. Do you choose Bric’s, Samsonite, Globe Trotter etc. as your trusty travel companion? Or the top-dog of travel luggage and accessories; Rimowa? How about a Rimowa and Dior limited edition piece? Rocking the world of travel, Rimowa and Dior have collaborated on a new collection that is guaranteed to turn heads. Unveiled at Kim Jones’ Summer 2020 fashion show, this coveted collection celebrates creativity, craftsmanship and innovation as well as Christian Dior’s infamous passion for travel. The range includes suitcases across varying sizes, a carry-on bag with a matching luggage
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belt, a trunk and a handcase. AND, to top that off, the Personal; a clutch-sized aluminium case for your iPhone, wallet, and make-up, which in itself can set you back as little as $2,440. Designed with elegance in mind, The Personal, is set to become the ‘World’s Most Exclusive Bag.’ Available in blue, black, silver, or pink, this must-have accessory is the embodiment of Dior’s exquisite savoir-fair for design excellence in leather goods! Complemented by a removable leather strap embellished with the ‘Christian Dior’ signature for cross body wear, the bags attention to detail is subtle yet sophisticated. This is followed through to the bags leather-lined interior with a Dior Oblique nylon canvas in black, plus zipped pocket detailing and card slots. The whole line is now available for purchase in Dior and Rimowa boutiques worldwide, as well as online.
by Lily Fleur Bradbury
Darlings of the Decade!
La Crème De La Crème
The Darlings Of The Decade! The CEO and Founder of The TravelPlus Awards, Simon Ward, reveals his top ten amenity kits of the decade!
by Lily Fleur Bradbury AMENITIESMAGAZINE.COM
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Darlings of the Decade!
This year the TravelPlus Airline Amenity Bag Awards reached a new decade, and the din of anticipation is deafening. To mark the 10-year milestone, TravelPlus awarded two onetime accolades during their presentation. The Airline of the Decade went to Qatar Airlines, and the Supplier of the Decade was awarded to Formia. These awards were to mark continued excellence over the last 10 years. In continuation of the theme of excellence, TravelPlus CEO and Founder, Simon took a look back at his favourite kits from the last decade, and so, without further ado, we present to you The Darlings of the Decade!
THE FIRST FABULOUS FIVE… BRITISH AIRWAYS, supplied by Watermark, Winner of GOLD 2010 Kicking things off, a ‘must’ to mention for the awards Founder, is BA’s 2010 award-winning Anya Hindmarch amenity kit gifted to First Class passengers. A true English gent through and through, Simon felt, “the brand alignment was spot on, combining a celebrated British CBE designer, with a hint of nostalgia in featuring the original ‘To Fly To Serve’ coat of arms seen on British Airway’s aircraft livery between 1984-1997.” The kit design was inspired by the fabulous Anya Hindmarch Gladstone style bag, made from luxurious leather and treated guests to a range of REN skincare products.
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Darlings of the Decade!
ETIHAD AIRWAYS, supplied by Watermark, Winner of GOLD 2012 Etihad’s cufflink inspired box made from soft leather with a jewel-toned lining exuded luxury and unsurprisingly took home Gold thanks to its thoughtful detail in design and functionality. After all, every First Class gentleman must always take care of their cufflinks, yes? For Simon, Etihad’s precision in personalisation and creating a kit that could be re-used and therefore a reminder of the airline’s hospitality was, “top-notch and inspired the industry to start thinking more laterally about their offerings onboard.” Inside guests were spoilt with a range of La Prairie toiletries and a quality Schick razor for those brave enough to shave at 30,000 feet.
AIR FRANCE, supplied by Albea Travel Designer, Winner of GOLD 2014 Air France overwhelmed the industry with their 2014 Givenchy offering, acting as inspiration for fellow airlines to place more emphasis on delivering First Class gifts rather than kits. For many including Simon, It remains to this day the epitome of First Class luxury and, “set the standard above and beyond for future generations of First Class unisex kits.” As Simon says, “this kit was sleek, chic and lavished guests with luxury. It will remain an unforgettable kit amongst industry professionals.” The unique unisex amenity was elegantly designed in collaboration with Givenchy and contained four Givenchy care premium cosmetics with all other flight essentials provided on demand.
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Darlings of the Decade!
LUFTHANSA supplied by SPIRIANT, Winner of GOLD 2016 Working closely with Danish industrial designer, Jacob Jensen, Lufthansa presented this stylish, thoughtful kit which conceptualised time with a two-tone classic grey printed circle symbolic of a journey across time-zones. For Simon, this was, “an effortless brand collaboration that enhanced the sentimentality and wonder of air travel whilst subtly promoting Jacob Jenson’s infamous design and brand ethos.” Offered in hard and soft option, the kits also included a Jacob Jensen book on design, as well as cosmetics from La Prairie.
SINGAPORE AIRLINES supplied by FORMIA, Winner of GOLD 2017 After a clean sweep at the 2017 awards winning all First Class categories, it’s no surprise Singapore’s Lalique branded offering has made Simon’s top ten as he recalls, “the resounding sharp intake of breath when people saw this kit at the awards, is testament enough to its star quality.” The level of detail and thought put into both the design and content of each kit could not be more committed to making Singapore’s First Class guests feel valued and lavished upon. Simon adds that “being the ultimate symbol of French luxury, the Lalique kits are beautiful in their own right, add into the mix the generous gifts inside and it’s no question this is a five-star offering.” The female cosmetic case was offered in a pebble-textured pink and black design and contained a range of L’AMOUR LALIQUE cosmetics in an elegant satin drawstring bag. The Gents kit was designed in the classic style physicians bag and contained the best in travel size products from LALIQUE’s Encre Noire line. The unisex design was a black leather cosmetic case and included a Neroli scented candle, Neroli hand soap, and Neroli cosmetics; a great fragrance for both men and women to enjoy.
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Darlings of the Decade!
THE FINAL FETCHING FIVE… QANTAS AIRWAYS supplied by BUZZ, Winner of Gold 2017, celebrated the ‘Spirit of
Australia’ in their Qantas curates range and featured artwork of leading Australian artists, photographers and digital influencers to comprise a brightly coloured range of flying art.
KLM supplied by Helios MPPD, Winner of GOLD 2011, took high-fashion to
the skies. Partnering Viktor & Rolf, the dutch fashion house which specialises in creating conceptual and avant-garde designs, KLM’s offering was sleek, chic and sophisticated. It was this partnership that opened up the market to explore more adventurous brands.
ETIHAD AIRWAYS supplied by WESSCO International, Winner of GOLD 2013,
partnered with Sougha, an initiative by Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development which works to preserve Emirati culture through the showcasing of local artists. The combination of luxury cosmetics combined with the airline’s cultural identity made for a memorable keepsake.
QATAR AIRWAYS supplied by FORMIA, Winner of GOLD 2016, drew inspiration from
Thai’s hard case Rimowa kit adding a boutique Italian twist partnering with suitcase brand Bric’s and cosmetic brand Castello Monte Vibiano. By partnering with familyrun businesses this made the product more exclusive and personal and set the trend for discovering more artisan independent businesses to go onboard.
THAI AIRWAYS supplied by FORMIA, Winner of Gold 2011, became the market leader
in taking inspiration from a hard case suitcase design with Rimowa’s infamous polycarbonate shell collection. Other suitcase brands now seen onboard global airlines in a bid to replicate Thai Airways innovative kit include Samsonite, Brics, Globetrotter, Porsche etc.
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Augmented reality
Augmented reality onboard – a step to the future There is an age-old joke which shows a boring childhood, with all the toys and games made of simple wood and nailed to the floor. It seems in the digital era that we live in today, that if toys are not internet-connected or app-based may as well be made of wood and nailed to the floor, children just don’t seem interested. So now seems a perfect time to utilize this interest, and combine interactive play with inflight amenities. As a result, augmented reality (AR) has already taken hold as one of the hottest trends. AR allows a game to come to life, contain more visual information and have a range of applications for learning and entertainment. Interestingly, this technology is accessible to most passengers as it can be utilized through something that most of us carry in our pockets, our smartphone. Suppliers are already looking at ways to incorporate this into their onboard kits. AK-Service have developed and launched a few mobile apps with AR games to be included in their amenities, and they are already being used successfully in amenity kits provided on board. AR has the ability to make travel time more fun and interesting, not only for children but also for adults. AR shopping on board, AR menu, AR flying map and AR guides to destinations around the world. Augmented reality is an exciting development in the world of 28
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entertainment, and onboard amenities as it has the ability to extend the reach of the standard kit, create an interactive experience and pass the time whilst travelling. The AK-Service team is currently developing a new augmented reality application for an airline. They have created a collection of porcelain aircraft statuettes, which imitates the entire fleet of the airline. After the flight, each business class passenger receives one as a present. By downloading and using a mobile application, passengers can use the model to not only collect entire fleet but also learn more about the distinguishing features of the aircraft, put it in their interactive collection and even play an AR game with it. AK-Service has gathered a team of professional mobile developers, AR-enthusiasts and artists to deliver next-generation kits – quality amenities with modern mobile technologies and
interactive media and the possibilities seem endless. AK-Service are not the only suppliers that are developing this new technology for onboard amenities. Buzz Products have also developed the ‘Fly with Me Animals’ family with Emirates, which premiered in December 2019. This included a short AR animation about Noel the Polar Bear, that went alongside a themed kid’s kit for the holiday season. Buzz Products are committed to developing digital integration into their children’s kits. Children and adults are living, working and travelling in an increasingly connected world. As a result AR technology seems to be the next way for airlines to create fun, connected, far-reaching amenities that help passengers play, learn and travel in comfort.
by Lily Fleur Bradbury
In the Spotlight CCO of Matrix, Harry Zalk, talks amenity authenticity, the importance of circular economy, and the reality of the industry’s current favourite buzzword, sustainability.
by Simon Ward
IN THE SPOTLIGHT
As an international product development agency, you work with a number of leading beauty brands. How does this give you a greater insight into current market trends? We have a trend and insight team whose whole remit is to predict and analyse how the market will evolve and what consumers will want in the short and long term. This is essential when working with our retail partners as the success of our brands and products are measured in retail sales. If our products don’t sell, we don’t win any further business. We find that this attention to detail and consumer insight is 100% transferrable to our airline customers.
Do you consider it is possible to produce truly sustainable/ green onboard amenities? A very interesting question – everyone’s definition of truly sustainable is different. I would argue that while airlines continue to give away single-use items, that will always be to the detriment of the environment. A cheap bamboo toothbrush is better than a cheap plastic toothbrush but it’s not legitimately green if millions of them still end up in a landfill. We are continuously exploring ways in which we can truly address the issues of sustainability in onboard products.
As a member of the Ellen MacArthur Foundation do you feel that airlines should be transitioning to a Circular Economy as the most responsible approach? We believe this is only a small part of a much bigger problem. Of course, all businesses should be moving to a circular economy where possible, but we believe that sustainability and impact need to be considered in all aspects of business decision making. Everything from the reduction or repurposing of plastic, to ensuring that all workers making our products are being treated with respect and rewarded fairly. Business can be the catalyst for change on a global scale. At Matrix, we don’t take that responsibility lightly.
For Matrix, as a company, what accomplishment, development or project are you most proud of? Generally, what makes us proud is the knowledge that our products and company are positively impacting the lives of people. Whether we are hosting a webinar with factories on positive worker retention, launching a new wellness range for retail, or enhancing the product quality received in business class so the honeymoon couple, who have splurged to experience it, come back again and again! That’s what gets us all out of bed on a cold winter’s day, impacting everyone across all our business in different and positive ways.
In working with brand partnerships, what do you foresee as your biggest challenges when it comes to maintaining the individual integrity and value of both the brand and airline, whilst aligning them cohesively together in the final offering? The importance of the authenticity of the partnership has never been more important. The passenger needs to understand why this brand partnership is aligned to the values of the airline and is a credible solution to an onboard desire or need. If they feel it’s a ‘brand badging’ exercise or inauthentic partner, they will ultimately see through the partnership. The First and Business Class customer is a very savvy consumer who has high expectations.
Are Airlines doing enough to keep up with passenger needs and demands? The focus on sleep and wellness has been a major positive shift toward passenger wellbeing but there is plenty more work to do in Economy and Premium Economy where the majority of passengers are flying. Small but meaningful investments in the passenger experience in these cabins could have a huge impact on peoples flying experience and ultimately would drive business growth. AMENITIESMAGAZINE.COM
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In the Spotlight
When did Matrix first start working with the airline industry and what attracted you into the amenity sector?
Harry’s holiday hot picks Where is your favourite place to go on vacation? Miami! The blend of American and Latino is such fun and I love the art deco architecture.
What is the most significant change you have seen in onboard amenities in the past decade?
What is your favourite city? London – every time I’ve had the itch to move away, I end up realizing how much I love it here.
The market has become more competitive and the quality of the onboard product has been elevated. At the same time, price pressures have increased and this makes creating impactful solutions for passengers even more challenging. There is also a further focus on sleep and wellbeing within our space which is great for the passenger experience.
What is your amenity must-have when travelling? Slippers. I take my own if necessary. Your favourite holiday read? Anything by Robert Harris. Your favourite onboard tipple? I’m a man of simple tastes: give me a good session IPA or a glass of champagne 32
We were tempted into the space around 10 years ago by the founders of REN skincare who our founder knew well. They needed an amenity manufacturer and knew we had 15 years of experience producing retail beauty products in Asia.
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How do you see the market changing in the next few years and what innovations do you predict will be a game-changer? The million-dollar question! I couldn’t possibly share all of our secrets. Seriously though; with people predicted to fly more and more in the
coming years, sleep and wellbeing need to remain top of the agenda for airlines. Also, with the advancement of ultra-long-haul flights we need to closely monitor and look after passengers embarking on flights of 15 hours or more.
What are your views on the way airlines go out for tender and what changes to this process if any would you like to see? I am not enamoured with the tendering process that airlines so often run. Repetitive questions, “tick box” exercises and little room for exploration on a collaborative basis can waste time and resources and can be detrimental to the overall product outcome of the tender. Our greatest successes have been when we’ve worked collaboratively with an airline, spending quality time with teams who understand what the product needs to accomplish and can make decisions. A long-term partnership mentality, to achieve the best outcome aligned to a shared vision, is where we have seen the best results in a shorter timeline. I’d be keen for airlines to adopt a more efficient policy of tendering out to the industry to select their preferred product development partner/agency and once selected, work collaboratively over a 3-6 month project to truly deliver exceptional ideas and solutions on the project. This would ensure that agencies tendering at the beginning were spending less time and resource on what they “think” the airline wants, a more measured approach would reduce the huge number of wasted samples that are often generated by the current tender process and ultimately deliver more thoughtful and cohesive product ranges.
AIRLINE WINE 
AIRLINE
wine
by Richard Woodard AMENITIESMAGAZINE.COM
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AIRLINE WINE
If you set out to design the perfect environment for tasting and appreciating wine, chances are it would not involve sitting in a noisy, vibrating, pressurised cabin 35,000 feet above the ground. A flute of champagne or a glass of red with your inflight dinner may be a central part of the flying experience, but it’s one that requires a lot of thought and work for the airlines involved. “On an aircraft, the atmosphere inside the cabin affects your sense of smell, which in turn reduces the sense of taste,” explains Sajida Ismail, head of inflight product at British Airways. “As the altitude increases, the air pressure drops, along with humidity levels. At about 35,000ft, humidity is less than 12%, which is drier than most deserts. “The combination of dryness and low pressure reduces the sensitivity of the tastebuds to sweet and salty foods by about 30%, making it more difficult to appreciate the smell and taste of fine wine.” At least today’s onboard environment is a huge improvement on the old days. “On our modern fleet, the conditions are not comparable with older aircraft,” points out an Emirates spokesperson. “Humidity and pressure are greatly advanced and similar to being at altitude in the Swiss Alps.” Nonetheless, putting together an airline wine list requires a huge amount of time and effort. The preparation of the Lufthansa wine selection, for instance, involves tasting more than 1,000 samples over 10-12 days a year; American Airlines tries about 900 wines to create its list, while Qantas’ team of sommeliers gets through 1,400 samples a year. There’s a good deal of expertise involved too. Qantas has worked with Rockpool restaurateur Neil Perry and his team of sommeliers for more than 20 years, American draws on the knowledge of Master Sommelier Bobby Stuckey, and Lufthansa uses 34
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AIRLINE WINE
Master of Wine and world champion sommelier Markus Del Monego MW. Meanwhile, Singapore Airlines has not one but three high-profile wine consultants in Jeannie Cho Lee, Michael Hill Smith and Oz Clarke. Their task is to draw up a roster of wines that people want to drink, but that also work in the distinctive conditions found onboard a passenger aircraft. What are they looking for? “I feel you need bold flavours, whether it be salt in the food or bolder flavours in the wine when flying, to produce the best taste experience,” says Stuckey. “A wine that, on the ground, has good balance should have good balance in the air, though fruit and sweetness tend to be suppressed and unripe tannins and acidity exaggerated,” adds Ismail. “Ripe, fruity New World wines work well. Technological advances [in the winery] – microoxygenation, a better understanding of physiological ripeness and tannin management – have all made the buying process simpler.” Antony McNeil, Singapore Airlines food & beverage director, gives a practical example involving consultants
Cho Lee, Hill Smith and Clarke: “When choosing between two Spanish Riojas at a previous tasting, they selected a younger vintage, even though they preferred the older one, as they agreed that the subtler flavours of the latter would be less noticeable in the air.” “We always look for wines with good acidity that tends to flatten when at altitude, which makes for a more balanced wine when flying, such as crisp, citrusy varieties like Riesling and Sauvignon Blanc,” says an Emirates spokesperson. “We also serve wines with strong characteristics (eg fullbodied Malbec) as they often show better.” The selection process is aided by technology, which enables the recreation of cabin conditions – pressure, lack of humidity – on the ground; a useful tool when, to take BA as an example, you’re dealing with the consumption of almost 10 million bottles of wine and champagne a year, involving everything from top-end Grand Cru Bordeaux to quarter-bottles of much more humble blends. The wines also have to work with food, providing a good match with airlines’ inflight menus. Lufthansa
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AIRLINE WINE
crews are briefed on wine recommendations to pair with dishes on long-haul flights, backed up by the reasoning behind them, while Stuckey characterises the wine selection process as “like putting together a restaurant wine by-the-glass menu”. Ismail adds: “We pair all the wines we choose for our premium cabins in close collaboration with our in-house chefs. The wines across the whole list need an element of versatility, and we look for this when making our selection. “Sometimes customers will fancy a red wine but wish for a vegetarian dish, so we ensure that versatility is there. Equally, there’s currently a lovely Chassagne-Montrachet served onboard which works with the beef fillet in First because it has beautiful, expressive oak and some tertiary notes from ageing.” Versatility is vital, given the limited storage space onboard. For instance, Lufthansa lists four red wines, four whites, one sweet, one champagne, plus fortified for First; three white, three red, one special recommendation, an LBV Port and a champagne for Business; and only one white, one red and one sparkling for Economy and Premium Economy. One way of securing a supply of the right wine for onboard food and conditions 36
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is to create a bespoke label from scratch. At American, Stuckey and his team have worked with grape growers in southern Italy to bottle two custom-designed wines, Veloce Rosso and Veloce Bianco, with the right kind of “aromatic, bright and crisp” flavours. Similarly, BA is surfing the wave of interest in English sparkling wine – the airline has served English fizz in First for five years now, with a big increase in consumption – by creating an exclusive Blanc de Noirs sparkler with Hattingley Valley and its winemaker, Emma Rice. “Working in partnership with wineries allows us to get the perfect pour, taking into account the taste profile, effects at altitude and food choices to pair the wine,” explains Ismail. Most wines are sourced when ready to drink, but BA and Singapore Airlines, among others, buy top-end Bordeaux and Burgundy when young, cellaring them in the region of production so that they can be offered to First customers when at their peak years later. Lufthansa, for instance, is buying Bordeaux wines now which will only feature on the airline’s First Class list in 2028 – a ready illustration of the thought and planning that goes into sourcing the right wines for airline passengers the world over.
The Show Must Go On! 
The Show Must Go On! The Winners of the TravelPlus amenity Awards With the announcement that WTCE Hamburg 2020 had been cancelled, there was much disappointment in the TravelPlus camp. However, they felt that it was important to still celebrate and award the hard work of the airline industry for their onboard amenity offerings from 2019, as well as mark the 10th anniversary of the TravelPlus Airline Amenity Awards. It is key to the Awards that it is a communal celebratory event, with the ability for the winners to celebrate with their colleagues across the industry. With this the team began to discuss ways to keep the feel of the awards, whilst they were unable to celebrate together in Hamburg. On Tuesday 6th April, 2020 the TravelPlus Airline Amenity Bag awards took place as a live webinar, and was joined by people from all over the
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world from Hong Kong to Madrid, Iceland and Paris. The ability for those that attended to interact with the announcement of each award gave a sense of the industry still being able to come together, and the event has subsequently had overwhelmingly positive feedback. TravelPlus was also able to send out the awards video to those that were unable to attend the webinar live, and so has reached an audience on all corners of the globe. The TravelPlus team were thrilled to be able to put together their event, even in these strange and trying times that was attended live by so many. It proves that the interest in the development of these amenity kits continues to rise, and TravelPlus look forward to rewarding many more winners in the next 10 years!
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CATEGORY WINNERS
First Class Female
Business Class Americas
Business Class The Middle East
WINNER
WINNER
WINNER
Airline
Supplier
Airline
Supplier
Airline
Supplier
Singapore Airlines
FORMIA
Hawaiian Airlines
WESSCO International
Saudia Airlines
FORMIA
First Class Male
Business Class Europe/Africa
WINNER
JOINT WINNER
JOINT WINNER
Airline
Supplier
Airline
Supplier
Airline
Supplier
Singapore Airlines
FORMIA
Turkish Airlines
FORMIA
Air France
Albéa Travel Designer
First Class Unisex
Business Class Asia/Australasia
Business Class Sleeper Suit
WINNER
WINNER
WINNER
Airline
Supplier
Airline
Supplier
Airline
Supplier
Air France
Albéa Travel Designer
Uzebekistan Airways
AK Service
EVA Air
Buzz Products
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CATEGORY WINNERS 
Children < 6 and Sustainable Kit
Business Class Bedding
Children Over 6
WINNER / JOINT WINNER
WINNER
WINNER
Airline
Supplier
Airline
Supplier
Airline
Supplier
Singapore Airlines
Buzz Products
Hawaiian Airlines
WESSCO International
Turkish Airlines
FORMIA
First Class Bedding
First Class Sleep Suit
Economy
WINNER
WINNER
WINNER
Airline
Supplier
Airline
Supplier
Airline
Supplier
Cathay Pacific
Matrix
Saudia Airlinesc
FORMIA
Turkish Airlines
Bayart Innovations
Premium Economy Bedding
Baby/Infant
Premium Economy
WINNER
WINNER
WINNER
Airline
Supplier
Airline
Supplier
Airline
Supplier
British Airways
John Horsfall
Air France
Albea Travel Designer
Hawaiian Airlines
WESSCO International AMENITIESMAGAZINE.COM
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CATEGORY WINNERSâ&#x20AC;&#x192;
Special Edition
Sustainable Kit
Most Innovative Kits Supplierof all kits
WINNER
WINNER Airline
Supplier
Airline
Virgin Atlantic
Gaglileo Watermark
Virgin Atlantic
Promotional Kit
Condor
Airline
Finnair
Airline
Lufthansa
Supplier Galileo Watermark Skincare Buzz Products Refurbishment MNH
TravelPlus Readers Award
WINNER
WINNER
Airline
Supplier
Airline
Supplier
Qatar Airways
FORMIA
Hong Kong Airlines
Spiriant
Sustainable Textile
Brand Collaboration
WINNER
WINNER
Airline
Supplier
Airline
Supplier
EVA AIR
Buzz Products
Icelandair
WESSCO International
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Airline
skysupply
AMENITIESMAGAZINE.COM
A big thank you to Iris Anna Groeneweg and Gudrun Adalsteinsdottir at Icelandair for this photo of them with their gold certificate for Brand Collaboration.
Exclusively On Board
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CATEGORY WINNERSâ&#x20AC;&#x192;
The Anita Gittelson Innovator of the Year Award WINNER Katerina Orfanidi, Customer Manager, Virgin Atlantic HIGHLY COMMENDED
The award recognises those individuals, within the airline industry who have gone the extra mile, and make significant contributions in innovation, quality, value. This year the awards was presented to Katerina Orfanidi.
Business Class Asia/Australasia Airline
Supplier
Eva Air
Formia
Business Class Americas Airline
Supplier
United Airlines
Buzz Products
Baby/Infant
Katerina is a Customer Experience Manager at Virgin Atlantic, charged with developing the future vision and strategy for core products within the airline, on the ground and in the air in order to deliver irresistible experiences and add customer value. Katerina was instrumental in delivering the new sustainability driven amenity kit programme. In just a year at the airline, the new eco-friendly amenity kits have launched in both Premium Economy and Upper Class.
Supplier of the Year Award
Airline
Supplier
WINNER
Air Mauritius
skysupply
WESSCO International
WESSCO International one of the leading global amenity kit suppliers receives the most prestigious and coveted industry award the TravelPlus Supplier of the Year.
Children < 6 Airline
Supplier
Lufthansa
Spiriant
Economy Airline Saudia Airlines in partnership with Saudi Commission for Tourism and Heritage
Jennifer Green, Petros Sakkis and Nick Bregman celebrating at the 2018 ceremony
This award recognises commitment to the design and supply of innovative products that reflect current market trend like sustainability but also reflect the airlines brand and home market.
The suit of products designed for Hawaiian Airlines is a true reflection of this winning three Gold Seals at this year awards. 44
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