En Route International has a launched a new range of ‘light-touch’ snacking and meal solutions for airlines – supporting the transition back to normal schedules post COVID-19.
Each food solution is designed to support a fast, efficient crew service with minimal handling or customer contact required.
The range is made up of a vast array of food boxes that offer airlines entry-level options consisting of a snack, water and hand sanitisers; right the way through to boxes that include more substantial meal varieties.
The boxes are designed to be flexible so airlines can choose the options that are most suited to their passengers’ behaviours and preferences.
The move comes after recent research published by The Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX) and the International Flight Services Association (IFSA), which found that food safety has become one of the key issues for passengers in the last two months.
According to the research approximately 400,000 conversations have taken place in March and April on social media, expressing concern about food safety on-board airlines.
En Route’s products focus on central production and packing in BRC and FDA grade facilities to ensure supply chain integrity and safety.
In addition to the range of the light touch pre packed boxes, En Route has introduced a new range of IFW bakery items and packed fresh cut premium cheese solutions designed for the transition back to regular operations.
Hamish Cook, executive director, En Route, said: “We know that consumer confidence is going to be a major contributor to how quickly our sector recovers from the challenges caused by the pandemic. That’s why we’ve developed a range of products that are designed to provide reassurance to crew and passengers about their food, where it has come from and how it has been handled on its journey.
“Our own research has found that passengers may be wary of ‘open’ style food and meals and will be looking for more product integrity through packaging.
“These ‘light-touch’ options have been created to help during the transition period between where we are now and when normal service resumes. We all have a collective responsibility to make sure we are doing what we can to support each other during these unprecedented times.”
Headquartered in Windsor, UK, En Route International specialises in the complete design, development and delivery of on-board food and service solutions.
Founded in 2002, with offices in Europe, the Middle East, Asia Pacific and North America, En Route has an established global logistics platform which enables the business to operate across five continents.
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