More and more airlines are looking for alternatives to avoid the significant waste generated in their operations. In addition to single-use plastics, which produce high levels of pollution, there is food waste, which Austrian Airlines will seek to reduce.
For almost a year now, the Lufthansa Group member company has been offering high-quality food services on its flights through the Austrian Melangerie initiative. Faced with the problem of the large amount of fresh food waste generated, they have just launched Austrian Melangerie to go, an innovative proposal for their passengers to take off the plane the food that was not consumed during the flight and that should otherwise be discarded.
A company press release states that “on February 2, the flag carrier is launching the “AM2GO” pilot project on its longest European flights to Austria. Shortly before landing in Vienna, passengers will be offered fresh products from the range on board that have not been consumed up to that point as “melangerie bags” at a reduced price. For a small contribution, depending on availability, one or two products will be delivered in a paper bag together with wooden cutlery.”
This is one of the many examples that are emerging around the world to address concrete solutions to promote a more sustainable airline industry. In this case, the proposal starts from the airline but also appeals to the commitment of its passengers to achieve success.
“The initiative aims to minimize food waste without reducing the variety of food offered to passengers. The “Melangerie Bags” offer requires that there is still unsold fresh produce on board the respective flight before landing in Vienna. The “AM2GO” pilot project will be continuously adapted and implemented on other routes,” says Austrian Airlines.
