Huge amounts of food and drink served on planes end up getting thrown away, but Qatar Airways’ in-flight catering arm has said it plans to donate as much as 300kg of surplus food and beverages every day to “good causes” in its home country Qatar.
Qatar Aircraft Catering Company (QACC) is collaborating with Qatari food bank Hifz Al Naema to redistribute the items such as whole fruits, cereals, yoghurt, chocolates and soft drinks.
Established in 2008 as the first food bank in the country, Hifz Al Naema began with collecting surplus food from festivals, weddings and hotels and has since expanded to collecting and distributing surplus clothing, furniture, electronic devices and other appliances.
“At QACC, we are continuously looking at ways to reduce waste and ensure an optimal food and beverage service to all our clients. This partnership ensures any unserved meals or unopened items will be redistributed to support those in need in our local community and reduce wastage at landfills,” said QACC senior vice president, Michael Winner,
QACC prepares an average of 175,000 meals and 60 international cuisines per day in its kitchen and bakery from Hamad International Airport, according to Qatar Airways.
Since its establishment in 2008, Hifz Al Naema has distributed more three million meals to people in need. Hifz Al Naema partners and collaborates with organisations and institutions across Qatar including hotels, private events, and restaurants.
Launched in August 2002, QACC is the sole catering company exclusively providing in-flight catering for Qatar Airways, international airlines, hub lounges, Amiri and ad hoc VVIP flights at Hamad International Airport (HIA). At 69,000 square metres, the airline said QACC is one of the world’s largest self-contained catering facilities.
In the hotel industry, IHG in June revealed plans to use artificial intelligence to reduce food waste.
