Airlines

Emirates introduces new onboard Meal Preordering Service

Emirates is beginning the first steps of an innovative meal preordering initiative, whereby customers will be able to preselect their hot main meal between 14 days and 24 hours prior to their flight, ensuring they always get their preferred meal choice and contributing to the reduction of food waste.

Beginning on July 25, the programme will be offered in Business Class on all flights between Dubai and London Heathrow, London Gatwick, and London Stansted. It will enhance the customer experience offered by Emirates, enhance time management, and provide additional insight into meal consumption during flights.

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Meal preordering will be added to the already comprehensive set of AI-enabled customer preference tracking data and cabin crew reports, which support menu planning and optimal food loading to give the best possible restaurant in the sky’ inflight eating experience.

Passengers can explore the onboard menu on Emirates.com or the Emirates app up to 14 days before a trip and select from a variety of regionally inspired dishes made using locally sourced ingredients. If necessary, passengers can also book special meals in advance.

On the flight, the wait staff will serve the passenger their preferred hot dish using a specially developed app on a gadget that displays the meal options. Emirates is attentively observing customer feedback from the initial rollout phase and has plans to expand the meal preorder initiative to more routes and classes in the near future.

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Another improvement to the convenience of digitally enabled journeys enjoyed by Emirates customers is the preordering lunch service innovation. In addition to digital boarding passes, itinerary management, and website and app check-in, passengers can also access digital menus in advance, sign up for Emirates Skywards to instantly access free connectivity based on tier membership and class of travel, and spend time curating a playlist of their favorite films, TV shows, and music that is available on ice, which they can synchronize from their app to their TV screen the moment they board.

In order to ensure that customers have a better experience flying with Emirates, travelers are also requested to complete a brief digital survey that appears on the in-flight entertainment screen and rate every aspect of their flight.

Airlines

German Carrier Lufthansa Plans for 20% Job Cuts in Administration

Lufthansa Airlines is reportedly planning significant job cuts in its administrative workforce. According to Manager Magazin, the German carrier intends to reduce administrative positions by 20% as part of its cost-cutting measures amidst an anticipated decline in earnings.

This reduction could impact approximately 400 jobs, the report revealed. While Lufthansa has not directly commented on the layoffs, the airline confirmed its goal of cutting administrative costs by 20% by 2028.

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The strategy involves leveraging digital technologies, including artificial intelligence and automation. “A hiring freeze is currently in place for administrative roles at Lufthansa Airlines,” said a company spokesperson.

The staff reduction is expected to occur through natural attrition and age-related turnover, rather than forced layoffs. The internal projection cited by the magazine warns that Lufthansa could face an operating loss of €800 million ($843.92 million) by 2026 if no corrective measures are taken.

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The report highlights the challenges companies face in aligning workforce requirements with current and future demands. Failure to adapt could necessitate drastic actions, such as restructuring and layoffs, which carry significant repercussions for both the organization and its employees.

As Lufthansa navigates these challenges, the airline appears committed to balancing cost efficiency with digital transformation to maintain its competitiveness in a rapidly evolving industry.