Global Finance News
14 Apr 2026, 15:27
Airbus introduced its “Smart Catering” solution, an AI-driven system designed to reduce in-flight food waste and improve operational efficiency.
The technology uses camera-based AI on crew devices to automatically track meal and beverage consumption in real time, providing accurate inventory updates without adding workload for cabin crew.
Tested in 2025 with Virgin Atlantic on A330 and A350 flights, the system demonstrated the ability to analyze passenger consumption patterns and optimize catering supply. The solution also offers features such as real-time stock visibility, dietary information, and route-level data analytics.
Airbus estimates that such AI-driven tools could achieve double-digit reductions in avoidable food waste, addressing a major issue in aviation where up to 20% of onboard food goes unused.
Overall, Smart Catering represents a step toward more sustainable airline operations, combining digitalization and data analytics to reduce waste while maintaining service quality.
The technology uses camera-based AI on crew devices to automatically track meal and beverage consumption in real time, providing accurate inventory updates without adding workload for cabin crew.
Tested in 2025 with Virgin Atlantic on A330 and A350 flights, the system demonstrated the ability to analyze passenger consumption patterns and optimize catering supply. The solution also offers features such as real-time stock visibility, dietary information, and route-level data analytics.
Airbus estimates that such AI-driven tools could achieve double-digit reductions in avoidable food waste, addressing a major issue in aviation where up to 20% of onboard food goes unused.
Overall, Smart Catering represents a step toward more sustainable airline operations, combining digitalization and data analytics to reduce waste while maintaining service quality.