dnata, a leading global inflight retailer, iFLEAT, an airline innovation and technology leader, and Thuisbezorgd.nl (part of Just Eat Takeaway.com), one of the world’s leading food delivery providers, have joined forces and successfully launched a revolutionary pre-order inflight retail initiative in The Netherlands. The three companies’ innovative solution will be gradually introduced in new markets, bringing high-end, creative meals and snacks to airline passengers around the world. The partnership marks a significant shift in inflight food and beverage supply.

Passengers flying from Schiphol Airport can already pre-order meals through the ‘Takeaway’ app up to one hour before boarding. Customers can choose from a range of fresh salads, poke bowls, sushi platters and delicious hot meals and have their order delivered to the aircraft prior to departure.

Transavia, part of the Air France-KLM Group, launched the service from Schiphol Airport in September, with a planned roll out to more Transavia destinations in the near future.

Robin Padgett, Divisional Senior Vice President of dnata’s catering division, said the initiative opened up the global airline food and beverage market to high-street brands, labelling it a step-change in the inflight dining experience.

“App-led food delivery services continue to grow immensely across the world, with the ease of use, choice of cuisine and loyalty driving incredible consumer uptake.

“By partnering with the leader in this field, we’re able to deliver exactly what customers want to their seat. Passengers are no longer restricted to what’s available in the air.

“This model enables our airline partners to offer their passengers a wider choice of fresh, healthy food and reduce wastage on-board.”

Jaap Roukens, the founder of iFLEAT, added: “My focus has always been on improving the passenger experience. With this new service offering and through technology, we’re putting choice in the customers’ hands and delivering a revenue-generating service for airlines, while also reducing food waste on board.

“We’re excited to now expand this pre-order service to dnata’s more than 120 locations across the world.”

The time taken between placing an order and delivery to the passenger on-board is in-line or quicker than expected delivery times in many city environments.

dnata and iFLEAT are now planning a further rollout of this innovative service which is a perfect complement to existing inflight retail and catering services.

dnata provides reliable and safe air services to over 300 airlines around the world. The company’s catering division has a dedicated team of employees delivering high-quality catering, inflight retail and food & beverage solutions from 65 facilities in 12 countries.