This article talks about how Airbus and Virgin Atlantic are collaborating to reduce airline food waste using an artificial intelligence system called Smart Catering. The cabin crew has mobile devices with cameras that scan meal trays as they are taken from catering trolleys and sends the data to the AI system. The system sends real time updates about the food and drink being consumed. It also provides the crew with helpful information such as food stock locations, dietary details, and allergen information.
This initiative addresses a significant problem in airline food consumption. On a flight, about 18-20% of food and drinks go untouched. This leads to a high amount of food waste coming from the airline industry.
The Smart Catering technology has been tested and is projected to help reduce large amount of food waste efficiently and sustainably.
