When it comes to passenger aircraft, catering is cargo, too. At least on those routes where the destination may not be able to offer flight catering or not to the required standard. Those destinations call for an oversize lunch box. And that now comes in the shape of a very special ULD, developed by German ULD specialist, DoKaSch. The introduction and launch of that special container, which is an AKE LD3, was announced at the World Cargo Symposium in Hong Kong on 12MAR24.
Launch customer, German leisure carrier Condor, which was involved in its design, is the first to benefit from the “DoKaSch Cater Cage”, as the ULD is called. Up to 12 half size trolleys or a mix of half- and full-size trolleys, along with additional catering boxes and oven racks can be stored in the catering ULD. The release stipulates that the ULD “may be individually customized to the specific requirements of each airline. Trolleys are well secured so the catering items inside are kept in place securely.” The new ULD gives the flexibility to offer catering on flights to/from destinations where the airline may not have a contracted airline partner, or only flies seasonally, or where local caterers are not up to par. It ensures that fresh food is kept fresh and fit for purpose on the return journey.
Martin Kraemer, Vice President Sales & Marketing at DoKaSch, said: “Our catering ULD is a perfect solution to ensure all components for the return-catering are kept nicely in place. Beside food items, also dry goods, pillows, blankets or magazines can all be stowed in the ULD. This ensures a perfect passenger experience on the return flight.”
Nicola Burger, Head of Catering at Condor, described the collaboration: “Together with DoKaSch, we were able to customize the ULDs to fit Condor’s needs. This allows us to securely and flexibly store trolleys and meal containers, ensuring that our high-quality products and accompanying onboard equipment can be safely unloaded at the destination. This saves time and simplifies the logistics process.”
Thilo Schaefer, Head of Cargo, added: “Once again, the collaborative effort between the airline and DoKaSch has resulted in an excellent product.”