Airbus in RFID research for airline catering

Global- Airbus are undergoing a research that could possible improve the process chain of caterers and airlines by using RFID (Radio Frequency Identification).

Airbus said it is leading a three year research and technology project, Intelligent Catering via RFID (iC-RFID), which aims improve the effectiveness of the entire process chain from the caterer to the airline passenger.

The airplane giant and its research partners adapted the RFID technology to enhance the logistic chain for aircraft catering by labelling and monitoring all goods moved to or from an aircraft.

According to Airbus, cost effective catering logistics have become a serious competitive advantage for both airlines and caterers.

The use of RFID technology enables automatic identification, locating and tracking of objects by means of electro-magnetic waves.

Additionally, Airbus plans to develop on service quality by using RFID to identify items on the menu and communicating their cooking program directly to the oven.

"[This would] ensure that the food preparation time is more efficient [and] that the food reaches the passenger in its most delicious condition," Airbus said.