Airlines conserve fuel by reducing passenger meal weight

British Airways has said that it is reducing the weight of passenger meals, introducing lightweight catering trolleys and getting rid of crew paperwork in order to reduce overall aircraft weight and save on expensive jet fuel consumption.

Virgin Atlantic is taking similar measures and streamlining the packaging on its meals. In fact, it currently has a package-free meal under development.

On other airlines the cutlery has been reduced in size and weight, and lighter-weight porcelain plates have been introduced in premium-service classes.

These unique moves constitute just one type of industry response to the high prices of jet fuel - one of the current challenges for airlines throughout the world.

A BA spokesman noted: “Airlines are having to look at absolutely everything. We have already reduced the amount of potable water we have in out on-board tanks. We are also looking to remove redundant equipment such as kitchen equipment that is not absolutely essential.”

He went on to say: “And we are moving on-board paperwork used by the flight crew to an electronic version. At some point in the future our in-flight magazines could be electronic.”

The daily expenditure by British Airways on fuel and other operational costs has risen to more than £8 million, with totals for 2008 expected to exceed £3 billion.

On a typical long-haul flight, the combination of catering equipment and food can top six tonnes.

www.britishairways.com