The collaboration with the World Airline Entertainment Association (WAEA) proved to be a successful endeavor as IFSA and ITCA were able to attract a broad range of industry professionals totaling 300 attendees. The event was held 28-30 April at the Shangri-La Hotel in downtown Kuala Lumpur and drew a host of representatives from airline catering and onboard services industries including entertainment content providers.

The joint sessions and networking opportunities with WAEA provided great opportunities for participants to help their organizations create an advantage in the Asia Pacific region.

Conference Highlights

Chief Executive Officer of Malaysia Airlines, Idris Jala, kicked off the Conference with an inspiring keynote address the morning of 29 April. Jala remarked on the regional airlines’ current state and how the demand for travel continues to drop along with the world’s economies. In his presentation, Jala noted that Malaysia Airlines has set a goal to become one of the region’s “five-star” carriers, and maintains a reputation for service and quality.

In advance of the onsite IFSA Chef’s Competition, five competing finalists were provided ingredients from which to develop a menu representative of regional airline business class cuisine. The chefs demonstrated their talents in Malaysian cooking for a panel of five judges. Chef Kenichi Nishio of TFK Corporation in Narita took top honors at this year’s competition, following in his brother’s footsteps who took top honors in 2008.

Industry professionals had the opportunity to advance their knowledge of Halal food preparation in a country that is rapidly becoming the leader in cooking techniques and compliance for Islamic meal preparation. The Tuesday morning workshop was led by Hj. Rafek Saleh, Certification & Training Manager, Halal Audit & Compliance, Malaysia Airlines.

In his Wednesday morning address, Andrew Herdman, Director General of the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA) stated that Asia Pacific airlines are competing with one another and introducing innovative cabin features such as lie-flat beds to attract a shrinking number of business and premium travelers.

IFSA, ITCA and WAEA members acted as panelists who reviewed the state of the industry as well as some successful ways to innovate and cope with the industry’s economic issues. On Wednesday morning, Doug Bressler, Director of Foodservice Operations, Asia/Pacific, Continental Airlines/ Chelsea Foodservices asked the knowledgeable panelists to speak of some of the recent innovations in the airline and catering industry.

Panelists for “The Importance of Innovation in a Tough Economic Market” included: Patrick Brannelly, Vice President, Passenger Communications and Visual Services, Emirates Airline; Heather Cho, Managing Vice President In-flight Services & Catering Division, Korean Air; Sandra Pineau, Staff Vice President, Continental Airlines; and Torsten Brendel, Senior Business Unit Manager, i+O Industrieplanung + Organisation GmbH & Co. KG.

A session titled “Realizing Success in an Evolving Economy” resulted in a energetic discussion with Nick Robinson, Out Port Catering Manager for Far East Asia at Qatar Airways; Werner Kimmeringer, Head of Catering at Etihad; Rudi Friederichs, Owner and Manager of Frankenberg, a supplier of frozen meals in Germany; Ian Bollen, who works in Inflight Logistics at Gate Gourmet Australia, and Azman Ahmad, Assistant General Manager of Malaysia Airlines. During the session, panelists stressed the importance for open communication among airlines, caterers and suppliers as a way to weather the global economic state. IFSA thanks PAX Magazine International Editor-in-Chief, Rick Lundstrom for moderating this session.

The sessions wrapped with a presentation on the latest research and development in cabin and galley equipment from Airbus. Isabelle Devatine-Lacaze, Ground Operations Senior Engineer at Airbus S.A.S. provided delegates with an update on the SPICE (Space Innovative Catering Equipment) system, a revolutionary Airbus system that promises a number improvements, including improved ergonomics, with less strain on cabin crew, improved galley chilling capabilities, more efficient recycling and up to 500 kilograms less weight in a typical wide body aircraft.

Generous sponsorship support was provided by many IFSA and ITCA members which contributed to the overall success of the event. As always, the local support from the host country is extremely valuable and Malaysia Airlines put forth tremendous effort in program development, while LSG Sky Chefs-Brahim’s Sdn Bhd opened their kitchen to our competing chefs and for touring by attendees. A vibrant and entertaining evening of cultural cuisine and dance, held at Saloma Theatre Restaurant was sponsored by Korean Air. [Please see an entire list of event sponsors below.]

Attendees relaxed and enjoyed the fabulous food prepared by Chef Bruno and his team. The Farewell Reception at HTC in Asia was sponsored by HACO, Fonterra and beverages provided by Distilleria Bottega. Colorful batik sarongs were provided to all attendees by Malaysian Airlines, along with a demonstration on how to wear them.

GOLF

The pre-Conference golf tournament took place at Glenmarie Golf & Country Club. The event served as an excellent networking opportunity, where players forged new business relationships and explore new opportunities.

The winning team consisted of Hideo Miyabe, TFK Corporation; Bob Sun, Flying Food Group, Luu Van Hanh, VN/CX Catering Services Ltd.; Tran Van Bang, VN/CX Catering Services Ltd.

The longest drive was awarded to Hideo Miyabe, TFK Corporation. Closest to the Pin went to Frank Lucet, Servair.

The Conference event was expertly planned and designed, thanks to a committed Asia Pacific Conference Planning Committee. Committee members are:

• Jaime Arturo Viola, Philippine Airlines (Chairman)
• Azman Ahmad, Malaysian Airlines
• Doug Bressler, Continental Airlines
• Joseph Chew
• Heather Cho, Korean Air
• Chef Happy Hapugasdeniya, Happy K Solutions
• Badrul Hisham Harun, Malaysia Airlines
• Belinda May, Birch & Waite
• Hideo Miyabe, TFK Corporation
• Bob Sun, Flying Food Group
• Tim Zandbergen, TFK Corporation

Special thanks to David Lau, Do Food Co., Ltd for providing all photographs of the event.

This communication is sponsored by Birch & Waite.

IFSA and ITCA extend a very special “thank you”
to our many generous sponsors