The improvement of inflight catering equipment distribution using a redesigned control model
A case study at KLM Royal Dutch Airlines
G. Lodewijks – Mentor
H.P.M. Veeke – Mentor
J.C. Van Ham – Mentor
A. Doze – Mentor
H. ten Veen – Mentor
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Abstract
The commercial aviation industry is currently characterized by fierce competition between airlines. In order to compete in the contemporary airline industry, airlines need to focus on cost reductions and efficient operations. Within the airline industry, KLM is one of the main competitors. With a history of over 95 years, KLM is one of the main European providers of passenger air transportation. KLM operates with a focus on costs, safety and service. KLM provides the possibility for transportation via aircrafts in a network of destinations. From Amsterdam, KLM operates with flights towards Europe (EUR) and flights towards Intercontinental (ICA) destinations. KLM operates their network according to the hub-and-spoke network configuration. This means that they organize the configuration of their flights from the hub in Amsterdam. On a yearly base, KLM transports more than 26 million passengers. Since 2004, KLM is merged with Air-France and they operate a dual hub system with hubs in Amsterdam (KLM) and Paris (Air-France). The main process criteria’s at KLM focus on safety, costs and service. These process criteria focus on the aim of KLM to provide a service oriented and efficient product against optimized costs. Service for KLM means a broad network, convenient departure times, ground operations and services. The on-board service is organized by Cabin Inflight Management (CIM). CIM is responsible for all the different elements that are required to organize the on-board experience for the passengers. This concerns the cabin crew, inflight sales, catering and on-board entertainment. For the management of catering, the subject of research, different departments are required. The product department is responsible for the design of new products, meals and serving equipment for the different classes. The Inflight sales department manages in-flight sales and the Crew Products and operations department manages flight support, crew reporting desk and crew products. The Network and Supply Management (NSM) department is responsible for the planning and logistics of the CIM products...