25-5-2023 (Singapore) – Singapore Airlines (SIA) has announced that it will not proceed with the use of paper boxes for food on medium- and long-haul flights “for now”, following negative feedback from its trial earlier this year. The paper boxes were introduced in March for economy class meals on a small number of medium- and long-haul flights to enhance the in-flight experience by offering more main course options, which included gravy-rich dishes like laksa, mee siam, and congee.
However, the move sparked criticism about the airline’s food standards and was seen by some as a cost-cutting measure. In response to queries from CNA, an SIA spokesperson said that the airline had taken on board the feedback from customers and members of the public and had also received operational feedback on the trial, which indicated that the design of the box may need to be improved.
The spokesperson added that the airline had decided not to proceed with the new service ware for now. SIA will continue to use paper food boxes for economy class meals on short-haul flights under three-and-a-half hours.
The airline has also addressed comments about cost-cutting, stating that the trial food boxes cost more than the disposable plastic casserole dishes that it uses. The spokesperson confirmed that SIA has not reduced its budget for in-flight meals and that its current budget is about 20% higher than that for the 2019/2020 financial year.
In addition to the decision not to use paper boxes for medium- and long-haul flights, SIA will also bring back appetisers for economy class meals from June 1. These will be served with all economy class meals on medium-, long-haul and ultra-long haul trips. Economy class passengers on short-haul flights of between one-and-a-half hours and three-and-a-half hours will also receive bread rolls and butter, served with a main course and a dessert.
SIA has also restored some other items that were removed from the meal tray during the pandemic for operational and supply chain reasons, as well as to reduce food waste. This includes cheese and crackers and muffins for continental breakfasts.
The spokesperson stated that SIA remains committed to constantly innovating with the aim of enhancing the in-flight dining experience and to meet and exceed the expectations of its customers.
