A shift in consumer preferences and diets toward options perceived as fresher, healthier and made with high-quality ingredients that have roiled the Big Food industry is now playing out on airplane tray tables at 36,000 feet, and airlines are scrambling to keep up. Carriers are hiring celebrity chefs, eschewing allergy-triggering peanuts and expanding their menus with gluten-free dishes, tastier vegan options and better ingredients to help build loyalty among picky travellers. Price is generally the most important factor when travellers select an airline, according to IATA. But a recent survey found that on-board service, along with the boarding process, and baggage collection help drive passenger satisfaction with a carrier. <br/>
general
Saudi Arabia’s aviation regulator, the General Authority of Civil Aviation (GACA), has selected SITA to support the modernisation of the country’s airports, starting a major upgrade of airport and communication technology across 26 sites. The new technology will help prepare the airports for an expected surge in passenger numbers over coming years. Passenger traffic across Saudi Arabia’s airports climbed to 92m in 2017, 7.7% up on 2016. As part of the technology upgrade, SITA is implementing its AirportConnect Open platform, which allows airlines to use common facilities to deliver a self-service experience from check-in to boarding. In addition, SITA will provide a modern baggage management solution. SITA will help airlines track and capture baggage data at check-in, loading onto the aircraft, transfer and on arrival. <br/>