SIA to 'take on board customer feedback' after paper serviceware trial sparks criticism

Singapore Airlines (SIA) on Thursday said that it will consider feedback from customers before it comes to a decision on the use of paper serviceware on its medium- and long-haul flights. SIA announced a trial of the serviceware in economy class and premium economy class on selected flights in a Facebook post on Tuesday, saying that the new containers could "retain heat and moisture better than the current casserole dish" and would also allow the airline to serve "soupy and gravy-rich main courses" on its longer routes. However, the announcement was met with some criticism and confusion on social media. Some commenters said the move made SIA appear "cheap" and that it was a cost-cutting measure despite the airline’s recent increase in profit. "Sorry, but you should be using proper crockery in Premium Economy like other airlines. Very disappointing," one said on SIA’s Facebook page. Several Reddit users also likened the new containers to the outration meal boxes used by the Singapore Armed Forces. A spokesperson for the airline said: "SIA will take on board customer feedback as well as operational considerations before deciding if this will be expanded across all medium- and long-haul flights." The spokesperson also provided some clarifications regarding the serviceware and rejected the suggestion that the new containers would help to cut costs. "The new serviceware is made of Forest Stewardship Council-certified paper, and will replace the disposable plastic casserole dish," the spokesperson said. "This will help to reduce the amount of single-use plastics on board the aircraft ... there are no cost savings by switching to the new serviceware from the casserole dish."<br/>