Corendon Dutch Airlines is introducing in-seat snacks and duty-free ordering to its charter flights across Europe, using a newly developed digital passenger interface system.

Introducing in-seat ordering technology

Corendon Dutch Airlines, the Amsterdam-based charter airline of the Corendon Airlines Group, has announced the introduction of new technology with its long-term technology provider, AirFi. The deal will see the introduction of in-seat passenger ordering technology across its fleet of three Boeing 737-800 aircraft, following a successful recent trial period.

The new technology will allow its passengers to access the airline's full range of food and beverages, along with its complete duty-free offering through their mobile device by logging on to the aircraft's onboard wireless inflight entertainment (IFE) network. The passenger simply makes their selection, checks out their chosen items, and places their order without leaving the comfort of their seat. Orders placed through the airline's digital portal, branded as 'Corendon Café', are delivered directly to the passenger by the cabin crew.

How does the new system work?

Through its Corendon Café portal, the airline offers an extensive range of hot and cold food and beverage items. Once a passenger places an order through the wireless IFE platform, it is received by the cabin crew on their tablets onboard the flight. The cabin crew member then marks the order on the system as 'in progress' while it is prepared. Once the order is ready, a 'complete' message is entered into the system. It is then delivered to the passenger in their seat. Payment is taken by either debit or credit card.

A hybrid onboard service offering

The introduction of the in-seat technology will complement the traditional trolley service provided by the cabin crew rather than replace it. However, to increase the time that passengers have to make purchases, the system will be available as soon as the onboard IFE streaming connection has been switched on after take-off and before the trolley service commences. Likewise, it will remain on after the trolley service has been concluded.

The introduction of this technology is in line with the airline's objectives of enhancing the passenger experience while also aiming to reduce waste. For example, in 2020, AirFi and Singaporean low-cost carrier Scoot launched 'ScootHub', making the carrier the first in the region with this technology. The introduction of the technology has allowed Scoot to shift from printed menus and inflight magazines to a fully-digitalized platform. This move is predicted to save the company 156 tonnes annually, with the additional weight-related benefits of reducing fuel burn.

Finding better ways to earn additional vital revenue

The new technology is a very effective way of boosting ancillary revenue on its flights by streamlining the passenger point-of-sale experience. Corendon joins many airlines currently reviewing their onboard purchasing and ancillary revenue streams. As many airlines in the industry claw their way back from two years beset by the COVID-19 pandemic, such additional revenue streams provide very welcome and much-needed financial benefits.

The new system will also provide the airline with valuable data regarding purchasing behaviors and trends. This information, the airline hopes, will refine the planning process of which goods to load onboard specific flights, helping keep operational costs down without compromising onboard revenue opportunities. Additionally, the crew can also monitor onboard stock levels and label out-of-stock items as 'unavailable' on the passenger-facing portal.

Speaking about the introduction of the new technology, Gert-Jan de Vries, Manager of Cabin Crew and Inflight Sales at Corendon Dutch Airlines, said,

"Since COVID-19 began, passengers have been asked not to walk about the cabin, and since childhood, most of us were taught not to press the flight attendant call button unless absolutely necessary. This is very courteous, but not ideal if the passenger really would like to buy some duty-free or have a refreshment. With AirFi's in-seat ordering, we provide a more discreet way for our guests to request what they want when they want it. The result is that our guests are more content during the flight, and as an airline, we earn additional revenue that might have otherwise been lost."

Also commenting on the launch of the program, Job Heimerikx, AirFi CEO, said:

"Corendon has been a partner of AirFi for many years, and we're incredibly excited to announce that they're the first European airline to adopt our ground-breaking in-seat ordering capabilities. By offering hybrid service that begins with the traditional trolley service then switches to in-seat ordering, Corendon is truly maximizing the potential of its onboard retail program."

Corendon Group has three separate airlines operating under the Corendon Airlines Group umbrella. Corendon Airlines (Turkey) is the largest of these, with 15 Boeing 737s in its fleet, including a single MAX-8 variant. Then follows Corendon Airlines (Malta) with nine aircraft and Corendon Dutch Airlines with its small fleet of three Boeing 737-800s. The oldest of these is registered PH-CDF, which, according to planespotters.net, is over 22 years old, having first been delivered to Britannia Airways (Sweden) in January 2000.

Each of the current aircraft throughout the group seat 189 passengers in an all-economy layout. The group will receive further Boeing 737 MAX-8s over the coming months.