Lufthansa Group has introduced innovative artificial intelligence technology, the "Tray Tracker," to reduce food waste and optimise meal offerings on flights, following a successful trial in Frankfurt and subsequent expansion to Munich.

This development is particularly relevant to Global Travel Management customers who travel frequently with Lufthansa Group airlines, as it will result in more tailored, sustainable, and efficient onboard services. By using AI to monitor meal consumption patterns, Lufthansa can better predict demand, leading to fresher options and a more environmentally responsible approach - benefits that matter to business travellers seeking reliability and quality.

The Tray Tracker system scans meal returns at the dishwashing line using mobile technology and artificial intelligence to determine whether meals have been completely eaten, partially eaten, or left untouched. It factors in flight route, travel class, and meal concept to provide actionable insights. These insights help Lufthansa adjust portion sizes and meal selections accordingly, which not only reduces food waste but also cuts CO₂ emissions by lowering the overall weight of aircraft.

Lufthansa initially deployed this technology at its Frankfurt site nearly a year ago and has recently expanded its use to Munich. The plan is to introduce the Tray Tracker to additional Lufthansa Group sites and airlines. The development of the Tray Tracker was a collaboration between the Lufthansa Group Digital Catering Analytics Team and Lufthansa Group subsidiary zeroG.

Complementing this initiative is “Pendle,” a project from the Lufthansa Innovation Hub launched in 2024. Pendle leverages machine learning to analyse flight data, such as flight duration, route, and historical demand, to optimise meal loading. There are future plans to integrate Pendle with Tray Tracker to enhance the efficiency of catering operations even further.

In addition to the Tray Tracker and Pendle, Lufthansa Group is implementing various strategies to reduce food waste. On short- and medium-haul flights operated by Lufthansa, Austrian Airlines, and SWISS, passengers can pre-order their preferred meals or purchase fresh products at a reduced price on the final flight of the day. Premium class passengers on intercontinental flights can also select their main course before departure, minimising unnecessary meal loading. Furthermore, since 2022, Lufthansa Group has replaced a third of single-use plastic and aluminium items on board with more sustainable alternatives, supporting broader environmental goals.

Paul Baker, Sales Director of Global Travel Management, commented, "For UK-based business travellers, Lufthansa Group’s use of artificial intelligence to optimise catering not only promises a fresher, more reliable dining experience but also aligns with increasing corporate sustainability expectations. It is another example of how airlines are innovating to enhance the business travel journey."

For further information on how these developments could benefit your business travel experience, please contact your Global Travel Management Account Manager.