Tower Cold Chain, a leader in temperature-controlled transportation solutions, is set to unveil its latest advances in onboard catering containers at the upcoming World Travel Catering and Onboard Catering Expo (WTCE) from May 28-30, at Stand 1C65.
Simplifying the temperature-controlled transportation of perishable food, beverages and ice, Tower’s Advanced Insulated Boxes (AIB4 and AIB7) can maintain fresh and frozen temperatures at 5°C and below 0°C for up to 24 hours. Eliminating the need for dry ice, electricity or human intervention during transit, the AIB uses a combination of VIP insulating materials and phase change materials (PCMs) to ensure consistent temperature maintenance throughout the journey – thus meaning a single trolley can hold consumables needing two different temperatures.
Continuing its innovation streak, Tower has introduced new oven racks, trays, and basket drawers as inserts for the AIBs. These additions optimise space inside the unit, which fits into standard Atlas airline/rail catering trolleys and carts. With a new safety stopper system in place to ensure secure transportation of oven trays during handling and transit, Tower remains committed to delivering physical and thermal protection for the cold chain to guarantee consumer safety and prevent food spoilage.
Visitors to WTCE can see the AIBs capabilities in frozen food thanks to Tower’s partnership with premium ice cream manufacturer, SMiZE. Leveraging the AIB's capabilities to maintain frozen temperatures for over 24 hours, Tower enables airlines and rail operators to serve frozen produce like ice cream, ice cubes and frozen meals on return flights or long train routes without needing to restock.
“Now used by more than sixty airline, rail and catering companies worldwide, our AIB catering boxes have been in service and successfully improving passenger experience and satisfaction since 2015,” said Niall Balfour, chief executive officer, at Tower Cold Chain.
“The necessity to store perishable food and beverages at lower temperatures becomes increasingly important in onboard catering. With our latest innovations, Tower’s AIB range remains at the forefront, enabling airlines and trainlines to transport sandwiches, salads, ice cream, frozen meals, ice cubes and drinks at refrigerated and sub-zero temperatures in food-grade or FDA 'known safe' units.”
The AIB design emphasises Tower’s dedication to sustainability by providing return catering opportunities to reduce the risk of food waste. It also gives airlines and rail operators the possibility to use fewer down-route stations, thus reducing costs, energy or where the uplift does not meet the airline food safety requirements.
