Business jet cabin insert and galley suppliers share their latest developments to elevate onboard catering
Longer-lasting chill
The latest addition to Bucher’s ArctiCart product family (which also includes trolleys) is an ATLAS-standard insulated galley insert. The Box is highly insulated, to keep drinks cold, ice cream frozen or meals safely chilled for an extended period.
Bucher says this is achieved through high-performance, self-contained insulation – no air chiller or dry ice is needed – serving simpler and more efficient cold chain logistics for aircraft catering.
“High-performance heat-shielding materials and an optimised structural design combine to keep the initial temperature of food and drinks low,” comments Francisco Aguilera, CEO of Bucher. “It minimises heat transfer between the interior of the container and the external environment.”
Additionally, the unit is designed to offer high capacity and comes with a handle for easy carriage to and from the aircraft. Its latches allow a seal or lock to be placed. Bucher says the door and wall thickness is similar to non-insulated standard units.
The technology utilised in this product also features in full- and half-size catering trolleys.
Bucher ARCTICart Box
Improved user interfaces
Enflite has developed a new generation of galley appliances. These include even-flow convection and microwave ovens, and a refrigerator/freezer unit – all of which have a new glass front face. The range also includes a coffee maker and warming/cooling drawer inserts. All feature a new capacitive touch user interface. 28VDC or 115VAC power options are available.
All the products can be delivered as integrated components or line replaceable units for executive, VIP and head-of-state aircraft. Enflite also offers customisation of size and finish, and elements such as which side doors are hinged on. The products are backed by a one-year warranty on parts and labour.
The coffeemaker has a front-mounted fill port and requires no plumbing, producing 54fl oz (1.5 l) of coffee. The unit weighs 16 lb (7.3kg) and Enflite says load factors meet or exceed the requirements of 14 CFR 25.561, with TSO certification pending. The unit has a non-pressurised water tank, is controlled by microprocessor and has a server guard to help prevent spills, while a lock keeps the brew basket in place.
The new refrigerator features design improvements including a new controller/user interface with added push button for Celsius or Fahrenheit options and more precise temperature settings. The internal temperature sensor has been redesigned for reliability, and there is a new magnetic door seal and improved adjustable door latch. The new unit weighs 42 lb (19kg) with 20 lb (9kg) capacity (forward-facing) and 40 lb capacity (side- or aft-facing), and operates at 32-44°F (0°-6.7C). Load factors meet or exceed 14 CFR 25.561 requirements. It is DO-160 tested and certified.
Meanwhile, the new warming and cooling drawer operates at 40-140°F (4-60°C). It weighs 23 lb (10.4kg) with 50 lb (22.7kg) capacity. Features include an interior light that activates when the lid is opened or closed; an illuminated on/off switch; and an insulated lid.
Greener countertops
As well as its galley inserts, Safran Cabin also builds entire galleys. Here the company bears in mind that the galley is often the first element people see when they step on board, and therefore its design has to fulfil expectations of elegance and refinement.
Environmental requirements are also influencing Safran Cabin’s galley work. The firm shares that in the design of its countertops, it opts for materials including pre-consumer recycled content, and with low levels of volatile organic compounds, to reduce its ecological footprint.
“This approach opens up alternatives to traditional stone surfaces, while preserving the characteristic refinement of our products,” says Michel Bussey, VP and general manager of the Safran Cabin Canada site. “This initiative, in harmony with our concern for the environment, translates into a wide variety of customisation choices for the countertops of our cabinets. We are enthusiastic about contributing to a travel experience that combines elegance and durability, so that every flight is an exceptional experience.”
This feature was first published in the December 2023/January 2024 edition of Business Jet Interiors International.
