Fort Worth-based American Airlines has opened a $100 million, 214,000-square-foot catering facility to serve its hub at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport.
More than three times the size of a football field, the facility is the largest airline catering kitchen in the U.S., the airline said, and its high-tech design “allows American to cater flights more efficiently while enhancing its ability to deliver a memorable onboard dining experience to customers.”
“From the moment a customer steps into one of our airport lobbies to when they’re relaxing with a refreshment at 35,000 feet, we’re always thinking of ways to make their journey even better,” Brady Byrnes, SVP of Inflight and Premium Guest Services at American, said in a statement. “This kitchen is an example of the investments we’re making to enhance our operations while focusing on delivering a consistent customer experience and service that sets us apart.”
Inside American Airlines’ new $100 million catering facility at DFW Airport. [Photo: American Airlines]
During peak travel season, American says its new DFW catering facility prepares nearly 15,000 fresh meals a day for the airline’s largest hub.
“The strength of DFW is that we’re literally able to connect customers to the world,” said Byrnes, whose team oversees the experience on board American’s airplanes and in its premium lounges.
‘Complex coordination’ needed where ‘timing is as important as taste’
Coordination is key at American Airlines’ new $100 million catering facility at DFW Airport. [Photo: American Airlines]
American said that catering hundreds of aircraft a day involves complex coordination, where timing is as important as taste—because meals, snacks, and beverages must be delivered at just the right moment.
The airline said it designed the new kitchen from the ground up with technology to help catering teams focus on quality, freshness, and speed.
The airline is deploying a new fleet of more than 100 catering trucks to support its hub operation. [Photo: American Airlines]
By significantly boosting its food production and storage capabilities, American said the new catering kitchen will help meet its needs as the airline grows at DFW.
American is also deploying a new fleet of more than 100 catering trucks to support its hub operation.
Inside American Airlines’ new $100 million catering facility at DFW Airport. [Photo: American Airlines]
Built with sustainability in mind
The new catering facility was built with sustainability in mind, American added. The facility will soon participate in a program that turns organic food waste into compost.
While trays and dishes are cleaned, organic food waste is collected by a vendor and distributed to farms and compost facilities, the airline said. American long has recycled cans, paper, bottles and other trash removed from aircraft.
Inside American Airlines’ new $100 million catering facility at DFW Airport. [Photo: American Airlines]
The airline said it and its regional partners operated more than 800 daily flights from DFW to more than 240 destinations in 23 different countries this past summer.
More looks inside the new AA catering facility
High-tech drink can sorting machine at American Airlines’ new $100 million catering facility at DFW Airport. [Photo: American Airlines]
Inside American Airlines’ new $100 million catering facility at DFW Airport. [Photo: American Airlines]
Inside American Airlines’ new $100 million catering facility at DFW Airport. [Photo: American Airlines]
Where there’s steam, there’s food. Inside American Airlines’ new $100 million catering facility at DFW Airport. [Photo: American Airlines]
Inside American Airlines’ new $100 million catering facility at DFW Airport. [Photo: American Airlines]
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