DHL lands multi million pound contract with British Airways

British Airways (BA), one of the world's leading premium airlines, has awarded DHL Exel Supply Chain a multi million pound annual contract, to handle in-flight services for short haul and domestic flights from Heathrow.

The 10 year contract will come into effect in April 2010.

DHL will be handling all short haul catering services for British Airways at London Heathrow in partnership with its subcontractor and leading food producer, Northern Foods, who will be responsible for preparing in-flight meals.

The contract will see DHL manage the supply chain for the entire in-flight service from kitchen to cabin. This will involve transporting up to 13 million meals per annum, in-flight retail and in-flight media and all items for passenger in-flight comfort. Through its specialist division Environmental & Compliance Solutions, DHL will also be responsible for the wash up and waste management operations as part of a commitment to develop an environmentally efficient supply chain and to help reduce the carbon footprint of the total operation.

"Delivering operational excellence at great value"

Chris Jackson, DHL Exel Supply Chain, said: "We're thrilled to be working with BA on this significant contract. We believe our ability to handle complex supply chains across a range of sectors coupled with Northern Foods' excellence in food production is a winning combination for BA and its customers. We are committed to delivering operational excellence at great value to BA."

Stefan Barden, Chief Executive of Northern Foods, said: "With our track record of delivering great tasting food that consumers want to buy again and again and again, this contract represents a new opportunity for Northern Foods, to serve a world class customer like British Airways.

"The contract demonstrates our clear desire to create new business models which change the economics of today's food manufacturing base."

Simon Soni General Manager, Catering Operations at BA, said: "This is an exciting time for us. We're confident that the partnership between DHL and Northern Foods will help us deliver an unrivalled service for our short haul customers at the UK's busiest airport, Heathrow. It will also increase supply chain efficiency - so it's great for us and great for our customers."

This contract builds on DHL's work in the aviation industry across airlines, airport operators and aircraft manufacturers, and substantiates the recent launch of its dedicated aviation sector offering. Since 2001, it has provided supply chain services to BAA through the Heathrow Consolidation Centre, which serves landside and airside retailers at the airport.