Emirates Flight Catering investments in 53 aircraft catering trucks

This is part of its extensive ground fleet renewal programme, under which EKFC plans to introduce 120 next-generation vehicles over five years. In total, 92 aircraft catering trucks will be added to the EKFC fleet within the next 12 months, with the first vehicles slated for introduction later this year. 

The new Volvo FL 250 4X2 Euro 6 aircraft catering trucks will feature advanced sensors and monitoring systems to enhance efficiencies on the ground for loading and unloading tasks, in addition to improving overall emissions reductions with the adoption of the latest Euro diesel engine technologies. 

EKFC will also collaborate with Mallaghan, FAMCO and Volvo Trucks on a Proof-of-Concept electric aircraft catering truck, the first in the catering provider’s fleet, and a regional first in sustainable aviation catering equipment. The electrified aircraft catering truck will be optimised for ground catering operations at Dubai International, putting EKFC at the forefront of testing and prototyping the latest technologies and laying the groundwork for emission-free ground catering operations in the coming years with fleet electrification and automation.  The electric aircraft catering truck is expected to begin operating by the summer of 2026.

Shahreyar Nawabi, chief executive officer of Emirates Flight Catering said: “We are excited to embark on the complete modernisation of our fleet of aircraft catering trucks. This fleet investment is a key part of our broader strategy to implement industry leading initiatives, keep pace with ever-growing demand, and strengthen EKFC’s value proposition to our airline customers as a dedicated culinary partner delivering exceptional operational performance at our busy Dubai hub.  It also reflects our strong confidence in the long-term growth prospects and continued market leadership of Dubai's aviation sector. 

“We’re also investing in the latest technologies and working closely with Mallaghan and Volvo Trucks to empower a future towards a fully electrified aircraft catering truck fleet, enabling us to reduce our carbon footprint while continuing to deliver top-notch operational performance on the ground. The integration of the first electric aircraft catering truck next summer will mark a milestone for EKFC, reinforcing our commitment to more sustainable operations and pushing the boundaries of innovation.” 

Ronan Mallaghan, chief executive officer at Mallaghan, added: “We are pleased to partner with Emirates Flight Catering in this landmark fleet renewal, delivering its largest ever order of high loaders and introducing the first electric high loader of its kind to the region.”