UAE-based startup The Concept has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the national airline Etihad Airways to research and develop sustainable inflight technology to monitor food consumption.
The startup, which is part of Abu Dhabi Global Market’s tech accelerator Hub71, is working on a smart tray called Neos Fly+ that will help Etihad analyze food consumption trends and find ways to reduce food waste on board. The NEOS Fly+ is the world’s first IoT-based in-flight technology for trays.
Etihad will be able to monitor the consumption of food products served on board its flights using NEOS Fly+, which will provide precise details on the components and parts of the meal that aren’t consumed. The anonymized data would be used to illustrate food intake and waste trends across the network, assisting in the reduction of food waste, better meal preparation, and lower operational costs.
The NEOS Fly+ is the world’s first IoT based in-flight technology for trays.
“We look forward to this innovative partnership with Etihad Airways that will enable us to develop NEOS Fly+ locally in the UAE and is yet another testimony to how companies in the UAE are aligned together towards creating a sustainable impact globally,” commented Mr. Yadhushan Mahendran, Chief Executive Officer of The Concept.
Frank Meyer CDO – Etihad Airways Group
“This research and development partnership reinforces Etihad’s commitment to sustainability and our reputation for innovation. We look forward to working with The Concept on the development of the NEOS Fly+ which could support our efforts to reduce food wastage. We are proud to partner with a homegrown, locally based start-up, to push the sustainability agenda forward.”
The partnership between The Concept and Etihad Airways comes after Etihad Airways was designated the official airline partner of Hub71, which allows Etihad to engage with its startup founders and entrepreneurs to launch innovation-driven activities by tapping into the global tech ecosystem’s fast-growing community and global network of partners.
