Description
The catering vehicle consists of a rear body, lifting system, platform and an electro-hydraulic control mechanism. The rear body can be lifted up, down and the platform can be moved to place in front of the aircraft.
Catering services include the unloading of unused food and drink from the aircraft, and the loading of fresh food and drinks for passengers and crew. The meals are typically delivered on standardized carts which are wheeled into the catering vehicle. Meals are prepared mostly on the ground in order to minimize the amount of preparation (apart from chilling or reheating) required during flight.
The vehicle then drives to the airport and is parked in front of the plane. The stabilizers are deployed and the van body is lifted. The platform can be fine controlled to move left-right as well as in-out so that it is aligned with the door correctly. The body is made of insulated panels and is capable of maintaining temperatures of 0 °C (32 °F) by means of refrigeration unit.
In-flight food is prepared in a flight kitchen facility, a completely HACCP certified facility where food is reheated in sterile and controlled environments. The prepared food is then placed in trollies and wheeled into the cabin.
A predecessor to the catering truck was in use by the U.S. Army Air Forces during World War II.[3]
A special higher type of catering truck has been designed to accommodate the Airbus A380.
