As we bring 2024 to a close, it is a good opportunity to reflect on the progress and achievements we’ve made together in the Cargolux Hotel and Catering Committee.
This year has been filled with hard work, fruitful discussions and here are some highlights we are happy to share:
Hotels
- We successfully renewed contracts in key stations: HKG, MEX, SGN, ICN, MIA, GYD, ASB and JFK.
- ATL: Transitioned to the JW Marriott Buckhead (at the mall) with positive feedback.
- HAN: Effective 1st JAN 2025 move to Intercontinental Westlake, a familiar and affluent area closer to downtown.
- ORD: Moving to the Sheraton Riverwalk (close to Magnificient mile) in March 2025, hopefully mitigating the numerous noise reports we received at the Omni Hotel.
- SEA: After decades at the Westin, it has been decided that a move to the Intercontinental in Bellevue is necessary for security reasons, effective 1st of March 2025
- Improvements were noted in LAX, where tweaks such as adding the choice between Avocado Toast and Omelette at breakfast have made a positive impact.
Catering
In general we appreciate the fact that our Hotel Committee had the chance to expand on the Catering topic, getting involved and having opportunities for recommendations.
The recent catering survey showed an improvement in catering satisfaction from 6.8 to 8.0. The next survey is planned for summer 2025 and will continue annually thereafter.
Ultimately we are convinced that the start of the envisaged Catering App would currently be the best solution to improve the experience while reducing waste (and costs). We are cautiously optimistic that delays due to prioritized IT projects can be resolved.
Some of the current developements are:
- LUX: Pilots will now receive individual 300g sliced fruit boxes, instead of one common box to share. The new salads so far have been received very well, according to the first feedbacks received. Progress is being made with reusable cutlery and mugs, which have been approved by Excom. Crews will receive their first set complimentary. We will look into solutions to add those items preferably into the Crew Uniform Shop, should a replacement become necessary.
- HKG: Meetings with a potential new catering supplier are still work in progress and are planned to take place now in Q1 of 2025.
Collaborative Efforts
We jointly managed to further improve our work relationship with Travel Services, where Peter and Jannick showed lots of understanding for our needs and successfully forwarded and represented our inputs at higher levels.
We managed to find acceptable solutions through honesty, transparency and consideration.
We appreciate the fact that joint agreements are sought at all times.
We are also grateful for your, our members, continued input and support. This helps us to phrase the right recommendations and a positive feedback motivates us as well.
As we look ahead to 2025, we remain committed to enhancing the experience for all of you.
Wishing you a Merry Christmas and a successful year 2025 ahead!
