Welcome to Episode 54 of the #PaxEx Podcast. Our guest for this episode is Mark Naylor, who serves as Head of Compliance for Gate Gourmet in Oceania, the world’s biggest provider of airline catering and onboard products and services.

First, there have been a number of notable collisions at airports in recent months. Last fall, a Qantas aircraft collided with a catering truck on the apron at Sydney airport. Early this month, an empty Sunwing aircraft that was being towed struck a WestJet aircraft that was carrying passengers and crew, who were then evacuated via the slides. In this episode, Mark tells co-hosts Max Flight and Mary Kirby about safety protocols that govern movement of vehicles at the airport, and describes the incident investigation that follows any collision.

Next, Gate Gourmet in Australia recently completed onboard trials with Virgin Australia of a new dry ice product, called EcoSlice. A synthetic dry ice, EcoSlice is a potential game-changer for the industry. Mark talks about this innovative product, explains its safety and environmental credentials, and shares how it supports a positive passenger experience.

Last but not least, Gate Gourmet has entered into a joint venture agreement with Asiana Airlines which will strengthen the gategroup’s position at Incheon airport in South Korea, and position the company as the sole inflight caterer for Asiana at Incheon. Mark explains why this 30-year agreement is considered a key milestone for the company, and why it is turning to IoT and automation for a new catering facility at the airport.