Singapore Airlines condemned for introducing ‘horrible and cheap-looking’ paper plates on flights

Customers threatened to take their business elsewhere as a result of the new trial

Singapore Airlines has said it will consider feedback from customers before using paper plates on all medium and long-haul flights, after it came under fire for introducing the serviceware on a trial basis.

The southeast Asian flag-carrier introduced the paper plates in Premium Economy Class and Economy Class on selected medium and long-haul flights, stating that the new containers could “retain heat and moisture better than the current casserole dish” and would also allow the airline to serve “soupy and gravy-rich main courses” on its longer routes.

But in a Facebook post announcing the introduction of the Forest Stewardship Council-certified paper serviceware, the carrier was inundated with angry passengers threatening to take their business elsewhere as a result of the change.

One person said the food presentation resembled “a hawker centre”, while another said “This is horrible and cheap looking! Sorry, Singapore Airlines just NO.”

“Premium Economy is supposed to be the bridge between Economy and Business Class. Having paper serviceware does not spell premium or belong in that cabin class. At minimum there should at least have metal cutlery,” wrote one, while another described the paper containers as “unacceptable. Food looks mashed up together and very poorly presented”.

One person said: “Regardless of the sustainability efforts behind this, the image of this is the same as we would take a budget airline. I think what is worse is that this will be served on Premium Economy flights. Where is the differentiation other than the hardware between Economy and Premium Economy?”

Not all customers were unhappy, however. “This is a game changing idea,” commented one user. “Great to see a leading airline taking positive, committed steps towards sustainability. Looking forward to my next flight with Singapore Airlines.”

A spokesperson for Singapore Airlines told The Independent that the trial was “part of SIA’s continuous efforts to enhance the in-flight experience by offering more main course options on medium and long-haul flights.

“We understand that some of our customers may not immediately be comfortable with the change in serviceware.

“We would like to assure them that we have put plenty of thought, and invested in several months of research and development into the design of the new serviceware.”

They added that customers “frequently request for a wider variety of meal options on board medium and long-haul flights in Premium Economy Class and Economy Class.”

It continued: “We have taken their feedback into consideration, and developed this new serviceware, allowing us to offer a greater variety of main course options, which were previously not available on board Premium Economy Class and Economy Class cabins in medium- and long-haul flights.”

They added that there was “no change in the quantity of food in the new serviceware, as compared to the current casserole dish.

“At the end of this trial, we will consolidate all feedback, and review how we can further improve our onboard dining experience.”

The trial will conclude on 25 March.