WTCE issue: Galleys, growth and changing the game
This is a special feature from PAX International's May 2024 WTCE issue, on page 95.
A closer look at
DKA’s product
offerings
Diethelm Keller Aviation Pte Ltd (DKA) underwent a rebranding earlier this year, following its acquisition by LHM Holding Group. PAX International spoke with DKA’s CEO, King W Lee, about what the airline industry can expect from the refresh of DKA and how the major changes are an extension of the company’s forward-thinking philosophies and innovative galley equipment solutions.
King W Lee, CEO, DKA
PAX INTERNATIONAL: What does the acquisition by LHM Holding Group mean for the company and your branding in the year ahead?
KING W LEE: The acquisition of DKA into LHM Holding Group will bring significant changes to the aircraft galley industry, especially at a time when the demand for business and leisure travel is exponentially increasing post- COVID. As airlines across the globe race to expand new routes and acquire newer and better aircraft, there is a higher demand for galley carts and equipment.
Our expectation is that our airline customers are seeking better quality products with faster availability. The timing of our acquisition will place us in a unique position to meet and service these demands as we anticipate the next three to five years of growth in the aviation industry. The new DKA will add capacity to the entire industry. I believe our airline partners will be pleased with the products, availability, and service level they will receive from the new DKA.
PAX INTERNATIONAL: How is the new ownership impacting DK
Aviation’s product offerings?
LEE: The new DKA will continue to
offer our best and most affordable
products to our customers. We will
assist them in making the best choice
of galley equipment based on their
aircraft type, routes and budget.
PAX INTERNATIONAL: The Singapore production facility was recently relocated to Ang Mo Kio – what does this mean for your manufacturing capacity and what potential opportunities does it create?
DKA’s new Singapore facility
LEE: We have relocated to a new manufacturing site and expanded our supply chain, enabling us to meet the growing demand for our products. This move also underscores the significant investment we have made in this industry. The addition of the new site not only increases our production capacity but also provides us with opportunities to explore innovative approaches for developing new products and technologies. Additionally, it enables
us to address the new aviation Safety Management Systems requirement set by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) before March 2025.
PAX INTERNATIONAL: What products will DK Aviation be showcasing at
WTCE in Hamburg this May? What can
visitors to your booth look forward to?
LEE: At the upcoming World Travel
Catering & Onboard Services Expo
(WTCE) show in Hamburg, we will
showcase our complete product offerings in the Galley Equipment segment.
We aim for our airline customers to be
acquainted with our entire range
of products.
However, more importantly, we
want our customers to experience
and witness the difference in the
new DKA organization: Our people,
our commitment, our energy and
our passion to assist our custom-
ers. We aspire for our customers to
consider DKA as the premier choice
for aircraft galley equipment.
PAX INTERNATIONAL: What else do you want the industry to know?
LEE: Overall, I believe our customers will witness a new transformation of DKA in several other areas of focus. One of these areas is our customer service. I aim for all our customers to experience a new level of customer service where they can reach someone at DKA anytime.
We have local sales representatives in different regions who work directly with our customers on any engineering and operational issues. Additionally, we have an inside Customer Service team in our main office in Singapore that focuses on ensuring our products are delivered to our customers’ final destinations worldwide.
In summary, I truly believe our
investment and commitment will
deliver significant, tangible value to our
customers. We strive to become the only
choice for aircraft galley equipment.
