C8Rtech brings shared-data approach to airline catering
This is a special feature from the September 2026 IFSA Global EXPO issue of PAX International, on page 24.
C8Rtech has developed an integrated ecosystem that enables airlines and caterers to work from a shared data environment
A new chapter in airline-catering technology has begun with the launch of C8Rtech. Based in Frankfurt, Germany, C8Rtech has emerged from within LSG Group, including LSG Sky Chefs, as a standalone technology and consultancy provider focused exclusively on airline catering. The move positions the company to expand its reach across the global market while accelerating the development of solutions designed to improve operational efficiency, collaboration and decision making.
The launch comes at a pivotal time for the airline-catering industry. As airlines continue to face operational pressures, supply chain disruptions and evolving passenger expectations, both carriers and caterers are increasingly looking to digital platforms to simplify processes and strengthen collaboration.
According to Thomas Halter, Managing Director of C8Rtech, one of the industry’s most significant challenges remains the disconnect between airlines and their catering partners.
“Lots of work is still done manually at the airline, at the caterer and in the interface between them. As a result, airlines and caterers are building up the same data multiple times in different systems,” Halter tells PAX International.
To address this duplication, C8Rtech has developed an integrated ecosystem that enables airlines and caterers to work from a shared data environment. Halter says the platform allows both parties to access the shared master data throughout the planning and execution process while supporting critical operational requirements such as the management of any irregularities.
Thomas Halter, Managing Director, C8Rtech
At the heart of the company’s offering are two complementary technology platforms. The Catering Suite is a mobile-first, real-time solution that manages shopfloor activities, including flight handling, meal and non-food loading, production processes and material forecasting. The Inflight Suite provides airlines with a centralized platform for planning and executing catering operations in collaboration with catering partners.
“Our mission is simple. To cut complexity, elevate productivity and help you stay ahead in a fast-evolving industry,” says Halter. “We bring airlines and caterers together in one integrated ecosystem for seamless, data-driven planning and operational excellence.”
The technology is shaped by decades of operational experience gained within the airline catering sector. Having evolved from LSG Group, C8Rtech’s team combines extensive expertise from both the airline and catering sides of the business.
That experience, Halter says, is reflected in C8Rtech’s talented personnel. Halter’s colleagues each bring decades of experience and a deep knowledge of the industry from both airline and catering perspectives to the table.
“This experience builds the backbone of C8Rtech as a new specialist that can advise airlines and caterers on improving process efficiency and enabling reliable, high-scale airline catering operations, regardless of the systems the customer has in place,” he adds.
C8Rtech debuted its airline catering technology solutions at WTCE 2026
As airline operations become increasingly dynamic, real-time visibility is emerging as a critical capability. Halter says collaboration tools and data transparency are especially important when managing disruptions and operational irregularities.
“Real-time collaboration plays an important role in the handling of irregularities, one of C8Rtech’s most advanced specialties,” he says.
Dashboard and data visualization capabilities within the platform are AI-supported and customizable, helping customers monitor performance and respond quickly to operational challenges.
Launching as an independent company also creates opportunities for growth. Halter describes the transition as the culmination of a strategic vision that began several years ago.
“Being an independent, stand-alone company for airline technology and airline catering process consultancy completes the logical step we have been targeting since 2022,” he says. “C8Rtech is now an independent player on the open airline catering market, offering its solution to all caterers and airlines, regardless of its size or ownership.”
The company is also actively exploring partnerships and complementary offerings as part of its expansion.
Looking ahead, Halter believes adaptability will be one of the defining factors in airline-catering technology. Geopolitical uncertainty, supply chain disruptions and shifting market conditions are placing new demands on operators across the aviation ecosystem.
"The ability of C8Rtech’s platform to adapt quickly to those changes in the market and a proven global platform will become even more important,” he says.
As the industry continues its digital transformation, C8Rtech positions itself as a specialist partner focused on connecting airlines and caterers through technology, process expertise and a shared vision for a more integrated future.
