4.10.26 – LHR Catering Disruptions

Friday, April 10, 2026

LHR Catering Disruptions

Your APFA National Officers and Base Presidents recently met with AA management, including Jose Freig, VP, International and Inflight Dining Operations; Darlyn Meador, Managing Director, Inflight Operations; and Cindi Simone, Managing Director, Labor Relations, regarding ongoing catering issues at London’s Heathrow Airport.

As you know, the abrupt removal of American’s previous caterer at LHR has created significant challenges during the transition, with a major impact on inflight service. APFA used this meeting to share all your concerns with management and to continue to press for solutions to make this situation as manageable as possible.

American’s temporary caterer in LHR has restored service in the premium cabins, but they do not have the equipment or capacity to provide catering for 20+ LHR departures in all cabins.

As with catering operations in the United States, there are limited vendor options at LHR, and finding a company capable of supporting American’s large operation has proven difficult. To address the issue as quickly as possible, management is considering securing two separate caterers as a short-term solution. As of this writing, there is no firm date for resolution.

One of the main concerns we’ve heard from crews is trash management. Currently, Cabin Appearance representatives are emptying trash containers and trolleys, but used carts may still contain excess refuse. Management has agreed that all inbound refuse will be removed and will remind Cabin Appearance to check inside carts. Flight Attendants are not responsible for removing trash upon arrival.

Missing meals, extra trash management, restocking, and rearranging carts and galley prep have added substantially to an already demanding job. We made it clear to management that this increase in workload is neither sustainable nor acceptable, and they agreed that discussions regarding these added responsibilities will take place. Flight Attendants should not be expected to merely endure these operational failures.

We recognize the challenges these catering and trash management issues have created, and we appreciate the professionalism Flight Attendants continue to show despite these difficulties. APFA has reiterated to management to communicate more clearly and frequently as they work toward solutions. We will continue advocating for you and keeping you informed of further developments.

In Solidarity,