An In-Depth Analysis of Global Airline Thermos Procurement Case Studies

An In-Depth Analysis of Global Airline Thermos Procurement Case Studies

Driven by the dual forces of upgraded airline service experience and the homogenization of brand marketing, thermoses have evolved from a common commodity to a key tool for airlines to differentiate themselves competitively. Whether it's high-end customized equipment for business class, branded souvenirs for economy class, or core employee benefits, their procurement logic is consistently centered around a sophisticated system of safety and compliance, brand fit, and cost control. This article analyzes typical global airline procurement cases to decode the core requirements and cooperation codes of airline procurement, providing a precise entry guide for thermos wholesale buyers.

I. Core Scenarios and Case Matrix for Airline Thermos Procurement

Airlines' procurement needs for thermoses are not single-dimensional; instead, differentiated procurement strategies are formed based on service scenarios, customer positioning, and intended use. From the standardized procurement of domestic airlines to the customized innovation of international airlines, different cases reflect distinct cooperative logics.

(I) Inflight Service Scenario: Standardized Procurement Prioritizing Safety and Compliance
Inflight thermoses are directly linked to the passenger experience and flight safety, therefore, they have stringent requirements for material, size, and performance. Procurement is often conducted through long-term framework contracts.

China Southern Airlines' 2024 inflight stainless steel kettle procurement project is a benchmark case. The project, led by Guangzhou Nanlian Aviation Catering Co., Ltd., had a budget of 4.1085 million yuan and was awarded a two-year fixed-frame contract, specifically selecting a single supplier for centralized supply. The tender details reveal the airline's core concerns: first, safety and compliance, requiring products to meet national standards for food contact metal materials to eliminate the risk of heavy metal release; second, durability, requiring them to withstand frequent onboard use and centralized cleaning, reducing replacement frequency to control costs; and finally, supply stability, securing high-quality suppliers through two-year long-term contracts to avoid the risk of supply disruptions.

Xiamen Airlines' inflight thermos procurement prioritizes refined specifications. Its 2023 procurement announcement specifically requires high-vacuum Stainless Steel Cups with a capacity of 320-350ml, maintaining a temperature of at least 49°C for six hours. Materials are limited to 304 stainless steel and food-grade silicone/PP, and a matching cup sleeve is provided for enhanced convenience. The 2020 procurement project further subdivides the cups into three sizes: 200ml, 300ml, and 500ml. All require corrugated cardboard with color printing, meeting the space requirements of different cabins while also strengthening the brand image through unified packaging.

Typical characteristics of this type of procurement include stable procurement volume (typically a single tender covers 2-3 years of demand), standardized parameters (strictly defined materials and performance indicators), and standardized processes (requiring CA certification and other electronic bidding processes). This makes it suitable for suppliers with large-scale production capabilities and regulatory compliance qualifications.

(II) Brand Marketing Scenario: Customized Procurement Empowered by Culture

International airlines often convey brand value through customized thermos designs. This type of procurement emphasizes cultural connotations and collectible value, becoming a crucial vehicle for brand extension.

Singapore Airlines' Concorde commemorative thermos series is a prime example of customization. Inspired by the historic Concorde supersonic flight, the series offers two models: a stainless steel vacuum-insulated model and a ceramic model. The former utilizes double-wall vacuum insulation technology to ensure long-lasting hot or cold beverages, while the latter utilizes a sublimation printing process to feature detailed airline logos and flight elements, combining practicality with commemorative significance. Their procurement logic transcends simple product needs to instead utilize the thermos as a vehicle for brand culture. Through limited-edition releases and collaborative designs, they strengthen the emotional connection between passengers and aviation enthusiasts.

The 40oz thermos, launched in collaboration between Boeing and Hydro Flask, focuses on technology and practicality. This product is made of 18/8 medical-grade stainless steel and utilizes TempShield double-wall vacuum insulation technology for long-lasting temperature control. It features an ergonomic handle and leak-proof straw lid, meeting the demands of air travel while also leveraging the Boeing brand's endorsement to enhance its premium. This cross-industry joint procurement model often creates win-win outcomes for both brands, placing higher demands on suppliers' design capabilities and brand partnership experience.

(III) Employee Benefits Scenario: Service-Oriented Platform Procurement
Although airline employee benefits procurement isn't directly targeted at passengers, it covers a wide range of employees and has diverse needs. In recent years, it has gradually shifted to a platform-based procurement model, posing new challenges to suppliers' service capabilities.

The 2025-2027 benefits procurement project of the Air China Cabin Service Department Union is a representative example. The project covers 9,000 employees, with an annual per capita allocation of 1,200 yuan. Thermos bottles, as a core household item, were included in the procurement list. Its innovation lies in its exclusive online welfare platform model: suppliers are required to build a customized e-commerce platform offering free nationwide delivery and a 7-day no-questions-asked return and exchange service. Product prices on the platform must not exceed the original price on JD.com or Tmall flagship stores. Under this procurement model, airlines prioritize suppliers' platform operations, logistics integration capabilities, and after-sales service over simply product price advantages.

II. Rigid Standards and Implicit Requirements for Airline Thermos Bottle Procurement

Airlines' procurement decisions are consistently based on the dual logic of "compliance bottom line + experience upgrade," resulting in a comprehensive set of standards covering materials, performance, and certification. Both domestic and international airlines have clear requirements for these core indicators.

(I) Material Safety: A Globally Unified Compliance Red Line
Food contact safety is the absolute bottom line for airline procurement, and airlines across different regions adhere to strict material standards. Domestic airlines generally require cup bodies to be made of 304 stainless steel (compliant with GB/T 29606-2013, with a chromium content of 18%-20% and a nickel content of 8%-11%). The lids and accessories must be made of food-grade PP or silicone. The use of materials such as 201 stainless steel, which are prone to heavy metal leachability, is explicitly prohibited. Xiamen Airlines and China Southern Airlines' procurement announcements both list material compliance as a primary qualification for supplier selection, requiring supporting third-party testing reports.

International market standards are even more specific: European and American airlines require stainless steel to pass FDA 21 CFR Part 177 migration testing, plastic components to comply with EU Regulation No. 10/2011's phthalate content requirement of ≤0.1%, and the German market to additionally meet LFGB food contact certification. Japanese and Korean airlines have even higher requirements for detailed workmanship. For example, Japan's JIS S 2052 standard stipulates that joint gaps must be ≤0.2mm and coating cross-cut tests must be ≥4B to ensure no risk of coating peeling during use.

(II) Performance Indicators: Core Parameters for Aviation Adaptation
The unique nature of the flight environment dictates that thermoses must possess performance suitable for aircraft cabin use, focusing primarily on three key dimensions: insulation, size, and sealing.

Regarding thermal insulation performance, the international standard ISO 4531:2007 requires that the temperature drop of hot beverage containers be ≤10°C over 6 hours. However, domestic airlines like Xiamen Airlines explicitly stipulate that the temperature must be maintained above 49°C for 6 hours, exceeding the international minimum standard. This discrepancy stems from airlines' consideration of the passenger experience on long-haul flights – on intercontinental flights of 10 hours or more, sustained thermal insulation significantly enhances the beverage experience.

Dimensional design must balance space adaptability with ease of use. Most airlines limit thermos to a capacity of 200-500ml, a diameter of no more than 7cm, and a height of no more than 17.5cm to ensure they fit comfortably in seat cup holders or tray trays. The 40oz thermos developed in collaboration with Boeing and Hydro Flask features a narrow bottom design to fit the cup holders of most aircraft and cars, demonstrating precise design considerations for optimal performance.

Sealing is a key factor in mitigating flight risks. All airlines require thermoses to pass a 24-hour inverted leak test. Some airlines also add pressure testing to simulate sealing performance under high-altitude pressure fluctuations to prevent liquid spillage and potential impacts on cabin equipment safety.

(III) Certification and Compliance: A Passport to Global Market Access

In addition to product testing, airlines also have clear requirements for supplier qualifications, certification, and compliance capabilities, which are crucial for ensuring a stable supply chain.

Domestic airline bidding projects generally require suppliers to have legal person status, general VAT taxpayer status, and the ability to provide formal VAT invoices. China Southern Airlines also requires bidders to obtain a CA certificate in advance for encryption, decryption, and electronic signature of bid documents, ensuring compliance and security of the procurement process.

International airlines have even more comprehensive qualification requirements: CE certification is required for entry into the European market, SASO 2870 certification is required for entry into Middle Eastern markets such as Saudi Arabia, and compliance with the CCPSA Act regarding the safety of children's cups is required for entry into the Canadian market. Furthermore, more and more airlines are taking social responsibility certifications into consideration, such as ISO 14001 environmental management system certification and sustainable production capabilities.

III. New Trends in Aviation Procurement: Sustainable Development and Service Upgrades

As the global aviation industry moves toward net-zero carbon emissions and consumer demand escalates, the procurement of thermoses is showing a new trend of environmental friendliness, intelligent technology, and integrated services, becoming a key entry point for suppliers to capture market share.

(I) Sustainable Development: Environmentally Friendly Materials Become a New Procurement Barrier
Driven by the aviation industry's carbon reduction drive, environmental attributes have shifted from a bonus to a fundamental requirement. Airlines like China Airlines and EVA Air are expanding their efforts in procuring sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) into cabin supplies.

Current airline environmental protection needs focus on three key areas: First, recyclable materials, with 100% recyclable 316 stainless steel being preferred over traditional coating materials to reduce recycling challenges. Second, packaging carbon reduction, with recycled corrugated paper required for outer boxes to reduce the use of printing inks. Xiamen Airlines has already explicitly adopted corrugated cardboard packaging in its procurement. Third, recycling. Some airlines have begun piloting reusable thermos bottle rental services, requiring products to maintain stable performance after more than 500 cleaning and disinfection cycles, placing higher demands on material durability.

Suppliers should note that the EU will implement stricter packaging recycling regulations in 2030. Pre-emptively developing production lines using environmentally friendly materials will be key to entering the European aviation market.

(II) Customization Upgrade: From Brand Identity to Cultural IP
Thermos bottle customization has evolved from simple logo printing to a deeper expression of brand culture. International airlines are particularly focused on delivering unique value through customization.

Singapore Airlines' Concorde commemorative mug, recreating elements of the flight's history, creates a product that is both practical and collectible, becoming a popular collectible among aviation enthusiasts. Lufthansa, on the other hand, incorporates regional culture into its design, using ink-wash-style patterns on its thermos cups on the Frankfurt-Beijing route to achieve cross-cultural communication. This level of customization requires suppliers to have professional design teams and flexible production capabilities to quickly respond to airlines' personalized needs.

Furthermore, customization is extending from business-end procurement to consumer-end services. Some airlines are offering "passenger customization" options, allowing business class passengers to select the color and engraving of their thermos cups when booking. This poses new challenges to suppliers' flexible production capabilities and rapid delivery capabilities.

(III) Extended Service: From Product Supply to Solutions
Airlines' demand for suppliers has shifted from simple product supply to comprehensive "product + service" solutions, particularly in the areas of benefits procurement and long-term partnerships.

Air China's employee welfare procurement project clearly demonstrates this trend: suppliers must not only provide standard-compliant thermoses but also establish dedicated e-commerce platforms, integrate nationwide logistics and distribution, offer a 7-day no-questions-asked return and exchange service, and ensure competitive pricing on the platform. In this model, the supplier's service capabilities outweigh the product itself, with logistics coverage, after-sales service quality, and platform operational capabilities becoming key factors in winning the bid.

For in-flight procurement, airlines prioritize supply chain stability. For example, China Southern Airlines requires suppliers to have emergency restocking capabilities and deliver goods within 72 hours in the event of a sudden increase in flight volume. This requires suppliers to establish regional warehousing and rapid response mechanisms.

IV. Supplier Entry Guide: From Qualification Preparation to Collaborative Breakthroughs

Faced with the high standards and barriers to entry in aviation procurement, wholesale thermoses buyers must build core competitiveness across three dimensions: qualifications, products, and services, to precisely meet airline needs.

(I) Qualification First: Building a Global Compliance System
Qualification certification is the first hurdle to entering the aviation procurement market, and planning ahead is essential based on the target market:
Basic Qualifications: Complete business licenses, tax registration certificates, and other relevant documents to ensure general taxpayer status and the ability to provide compliant invoices;
Product Certification: GB/T 29606-2013 and GB 4806.9-2016 certification is required for the domestic market; FDA and LFGB certification is required for the European and American markets; and JIS certification is required for the Japanese and Korean markets;
System Certification: ISO 9001 quality management system and ISO 14001 environmental management system certification are recommended to enhance competitiveness in bidding.
China Southern Airlines' tender announcement indicates that suppliers without CA certification or test reports will be directly excluded, so the completeness and timeliness of qualification documents are crucial.

(II) Product Focus: Developing Core Products for Scenario Adaptation
Given the unique characteristics of aviation, we recommend focusing on two core product categories:

Standard Inflight Models: Made of 304/316 stainless steel, with a capacity of 200-350ml, these models undergo a 24-hour inverted seal test and a 1.5-meter drop test, ensuring they are suitable for cabin use.

Customized High-End Models: These models feature customizable printing processes (such as sublimation printing and laser engraving), offer a variety of color options, and include sleeve accessories to meet airline branding and marketing needs.

Xiamen Airlines' procurement data shows that mid-range products with a capacity of approximately 300ml and basic thermal insulation performance are the most popular. These products can control procurement costs while meeting the needs of most scenarios.

(3) Service Upgrade: Building Full-Chain Service Capabilities
Under the trend of service-oriented procurement, suppliers must move beyond simple production and delivery and develop full-chain service capabilities:
Logistics Support: Establish a warehousing network covering major airline bases, such as Xiamen, Guangzhou, and Beijing, ensuring delivery within 30 days;
Customized Response: Build a professional design team to provide one-stop customized services, from pattern design to sample production, with a response time of less than 7 business days;
After-Sales Support: Establish a dedicated aviation customer service team to provide 24-hour response to product quality issues and return and exchange services.
Air China's procurement case demonstrates that suppliers who can provide comprehensive services, such as platform development and logistics integration, are more likely to secure long-term partnerships.