Last August, flight attendant reports indicated that newly manufactured coffee pots did not fit into one of the two types of coffeemakers in our galleys.

An in-depth investigation revealed that a design alteration in the manufacturing process resulted in ill-fitting coffee pots. Representatives from engineering, catering and other work teams together identified the solution: first, correct the pots already manufactured, and, second, redesign and manufacture new pots that fit both types of coffeemakers.

An engineering team identified that a dimple placed in a precise location on the pot allowed it to fit in both coffeemakers, and a simple tool was developed to dimple the pots in a systematic way. Contract caterers in several hubs will begin altering the new pots in June. Meanwhile, the coffee pot manufacturer has redesigned the pot so that future inventory will be will guaranteed to fit.

Another equipment fit issue involving the GL034 business cocktail glasses has recently been resolved. Reports of broken glassware, due to improper fit in glass racks, began appearing late last year. The ensuing investigation revealed that the root cause of this problem was a worn production mold at the manufacturing plant. The mold was reworked and new glasses were produced, tested, and recently delivered. These new glasses will be integrated into the current inventory shortly.

The resolution of both of these equipment fit issues will help maintain a high level of service to our customers.