Heineken has partnered with KLM airlines in its first ever ‘beer tap experience’, which allows customers to drink the popular beverage on draught.

 

The 3D printed appliance fits the specific dimensions of a standard airline trolley and was specially engineered to overcome the differences in air pressure that in the past made drafting beer at altitude unmanageable.

 

It is now available on specific KLM flights in World Business Class and KLM will also deploy the draught trolley onboard its Medal Flight after the Olympic Games on 22nd August and prior to the KLM Curaҫao Marathon on 27th November.

 

Lennart Boorsma, Marketing Manager Global Innovation at Heineken said: “We are continually driving innovation to ensure consumers can enjoy the premium Heineken experience, no matter where they are – on land, at sea and now in the air.

 

‘A WORLD FIRST’

The Heineken beer tap experience means those on board can have a brewery fresh draught beer when they are flying, making travelling with KLM even more special.”

 

 

“The draught trolley is another example of the unique partnership between KLM and Heineken. It’s great to see two leading Dutch brands succeed in achieving a world first by serving draught beer in flight,” said Miriam Kartman, KLM’s Executive Vice President of Inflight Sales.

 

The trolley is designed to house the innovative “BrewLock” barrel. As cabin pressure at altitude differs considerably from air pressure on the ground, the barrel boasts new technology that works with the aid of air pressure instead of CO2.

 

“Air pressure brings the barrel pressure to the desired level, compensating for the negative pressure on board and generating sufficient tap pressure for serving. KLM has trained a select group of cabin attendants in the art of serving cold draught beer.

 

The Heineken beer offered in-flight is brewed at the Zoeterwoude brewery in the Netherlands and each serving will be the standard Heineken draught serving of 25cl.