At a tasting contest of wines being offered by airlines
from all over the world, Brussels Airlines was highly awarded. The
airline won the first prize in the category ‘best wines in Business
Class’. In the category of best champagnes, Brussels Airlines ended in
the top 3.
Global Traveler is
the leading American business traveller magazine that organizes the
yearly international ‘Wines on the Wing' airline wine competition. A
panel of 28 professional judges, including sommeliers, wine producers
and wine shop owners, taste and rate wines served by airlines around the world.
The wines served by Brussels Airlines in its long-haul Business Class were highly appreciated by the jury and received the prestigious first prize in the category ‘Best Overall International Business Class wines’. In the category ‘champagnes’ Brussels Airlines was also highly awarded, with a 3rd place.
For
its wine selection Brussels Airlines appeals to Fiona Morisson, the
only female wine expert in Belgium carrying the title ‘Master of Wine’.
This international recognition of
the Brussels Airlines wine offer prizes the good work of the Brussels
Airlines catering team led by Philip Mortier who himself is trained as a
sommelier and who assists Fiona Morison in selecting the wines. The
wines served on the Brussels Airlines long haul flights to Africa and
the US are purchased through the Brussels-based Palais du Vin and assessed during tasting sessions. “During these tasting sessions we look for a perfect match with our culinary offer”, explains Philip Mortier.
The
selection always includes a wine from a renowned French house, a
well-known world wine and a ‘surprise’ wine. As a Belgian airline,
Brussels Airlines also serves authentic Belgian wines that
are highly appreciated by the passengers. This year the Brussels
Airlines wine card presents, amongst others, Les Vieux Murs,
Pouilly-Fuissé 2009 (France), Longridge Pinotage 2008 (South Africa),
Tenuta di Castiglioni 2008 Frescobaldi (Italy), Poujeaux 2007 (France),
Ken Forrester Chenin 2010 (South Africa), Montes Alpha Syrah 2009
(Chili), Aldenyck PG 2010 (Belgium), Château Rochemorin 2006
Pessac-Léognan (France), Kendall Jackson Zinfandel 2007 (USA), De
Kluizen Cuvée 2009-2010 (Belgium), Puclavec Gomila Nr 2 2010
(Macedonia). Passengers also have the possibility to buy wines on board
and have them delivered at home.
Source: Brussels Airlines
Regards,
Daniel
Als er één reden is waarom er moet blijven geïnvesteerd worden in ruimtevaart en waarom dit zo boeiend is, is omdat ruimtevaart-technologie vaak zijn weg vind naar commerciële toepassingen. Helaas vinden niet alle nieuwe ontwikkelingen en zogenaamde 'spin-offs' hun weg naar de samenleving door ondermeer beperkte budgetten of problemen bij het oprichten van een onderneming. Om dit probleem aan te pakken, richtte de Europese ruimtevaartagentschap ESA in 1990 het Technology Transfer Programme Office (TTPO) op met als doel de beschikbare ruimtevaart-technologie om te zetten en aan te passen naar commerciële toepassingen op Aarde. Een zeer goede manier om ruimtevaart-technologie te transfereren naar commerciële toepassingen is via zogenaamde 'Business Incubation Centres' (BIC) van de ESA waar men de competenties van het Europese ruimtevaartagentschap en dat van een locale incubatiepartner samenvoegt. Dankzij deze Business Incubation Centres kunnen ondernemers en/of jonge bedrijven die ruimtevaart-technologie willen gebruiken, rekenen op subsidies, technische expertise en steun bij het ondernemen. Vandaag de dag zijn er zeven ESA Business Incubation Centres in Europa actief waarvan sinds kort ook één in Geel (Vlaanderen) dat de naam 'BIC Flanders' kreeg.
