Matt is the Founder of the Aviation Sustainability Forum (ASF).
He launched Monty’s Bakehouse in 2003, and successfully built a strong reputation supplying hot handheld snacks in the aviation sector before selling his business to SATS Ltd in 2020.
With so many years of supplying airline passengers with onboard snacks and by expanding that service worldwide Matt acquired a deep interest in both food and packaging. He realised that the journey to a more sustainable inflight product and service, can only be achieved by true levels of collaboration resulting in standardisation. In order to trigger a change in practices, in 2019 he set up the ASF as a ‘not for profits’ community of competing stakeholders from all across the aviation sector who have joined forces to create the momentum and purpose for a more sustainable future for onboard service.
Matt's drive and vision have been essential in lobbying for support and seeking contributions to set up and deliver research projects, network wide collaborations, and key partnerships to enable the ASF to steer change in the design , sourcing and handling of onboard product packaging and services, to help the sector meet Netzero targets. His energy and determination is infectious and inspiring and is already bringing about that much needed change and raising awareness of the many challenges that need to be addressed in order to make meaningful and positive steps towards a more sustainable and ethical supply chain model.
The ASF is now gaining real momentum, the recent webcast held in February 2022 was well subscribed with 40 of the world’s airlines, caterers, suppliers and governing bodies joining live from around the world. Partnerships with IATA and IFSA / APEX have been announced and funding targets have been set to complete the first research project, looking into sustainable materials, waste management and standardisation. Matt is highly regarded and well respected in the industry and initially through self-funding , his network connections, and his pure desire to make a tangible difference, the ASF’s credibility is growing day by day. He is incredibly hard working and there is no doubt that through his own endeavours the ASF will succeed in its ambitions, and Matt will ensure that the Forum and its membership deliver a legacy - working constantly to standardise the products being used daily on board wherever the airlines operate globally. All of this is being done on a pro bono basis as the industry responds to Matt’s words and powerful rhetoric , and the really important point is that if the ASF achieves its objectives, then it will help to protect our planet for generations to come.
Matt has made a significant contribution to giving back his time and service to the industry that supported his growth and development and is a worthy example of a great champion of the industry.