Emirates Flight Catering (EKFC) has acquired Emirates Bustanica and its consumer brand Bustanica, a large indoor vertical farm that can grow one million kilograms of leafy greens annually.

The financial details of the transaction were not made public.

The 330,000ft² Bustanica facility is situated near Al Maktoum International Airport at Dubai World Central in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

It produces three tonnes of greens per day using 95% less water than traditional farming methods.

The produce will be served to passengers on Emirates flights, enhancing their dining experience.

Emirates Bustanica is now a fully UAE-owned entity.

EKFC stated: “Since its launch in July 2022, Bustanica has become a part of UAE’s dinner table conversations, thanks to its growing range of leafy greens, herbs and microgreens that can and should be eaten straight out of the box – even tap water can contaminate the produce.

“Bustanica’s produce is grown without pesticides or herbicides and is 100% clean, fresh and nutrient-rich. Bustanica produces a variety of lettuce, spinach, parsley and kale.

“Bustanica is driven by powerful technology – machine learning, artificial intelligence and other patented technologies – and a highly specialised in-house team that includes agronomy experts, engineers, horticulturists and plant scientists.”

GMG, a global well-being company partnered with Emirates Flight Catering, plans to launch an exclusive range of high-quality on-the-go meals in June 2024.

Aviation hospitality company EKFC provides services including airline catering, airport dining and event catering, as well as supplying food to hotels, restaurants, cafés and the hospitality sector.