Airline cabin linens have a uniquely demanding spec sheet. They have to be individually portion-controlled, packaged for serving by cabin crew, compliant with aviation flammability standards, and hold up to the airline's specific in-flight service protocol. We have been producing airline amenity towels for first class and business class programs since 2014, and run them on a dedicated production line separate from our hospitality work.
What makes an airline towel different
- Individual wrapping: Each towel wrapped in heat-sealed clear film or aluminum-foil pouch for service presentation
- Hot-service ready: Survives 80C+ warming oven cycles without color bleeding or fabric degradation
- FAA flammability compliance: Meets FAR 25.853 vertical burn test (typical for cabin textiles)
- Portion control sizing: Standard 20x20 cm pre-service, 28x28 cm extended
- Branded packaging: Wrapper printed with airline livery, certificate of safe disposal
- Limited reuse: Most airlines specify single-use disposal for hygiene control
The base spec for airline hot towels
| Variable | Specification |
|---|---|
| Fiber | 100% combed cotton, OE acceptable for single-use lines |
| GSM | 320-380 (hot service); 280-320 (single-use) |
| Size | 20x20 cm folded, 28x28 cm unfolded |
| Color | Pure white, OBA-free for hot service |
| Wrapper | Clear PE film or kraft pouch, airline-printed |
| Folding | Pre-rolled tight cylinder or quarter-fold |
| Lemon scent | Optional cotton infusion before packing |
| Compliance | FAR 25.853, OEKO-TEX 100 Class I |
Production volume and timeline
Airline programs are run as annual or quarterly tenders with high volume. Typical MOQ is 5,000 pcs per design but most programs run 50,000-500,000 pcs per quarter. Lead time is 35-50 days from PO including individual wrapping and pre-positioning at airline catering hubs.
Brands we currently produce for
Under NDA we supply hot towel programs for three Asia-Pacific airlines, two Middle Eastern carriers and one European long-haul. References available on signed RFP.
Sourcing amenity kit linens?
Send your RFP package or current spec and we will quote with samples, flammability test reports and indicative pricing within three business days.
Request airline RFP package →