A BRITISH firm which claims it is the first in the world to create a specially-designed range of stainless steel "anti-terror cutlery" for use on board aircraft today unveiled its product.
The Arthur Price knives, forks and spoons have been designed to exact specifications based on new guidelines issued by the Department for Transport.
The blades have been shortened to no longer than 3cm and have a rounded rather than a pointed end, while the forks have prongs no longer than 3cm so that they cannot be used as a weapon.
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Arthur Price, a Lichfield-based family run cutlery manufacturer and retailer, came up with the idea and believes it is the first in the world to have manufactured such a service.
A spokesman said orders had already been taken from Air India and Jet Airways, while Emirates and the British Airport Authority are also due to consider the products.
Simon Price, whose family has run the firm since 1902, said today that making the new cutlery had posed a few problems in terms of the manufacturing process, but that it was necessary to adapt to the terrorist threat.
He said: "Arthur Price has been making cutlery for over 100 years and the most competitive market is first class and business class on aeroplanes.
"It is not a cheap ticket and people eating lovely food with plastic cutlery is something airlines do not really want.
"Airlines can now offer their customers the premium standard of dining with real cutlery they would expect, whilst ensuring safety remains paramount."
