Press Release

Gate Gourmet to Test Premium Brands for Sale Onboard United Airlines

MEMPHIS, TN, April 21, 2003 - Starting today, Gate Gourmet will offer passengers the opportunity to purchase gourmet-style breakfast, lunch and dinner selections on certain United flights, as a part of a week-long test of its premium brands meal concept.

From April 21 through April 26, United Economy customers traveling on the seven daily flights between Denver and Seattle will be able to purchase Eli's Cheesecake Cafe signature meals on board the aircraft. These flights do not normally include meals. "We're not serving the traditional airline food," said Henning Boysen, President and CEO of Gate Gourmet International. "These meals feature very generous portions and Eli's premium brands that passengers will recognize."

One of the eight offerings that customers can choose from is an Eli's grilled turkey pannini sandwich served on sliced challah bread, with a bowl of fresh fruit and an Eli's specialty chocolate chunk cookie. The meals, presented in large, gourmet-style baskets, range from $7 for breakfast to $10 for lunch and dinner.

Founded in 1992, Gate Gourmet is the world's largest independent airline catering, hospitality and logistics company with dual headquarters in Zurich, Switzerland, and Reston, VA, USA. The company has substantially expanded its products and services recently through acquisitions and strategic investments. The portfolio now includes cabin service ware (deSter); comfort/entertainment items (Harmony); packaged food components assembled in central production units (Supplair); design and delivery of brand-linked customer environments (Performa); service staff recruitment and training and crew leasing (Elan); aviation services such as cabin cleaning, aircraft washing and deicing and passenger services (Fernley/IAS); catering security (Gate Safe); business applications (eGate Solutions); and supply chain optimization (partnership with Pourshins).