Press Release

Innovative Move in Airline Catering

August 13, 2003 - Gate Gourmet, a world leading airline catering company, and DO & CO, a world leading premium event caterer, have signed an agreement to join forces in London and develop a new premium in flight catering product.

The new partnership will start in October 2003 when DO & CO opens its new gourmet kitchen at London Heathrow.

Difficult market conditions in the airline industry over a number of years have led to a reduction of food service on many airlines. Gate Gourmet is confident that the partnership it has initiated with DO & CO in London will further enable it to respond to airline requirements for sophisticated premium products delivered at an affordable cost.

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).