Press Release

Gate Gourmet Starts a la Carte Concept with Swiss in Europe

Zurich, October 1, 2003 - Gate Gourmet International expands its activities with direct-to-passenger sales in Europe. Together with Swiss International Air Lines, the international airline caterer has launched its new food sales concept for the Swiss Economy class passengers on European flights today.

Swiss is the first major flag-carrying European airline to introduce this restaurant style choice in the Economy class. The first day was a success.

In cooperation with Swiss, Gate Gourmet International has developed an impressive range of quality products. Gate Gourmet manages the whole offering and operates the business, owning the products and providing the Swiss Crew with training support and sales incentives.

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).