Press Release

Gate Gourmet to Test with United Airlines

Groundbreaking airline caterer partners with Bennigan's Grill and Tavern and Au Bon Pain on more than 200 flights a day

Memphis, TN, October 30, 2003 - Gate Gourmet will partner with United Airlines on a 90-day test of an in-flight food-for-sale program in economy class beginning October 31.

Gate Gourmet, a world leader in airline catering, will serve food from restaurant partners Bennigan's Grill and Tavern and Au Bon Pain, as well as their own brand, Flight Gourmet. Gate Gourmet will be preparing food for more than 200 flights per day from 10 U.S. cities United serves. The test is the largest ever from a U.S. airline.

Gate Gourmet developed the in-flight food-for-sale program after most major airlines cut complimentary food in coach to reduce costs in the wake of the events of September 11, 2001.

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).