Press Release

Gate Gourmet Begins Service to American Airlines in Chicago

MEMPHIS, TN, March 31, 2004 - Gate Gourmet begins providing foodservice for American Airlines' 317 daily flights out of Chicago.

With the addition of this new business, Gate Gourmet now serves American Airlines in 25 locations worldwide. "This is a major contract for us and a monumental step in expanding our partnership with American," said George Alvord, president of Gate Gourmet Division Americas. "We are extremely pleased."

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).