Press Release

Howard Named President of Americas Division, Pappas to Head Global Aviation Services

RESTON, VA, December 19, 2005 - Gate Gourmet has named M. Spence (Ron) Howard, a veteran executive of the airline and hospitality services industries, as president of Division Americas. His predecessor, Peter A. Pappas, has been appointed president of Global Aviation Services.

Howard comes to Gate Gourmet from Continental Airlines, where he was vice president of its Chelsea Food Services division and the In-flight and Food Services divisions. Pappas served as president of Division Americas since December 2004.

"We are delighted that an executive of Ron's caliber and talent has joined the company to lead its North and South American operations," said David Siegel, chairman and chief executive. "His long-time experience in airline catering from the customer's perspective will serve us well."

Before joining Continental at its Houston headquarters in 1994, Howard served with Marriott Corp.'s Inflite Services division in Washington, D.C., in global senior management roles of operations, marketing and business development, and held senior level positions at McCormick and Co. in Hunt Valley, Md.

As the new head of the company's Americas Division, Howard has responsibility for operations at 57 flight kitchens in North and South America, 13 Amtrak commissaries, and sales and service and administrative functions for the division.

Siegel said the creation of Global Aviation Services is a natural evolution for Gate Gourmet, which has airport presence and expertise around the world. "Pete Pappas' vast knowledge of the airline industry and his leadership experience in business are perfectly suited to develop our new venture," Siegel said.

Gate Gourmet has a rich history of providing catering services to airlines. Global Aviation Services is designed as a cost-effective, flexible alternative source for carriers' needs in non-catering aviation services, both above and below the wing.

Pappas has spent most of his business career in the aviation industry, including 17 years as an executive and corporate officer at American Airlines in Fort Worth, Texas, where he was president of AMR Consulting Group, AMR Training Group and AMR Services and senior vice president of American Eagle. He also served as chairman and CEO of Worldwide Flight Services of Irving, Texas, a global ground handling provider, and president and CEO of NewWorldAir Holdings of Chicago, an executive charter flight service.

Both Pappas and Howard are based at the company's Reston co-headquarters and both report to Siegel.

Contact:

John Bronson
703-964-2362

Christina Ulosevich
703-964-2357