Gate Gourmet wins Easyjet inflight retail contract

Nicole Mezzasalma

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The company replaces Alpha Flight Services as the airline’s onboard retail and catering operator

Gate Gourmet Group has been selected to manage onboard retail and catering across low-cost carrier Easyjet’s fleet and route network. The multiple-year contract stipulates that Gate Gourmet will supply inflight duty-free products in addition to food and beverages and crew meals. The company replaces Alpha Flight Services, who provided inflight retail services for Easyjet since the airline started its operations in 1995.

Gate Gourmet chief commercial officer Herman Anbeek said: “This is an exciting breakthrough for the Gate Gourmet Group. Easyjet is one of the world's most successful low-fare airlines and we are proud it has recognised the group's expanded capabilities."

Easyjet chief commercial officer Saad Hammad said: “Giving our passengers the right onboard product at the right price is a critical part of our business and we look forward to working with Gate Gourmet to achieve this."

Gate Gourmet also claimed both parties intend to expand the relationship in the future.

Alpha Group CEO Peter Williams told RavenFox.com: “When I joined [the Easyjet contract] was not profitable for us. On paper it looked great with a big turnover, but there was precious little contribution. We had discussions with Easyjet as it had some issues too. It has decided to go through a retendering process and we obviously pitched for that, but in the end it went to Gate Gourmet.”