gategroup has extended its working relationship with Italian national flag carrier, Alitalia, by signing a long-term agreement to provide catering services to its domestic and international flights from Rome Fiumicino.

The two companies have already worked together to develop and execute an innovative catering model for all flights departing from airports other than Fiumicino in Italy, which was implemented in December 2017.

By working in close partnership with the Gate Gourmet team in Italy, Alitalia is now able to operate from five locations (Rome Fiumicino, Milan Linate, Milan Malpensa, Catania and Palermo), increasing significantly the logistic efficiency.

The signed contract will extend the business relationship to Alitalia’s hub at Rome Fiumicino from which Alitalia operates 16 long haul flights and 189 short and medium haul flights per day.

“Both our companies share a passion for enhancing and improving the customer experience, which is further amplified by the rich culinary heritage of Italy.

“The desire to develop and improve every aspect of the service officering was key to the successful, swift and seamless set up of the new facility.

“We are honoured to have been able to meet Alitalia’s high culinary standards as part of enhancing the customer experience,” said gategroup chief commercial officer, Federico Germani.

At Rome Fiumicino, Gate Gourmet Italy will serve Alitalia in a new, dedicated 8,000 sq. meter facility which employs approximately 300 staff.

“The choice of Gate Gourmet was based on its ability to support Alitalia achieve its strategic targets of increasing customer satisfaction and logistical efficiency.

“Their culinary excellence, innovative new concepts and retail experience enables us to accelerate the change process”, said Alitalia chief procurement officer, Valerio Dal Monte.