gategroup Holding has entered into a joint venture agreement with Asiana Airlines, a leading international airline of the Republic of Korea.

The agreement establishes a long-term strategic partnership and strengthens gategroup’s position at Incheon airport, one of Asia’s fastest growing and largest hubs in the world for international passengers.

The joint venture will position gategroup as the sole in-flight caterer for Asiana Airlines at Incheon airport, serving passengers flying to destinations across Asia, Australia, Europe and North America.

As part of the partnership, gategroup will also serve Asiana Airlines at key Korean airports during the upcoming 30 years.

Kim, Soo Cheon, chief executive of Asiana Airlines, commented: “We are delighted to partner with gategroup as we move towards our goal of becoming the world’s greatest airline.

“As the clear airline catering industry leader, gategroup is the perfect partner for us to deliver our customers an extraordinary travelling experience.

“We are very pleased to begin a long-term partnership that offers exciting opportunities to both companies.”
gategroup will hold a 60 per cent controlling stake in the joint venture which includes the creation of a new state-of-the-art facility in Incheon to accommodate Asiana Airlines’ growth plans.

gategroup’s position as a leading airline caterer will allow Asiana Airlines direct access to the latest innovations and technologies.

“Through this partnership with Asiana Airlines, we will establish a long-term presence in the Republic of Korea.

“This long-term collaboration represents a key milestone in the execution of our Gateway 2020 strategy.

“It takes us an important step forward in our plans to pursue growth opportunities in the Asia-Pacific region and to leverage our commercial innovation.”