The proposed partnership is part of KLM’s “Back on Track” improvement program. By joining forces with gategroup, a global leader in airline catering and hospitality with operations in more than 60 countries, KLM is taking an important step toward preparing KCS for the future. The collaboration will focus on strong employment practices, personalized catering, sustainability, and operational efficiency.

Bas Brouns, CFO of KLM said: “We are pleased to have found a strong and specialized partner in gategroup, with many years of experience in airline catering. We will remain involved in the onboard catering for our flights, ensuring the quality and service our passengers expect from KLM. The proposed acquisition will not impact jobs within KCS. We look forward to working together.”

Herman Anbeek, President Europe, gategroup, added: “This partnership with KLM represents an important step forward for our business in Europe. Together, we will continue to enhance performance, reliability and the overall customer experience. To support our joint ambition, we will build a new facility at Schiphol, Amsterdam, enabled by our know-how, at the highest environmental standards and with the latest technology and innovation."

Next Steps

The proposed acquisition is subject to consultation with the works councils of KCS and KLM, as well as approval from the relevant regulatory authorities.

About KLM Catering Services

KLM Catering Services has more than 80 years of experience in inflight catering. The company employs more than 1,300 people and prepares over 55,000 meals daily for approximately 350 intercontinental, European, and cargo flights. With a fleet of 82 catering trucks, KLM Catering Services serves a wide range of airlines


Contact:
mediarelations@klm.com

Founded on October 7, 1919, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines is the oldest scheduled airline in the world still operating under its original name. In 2017, the KLM Group operated worldwide flights with over 200 aircraft, generating over €10 billion revenues and employing 32.000 staff from its Amsterdam basis.

KLM and KLM Cityhopper are the core of the KLM Group with 32.7 million passengers and 623.000 tons of Cargo. KLM’s extensive hub network of European (87) and intercontinental (73) destinations provide for easy, direct connections to the economic centers and capitals around the world. KLM is also a member of the global SkyTeam Alliance, which has a joint network of 1074 destinations in 177 countries. The KLM Group further includes the wholly owned subsidiaries Transavia and Martinair. Transavia being the leading low cost carrier from The Netherlands operating from Amsterdam, Eindhoven and Rotterdam, welcoming almost 9 million passengers on board in 2017.

From the core belief that our KLM people are our brand, we believe that we can make a difference by creating memorable experiences for our customers. This is in our DNA. Our genuine attention to our customers makes them feel recognized, at ease, comfortable and touched.

On May 6, 2004 KLM merged with Air France and is operating on the concept: one AFKL group, two airlines and three core businesses (passenger, cargo business and engineering & maintenance). With Air France, KLM is at the forefront of the European airline industry. KLM strives to achieve profitable growth that contributes to both its own corporate aims and to economic and social development. KLM works to create sustainable growth at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, to gain access to any market that will increase the quality of its network and to maintain a level playing field for all industry players.