Qatar Airways and gategroup Launch Strategic Catering Partnership
Doha, The Gulf Observer: Qatar Airways and gategroup have officially unveiled a strategic catering partnership, ushering in a new era of enhanced dining experiences for passengers during flights. The collaboration, solidified through a Business Management Agreement, will encompass various facets, including passenger dining experiences, sourcing and procurement, healthy eating initiatives, and sustainability efforts.
Renowned for its commitment to excellence in global aviation, Qatar Airways is set to leverage gategroup’s expertise in menu design, culinary concepts, and operational proficiency to further elevate the in-flight dining experience. The partnership will extend beyond the aircraft cabins, aiming to enhance the Qatar Airways brand by providing refined culinary experiences to guests in premium lounges at Hamad International Airport.
Expressing enthusiasm about the collaboration, Qatar Airways Group Chief Executive Officer, Engr. Badr Mohammed Al Meer, emphasized the potential of the partnership to enhance the airline’s brand through superior dining experiences. He stated, “This partnership with gategroup will amplify the Qatar Airways brand by delivering refined culinary experiences for our guests, inflight and on the ground in our world-class lounges at Hamad International Airport.”
CEO of gategroup, Christoph Schmitz, echoed similar sentiments, expressing honor and excitement about collaborating with Qatar Airways. He highlighted the transformative power of shared values and visions, stating, “We are genuinely honored to walk this path alongside Qatar Airways. It is a journey of discovery, growth, and immense potential, and we firmly believe in the transformative power of collaboration, where two companies come together with shared visions and values to craft something truly outstanding.”
The partnership will see the culinary team of gategroup operating in Doha, actively participating in the establishment of an exclusive culinary studio for Qatar Airways. This studio will serve as a hub for innovation, collaborative creation, and streamlined menu design processes.
The upcoming culinary offerings will prioritize top-tier ingredients, health, and nutrition, integrating locally sourced produce to promote sustainability, authenticity, and support for local enterprises. Rigorous procedures in menu development, streamlined production, and systematic monitoring of food quality, taste, and presentation will support the enhancement of culinary quality.
Christoph Schmitz highlighted the aim of constantly improving the customer experience onboard, stating, “We’re bringing together the world’s best airline with the largest catering company in the world, and we are having this constant endeavor to increase or improve the customer experience onboard, and whom to do this better than with Qatar Airways. It’s an honor for us to bring our qualities and experience to this relationship and even elevate the service better that is already state-of-the-art.”
The collaboration is expected to open new revenue avenues for Qatar Airways, enhancing operational and commercial efficiencies. The signing ceremony took place at Msheireb Downtown Doha, symbolizing the beginning of a journey focused on delivering unparalleled dining experiences to passengers.
