KLM and gategroup Reach Agreement on Acquisition of KLM Catering Services
01.04.2026 | from Air France-KLM
Reading time: 2 minutes
Image rights: KLM
Photographer: Amy van Leiden
01.04.2026, KLM and gategroup have reached an agreement on the planned acquisition of KLM Catering Services (KCS) by gategroup. Upon completion of the transaction, gategroup will hold a 75 percent stake in KCS, while KLM will retain a 25 percent stake. This step creates opportunities to invest in the future of KCS, while ensuring that KLM remains deeply involved in the onboard services for its passengers.
The planned partnership is part of the KLM improvement program 'Back on Track'. By collaborating with gategroup, a global leader in airline catering and hospitality with operations in more than 60 countries, KLM is taking a significant step to position KCS for the future. The collaboration focuses on strong employment practices, personalized catering, sustainability, and operational efficiency.
Bas Brouns, CFO of KLM, emphasizes: 'We are pleased to have found a strong and specialized partner in gategroup with long-standing experience in airline catering. We remain involved in the onboard catering of our flights, thereby ensuring the quality and service that our passengers expect from KLM. The planned acquisition will have no impact on jobs at KCS. We look forward to working together.' Herman Anbeek, President Europe at gategroup, adds: 'This partnership with KLM represents an important step for our business in Europe. Together, we will continue to enhance performance, reliability, and the overall customer experience. To support our joint ambitions, we will establish a new facility at Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam, supported by our expertise, meeting the highest environmental standards, and equipped with state-of-the-art technology and innovation.'
Next Steps: The planned acquisition is subject to consultation with the works councils of KCS and KLM, as well as approval by the relevant regulatory authorities.
About KLM Catering Services: KLM Catering Services has over 80 years of experience in airline catering. The company employs more than 1,300 staff and prepares over 55,000 meals daily for around 350 intercontinental, European, and cargo flights. With a fleet of 82 catering trucks, KLM Catering Services supplies a wide range of airlines.
Media Contact:
Air France-KLM Switzerland
c/o Panta Rhei PR AG
Weinbergstrasse
81
CH-8006 Zurich
+41 (0)44 365 20 20
airfrance-klm@pantarhei.ch
Editor's note: Image rights belong to the respective publisher. Image rights: KLM / Photographer: Amy van Leiden
Conclusion of this article: « KLM and gategroup Reach Agreement on Acquisition of KLM Catering Services »
Air France-KLM
Air France has represented France globally since 1933. With activities in passenger transport, cargo transport, and aircraft maintenance, Air France is an important player in air transport. More than 40,000 employees work daily to provide each customer with a unique travel experience.
Air France, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, and Transavia form the Air France-KLM Group. The group relies on its powerful hubs at Paris-Charles de Gaulle and Amsterdam-Schiphol to offer an extensive international route network. Its frequent flyer program, Flying Blue, has over 30 million members. Air France and KLM are members of the SkyTeam alliance, which comprises a total of 19 airlines.
Air France has set ambitious sustainable development goals and is working to reduce its CO2 emissions and support projects that absorb and store carbon from the atmosphere in natural carbon sinks. As part of the 'Air France ACT' program, the company has committed to reducing its CO2 emissions per passenger kilometer by 30 percent by 2030 compared to 2019. This goal is supported by significant investments in fleet renewal with more fuel-efficient aircraft, the development and use of more sustainable aviation fuel, and the widespread introduction of eco-piloting.
Note: The "About Us" text is taken from public sources or from the company profile on HELP.ch.
Source: Air France-KLM, Press release
Original article published on: KLM und gategroup erzielen Einigung zur Übernahme von KLM Catering Services