GIC International Catering confirms airline renewals, celebrates Munich opening
This is a special feature from the November 2026 Middle East, Asia & Africa issue of PAX International, on page 24.
China Eastern Airlines joined GIC’s airline catering portfolio on June 1
For GIC International Catering, growth in 2026 has meant balancing expansion with the demands of airline service. The company is opening its Munich catering unit this month, marking three-year contract renewals with Air Astana and Ethiopian Airlines and strengthening relationships with Chinese carriers through a new Beijing office.
The developments come amid financial pressures, including higher energy and fuel costs and disruption linked to the conflict in the Middle East.
“April was especially difficult financially. At the same time, we were making a substantial investment in our new Munich facility. Managing both required careful decisions and a great deal of commitment from our teams,” Managing Director Göksel Yildirim tells PAX International.
An image of GIC catering its first China Eastern Airlines flight on June 1
Renewed confidence from airline partners
GIC customers Air Astana, Ethiopian Airlines and Air India received recognition at the 2026 Skytrax World Airline Awards. GIC has served Air India for 19 years.
“We are particularly pleased that Air Astana and Ethiopian Airlines have chosen to continue their partnerships with us,” Yildirim says. “These are award-winning airlines with high expectations of their service partners. Their continued trust is an important endorsement of the work our teams deliver every day.”
Celebrating Munich
The new facility at CTPark Munich North covers approximately 2,500 square meters, with planned capacity for up to 20,000 meals per day. It will launch with approximately 80 employees.
“Munich is a major investment in the future of our business,” Yildirim says. “It gives us room to develop and more flexibility to support airlines operating to both Frankfurt and Munich. With the facility complete and the approvals in place, our focus is now on a well-organized start and consistent service.”
Alongside its Frankfurt and Munich operations, GIC holds the relevant license for Düsseldorf. Berlin also remains of interest, with the company reviewing potential premises while prioritizing Munich’s launch.
GIC’s Munich operation will launch with approximately 80 employees, expanding its capacity to support airline partners in Germany
Closer relationships with Chinese carriers
GIC took over catering for Air China’s Beijing Daxing service at the end of April and began serving China Eastern Airlines on June 1.
The Beijing office provides a local point of contact to help the company better understand its partners’ requirements.
“Being present locally allows us to listen more closely, communicate directly and develop relationships over time,” Yildirim says.
The Beijing team is also exploring opportunities beyond airline catering where GIC’s experience could be relevant.
Strengthening quality and business continuity
GIC’s Frankfurt operation renewed its ISO 9001 quality management certification and achieved ISO 22301 certification for business continuity management, supporting consistent processes and preparation for disruption.
For GIC, with customers including the Lufthansa Group, the ability to respond flexibly while maintaining dependable service is a central priority.
Commercial Director Bongi Müller and her team have helped connect customer expectations with daily operational standards.
“Quality and business continuity depend on clear responsibilities, practical preparation and teams who understand the standards we need to deliver,” Müller says. “These certifications reflect a shared effort across the business and our commitment to improving how we work.”
GIC’s new facility at CTPark Munich North spans approximately 2,500 square meters, with planned capacity for up to 20,000 meals per day
Investing in people and fleet
GIC’s permanent workforce has grown from approximately 140 employees at the end of 2025 to 270 today. Experienced recruits are strengthening its organizational structure, while a new employee experience program provides structured onboarding, clearer guidance and ongoing support.
“We want colleagues to feel supported from their first day, understand what is expected and know where to turn for help,” Yildirim says.
The company has also purchased five new DOLL catering trucks with modern electronic systems and internal and external cameras, supporting fleet renewal and safe ground operations, as well as two trucks from Miles GSE.
Priorities for 2027
GIC’s priorities for 2027 are to establish the Munich operation, support its growing airline portfolio and ensure staffing, equipment and processes keep pace.
“We have achieved a great deal in a difficult year, and I am grateful to our employees and customers for their commitment,” Yildirim says. “There are opportunities ahead, but we want to develop at a pace we can support properly.”
