During WTCE 2026 in Hamburg, gategroup and its brands were recognized with multiple wins across two of the industry’s established award programmes, the PAX Readership Awards and the TravelPlus Awards. The recognition reflects the breadth of the group’s offer across catering, onboard retail, amenity design and passenger comfort. The PAX Readership Awards were presented in Hamburg during WTCE week, while the 2026 TravelPlus Awards marked the programme’s 20th anniversary.
At the PAX Readership Awards, Servair was named Airline Caterer of the Year – Africa and gateretail won Best Onboard Retail. deSter was also recognized twice in the Asia amenities categories, receiving Best Business Class Amenity Kit for All Nippon Airways and Best Economy/Premium Economy Class Bedding/Soft Products for STARLUX’s Economy Class Blanket. The PAX awards are voted on by the readership of PAX International and PAX Tech, giving the recognition added weight across the onboard hospitality and aviation community.
deSter’s success continued at the TravelPlus Awards, where it received four Gold Awards for Business Class Meal Serviceware with Saudia, Premium Economy Meal Serviceware with Riyadh Air, Economy Serviceware / Disposables with Riyadh Air, and First Class Amenity Kit (Unisex) with All Nippon Airways. It was also Highly Commended for Amenity Kit Programme (Rest of the World) for ANA Business Class. TravelPlus describes the awards as a benchmark for excellence in onboard amenities and passenger comfort, with winners recognized during WTCE in Hamburg.
Taken together, the wins underline the strength of gategroup’s portfolio and the value of close collaboration with airline partners across markets. From catering and onboard retail to serviceware, soft products and premium amenity concepts, the recognition points to a shared focus on thoughtful design, quality and the passenger experience.
About gategroup
gategroup is a leading global provider of airline catering, retail-on-board, and hospitality products and services. Headquartered in Zurich, Switzerland, the company serves millions of passengers through a network of nearly 300 locations in more than 68 countries. By leveraging innovation and operational expertise, gategroup partners with the world’s leading airlines to create exceptional travel experiences. Learn more at www.gategroup.com.
