Gate Gourmet, a member of gategroup, has purchased United Airlines’ flight kitchen at Tokyo’s Narita Airport and has taken over catering and provisioning of United’s flights in the strategic Asian location under a new long-term contract.

The transaction closed on June 1, 2009, and will more than double Gate Gourmet Japan’s meal production capacity at Narita. Terms of the agreement were not disclosed.

“This acquisition underpins Gate Gourmet’s commitment and continuing presence in Tokyo,” said Guy Dubois, CEO of gategroup, the parent company of Gate Gourmet. “Moving into the larger facility will allow us to grow with our existing customers as they look to add additional flights when a runway extension is completed at Narita in October 2009. We look forward to the synergies the new business and facility will afford Gate Gourmet as well as opportunities to introduce the services of other gategroup brands in this important market,” he said.

Gate Gourmet has over 30 years of experience in serving international long-haul carriers at Narita. In addition to the new United business, Gate Gourmet Japan serves nine other international airlines in Tokyo. Service for the existing customers will be seamlessly transitioned to the newer, larger United facility during the second half of the year.