SWITZERLAND. Leading airline caterer and travel retailer Gategroup has announced it will invest in Cockpit Innovation, an Israeli venture fund that specialises in identifying travel retail innovations relating to digital travel, aviation and aerospace.
Gategroup joins other investors in Cockpit Innovation including Boeing and EL AL. The investment sum is undisclosed.
Cockpit Innovation was founded in 2015 in Tel Aviv as a high-tech investment fund for EL AL, the Israeli national carrier.
Gategroup aims to use its association with Cockpit Innovation to identify new airline and passenger needs, access projects and startups and shorten their introduction to market.
Gategroup CEO Xavier Rossinyol said: “Gategroup is constantly seeking out groundbreaking new ideas in culinary, onboard retail and technology solutions to enhance the customer experience and bring additional value to our airline customers.
“Working with Cockpit Innovation will provide unparalleled access to new consumer insights and trends, as well as to a first-class network of startups worldwide to further accelerate delivery of our innovation strategy.”
Cockpit CEO Henry Chen Weinstein said: “We look forward to working with industry leader Gategroup. Its investment, along with that of other partners, will enable Cockpit to continue expanding its portfolio and creating value for both entrepreneurs who are exposed to potential partnership with industry clients and our partners who gain access to industry-leading future technologies.”
