25 years outstanding onboard delights: GIC International Catering celebrates its anniversary

Success story of a family-owned company in second generation – Up to 5,000 daily meals for over 20 airlines. With a strong entrepreneurial mindset and a lot of courage, the brothers Talat and Ferat Yildirim started their own path to self-employment over 25 years ago and founded GIC International Catering (GIC) in Kelsterbach, right next to the Frankfurt Airport. What started with a small production, turned into a modern airline caterer with today more than 20 international carriers as clients. Above that, the family-run business in second generation supplies business jets, private charters as well as schools and events with freshly prepared meals, upholding highest standards. 

Becoming an established airline caterer through passion

At a young age, the brothers Yildirim came from Turkey to Germany. Shared family traditions and values such as eating together and a big appreciation for great cuisines, quality was not about the price but more about a passion for cooking. In addition, both shared a fascination and passion for aviation – especially for the significance of fresh and varied meals above the clouds. With that exact mindset but very little capital, they founded GIC in 2000 and laid the groundwork for the success story of the company. Today, 25 years later, GIC has established itself as a highly reputable airline catering brand – nourished by family values, devotion as well as pure passion for service and pleasure.

Practice makes perfect: Generational change at GIC

Even while still in school, Göksel Yildirim, son of founding father Talat Yildirim and now managing director of the company, and his siblings helped in their parents’ business. While others played football, they learned at a young age what it means to run a business: „Sure, it wasn’t always easy. We would have also rather played outside instead of helping with the industrial cleaning services of the exhibition grounds in Frankfurt. Looking back, it was a very valuable experience which still comes to use today,“ Göksel Yildirim explains. He got involved in managing the business in 2017 and continued the success story with new ideas, a modern structure and a great focus on service quality – with success, which numerous awards prove, including the “Europe’s Most Improved Airline Catering 2025” recognition from trade magazine PAX International.

Göksel Yildirim commented: “What my father and uncle started 25 years ago, we continue today with the same passion. Reliability, high quality standards, and the utmost commitment to our partners and employees are our top priorities. Our credo remains to delight passengers with fresh, creative, and high-quality meals above the clouds.”

With innovative concepts, ingenuity and great dedication, GIC has developed into one of the top-tier airline caterers at Germany’s biggest airport, serving fresh and high-quality meals onboard made possible by the roughly 170 employees and most modern logistics. On a 2,500 square meter big production site, up to 5,000 gourmet menus, warm meals for economy class and budget-friendly snacks are prepared daily. 

Big anniversary celebrations 

On Thursday, October 23, 2025, GIC celebrated their 25th anniversary at the FRALounge at Frankfurt Airport in attendance of numerous business partners, media as well as representatives from the industry and politics – among them were Nagihan Ilknur Akdevelioglu, the Consul General of Turkey in Frankfurt, and the Mayor of Kelsterbach Manfred Ockel. There was no shortage of exquisite delights either: guests enjoyed meal creations from GIC that took them on a culinary journey of GIC’s story: from meals of the very first client, Malaysia Airlines, over current signature dishes to the favorite foods of the founders. “With an innovative mindset, a high-quality awareness and a strong family foundation, GIC International Catering has grown from a small family business to a leading airline catering specialist at Germany’s number one airport.”, Göksel Yildirim explains. “We continue to establish this groundwork and look forward to a bright future.”