The global inflight catering market was valued at USD 9647.01 million in 2023 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.00% during the forecast period. Food supplied to passengers on board a commercial airliner is called in-flight service. These meals are often prepared by specialized airline catering services and delivered to passengers utilizing an airline service cart. Particularly for Network Carriers serving large distances, catering becomes a significant business component. Meal preparation and design are crucial steps in the catering process. Specialized airline catering services plan these meals, then deliver them to travelers on an airline service trolley. Depending on the airline and class of travel, different meals have different nutritional values and serving sizes.
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One of the main factors anticipated to propel the market's growth over the forecast period is an increase in airline passengers. As per the International Civil Aviation Organization, around 1.81 billion passengers traveled by air in 2020. Due to increased competition, airlines are using certain tactics to improve the in-flight eating experience. These techniques cover everything from the ordering procedure to providing the dish. Airlines also employ various service tactics for multiple classes on the same flight to comply with hybrid operational scenarios and maintain customer service.
Companies provide passengers with in-flight catering, in-flight meals, and airline cuisine in the air and at the airport. Airlines are building tier-based complimentary onboard services by giving high-level services at a premium price to high-value consumers while providing lesser-cost options to passengers in economy class. Airlines offer customers alternatives such as meal pre-selection, meal pre-order, and hybrid buy-on-board/free catering to simplify the purchasing process.
The pandemic has brought new dynamics and crucial safety measures to professional commercial aircraft kitchens, as the earlier protocols were solely intended to prevent foodborne infections, even if caterers have always placed a high focus on food practices. The epidemic has also increased the requirements for cleaning, sanitizing, and food safety in the catering industry, raising costs for in-flight caterers to maintain the highest standards.
Product innovations, technological advancements, and the introduction of regulatory policies have been detailed in the report to enable businesses to make more informed decisions. Furthermore, the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the inflight catering services market demand has been examined in the study. The report is a must-read for anyone looking to develop effective strategies and stay ahead of the curve.
To stop the COVID-19 epidemic from spreading further, travel restrictions and aircraft cancellations have been implemented globally, creating a full-fledged crisis. Some airlines provide their passengers with bottled water, cold meals, or prepackaged food due to safety regulations. Despite signs of progress in the sector in 2021, passenger traffic—particularly international—was much lower than before COVID-19. In November 2021, After suspending them during the COVID-19 outbreak, the Indian low-cost airline IndiGo announced that it was reopening. Following permission from the Indian Civil Aviation Ministry, the airline announced. All domestic flights will now offer in-flight meals once again.
Growth Drivers
An additional aspect that is anticipated to contribute to the expansion of the market over the forecast period is an improvement in the quality of the food and services provided by aircraft service providers. Therefore, the major private and public players are focusing on providing healthy and clean food to the aircraft people, boosting the market's growth. In December 2022, China Airlines partnered with Yang Ming Spring to add plant-based food to its in-flight dining options due to its emphasis on plant-based foods, beverages, and locally sourced, hand-picked ingredients. The establishment has now adapted its skills to in-flight eating with the development of the "Clean and Green Plant-based Cuisine" menu, which is popularly known as the Vegetarian Oriental Meal (VOML), is now available for pre-order on flights leaving Taiwan for passengers in all cabins.
Also, the major players are focusing on investments in advanced technologies and R&d investment to develop catering services. For this, the players Such as the Emirates have developed Farms for processing vegetables for making cuisine in a clean environment supporting the market to grow rapidly. These factors are propelling the inflight catering market growth.
The market is primarily segmented based on food offering type, flight service type, aircraft seating class, and region.
By Food Offering Type |
By Flight Service Type |
By Aircraft Seating Class |
By Region |
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The economy class segment is expected to grow at a significant CAGR over the estimated period due to growing interest from developing countries and increased numbers of passengers preferring to travel in class. Due to lower prices, more disposable income, and growing interest in leisure travel, many passengers fly in economy class. While first-class seats come in a variety, economy-class seats are fairly standard. These might resemble leather reclining chairs, but they can also be moved to lie flat like a bed. Additionally, first-class travelers can anticipate different food on flights, free alcohol, and better service.
Over the forecast period, other potential drivers of in-flight catering demand in this segment include shifting consumer preferences for high-quality in-flight meals and rising airline investments in improving services for economy-class passengers. The demand for airline catering services is anticipated to increase in the next years due to the growing number of frequent travelers using low-cost airlines.
The rising demand for international travel is predicted to drive sector expansion because full-service carriers frequently conduct long-haul or international flights. A full-service airline usually includes amenities like in-flight entertainment, checked baggage, meals, refreshments, and blankets and pillows in the ticket price. As a rule, the seats recline further and have greater legroom than those on budget airlines. Full-service carriers offer passengers the choice of business class, economy class, premium economy, and first class on some flights to encourage market expansion.
Travelers can choose between traveling in business or first class on some flights and in premium economy on full-service airlines. The airlines carry luggage between flights and to partners, of whom the majority of full-service carriers. Often, full-service airlines are national carriers for the nations from which they originated and have a long history. Additionally, the market for in-flight catering services grew fastest in the low-cost category.
The Asia-Pacific region is dominating and expected to grow with a larger share due to various factors supporting the market's growth over the forecast period. The boom in international travel and tourism, rapid urbanization, an increase in living standards to match aspirational travel, and a resurgence in discretionary expenditure are all elements that support the regional economy. According to the IATA, In 2022, aviation traffic in India increased by 85.7% from 2019. The DGCA, India's aviation reporter, disclosed that 123.2 million people in India flew in 2022. This was a 47% increase above the 2021 passenger totals. In actuality, Vistara and IndiGo exceeded 2019 levels.
The region's increasing number of airline operators will also present significant expansion opportunities for companies that offer in-flight catering. Paid pre-orders, particularly for the economy class, continue to provide lower revenues in Asia-Pacific. For instance, caterers plan meals for international flights to places with a diverse population of eaters, like the Middle East, based on their knowledge of the travelers' preferences.
There will likely be an increase in demand for in-flight dining options on budget flights as more legacy carriers enter the region's low-cost market. Also, the largest airline population in the North American region is growing with the fastest CAGR over the forecast period.
Some of the major players operating in the global market include Air Culinaire Worldwide, ANA Catering Service, Abby’s Catering, AAS Catering, Air Fayre, Dnata Corp., Compass Group, Do & Co Aktiengesellschaft, Emirates Flights Catering, Frankenberg, Flying Food Group, Gate Gourmet, Journey Group, KLM Catering Services, LSG Sky Chefs, LSG Lufthansa Service, Newrest Group International, On Air Dining, Servair, and SATS.
Report Attributes |
Details |
Market size value in 2024 |
USD 10303.97 million |
Revenue Forecast in 2032 |
USD 17,690.86 million |
CAGR |
7.00% from 2024- 2032 |
Base year |
2023 |
Historical data |
2019- 2022 |
Forecast period |
2024 - 2032 |
Quantitative units |
Revenue in USD million and CAGR from 2024 to 2032 |
Segments Covered |
By Food Offering Type, By Flight Service Type, By Aircraft Seating Class, By Region |
Regional scope |
North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, Middle East & Africa |
Key Companies |
Air Culinaire Worldwide LLC, ANA Catering Service, Abby’s Catering, AAS Catering, Air Fayre, Dnata Corp., Compass Group, Do & Co Aktiengesellschaft, Emirates Flights Catering, Frankenberg GmbH, Flying Food Group LLC, Gate Gourmet, Journey Group Plc, KLM Catering Services Schiphol, LSG Sky Chefs Inc., LSG Lufthansa Service Holding, Newrest Group International SAS, On Air Dining, Servair, and SATS Ltd. |
The analysis of inflight catering services market extends to a comprehensive market forecast up to 2032, coupled with a retrospective examination. Avail yourself of a complimentary PDF download to sample this in-depth industry analysis. report to suit their needs. By customizing the report, you can get data as per your format and definition. Also, the customization option allows you to gain a deeper dive into a specific segment, region, customer, or market competitor.
key companies in inflight catering market are Air Culinaire Worldwide, ANA Catering Service, Abby’s Catering, AAS Catering, Air Fayre, Dnata Corp.
The global inflight catering market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.0% during the forecast period.
The inflight catering market report covering key segments are food offering type, flight service type, aircraft seating class, and region.
key driving factors in inflight catering market are rise in offering customized and organic meals to travelers in flight.
The global Inflight Catering market size is expected to reach USD 17,690.86 million by 2032.