Global Inflight Catering Market Size Analysis Report - Market Share, Forecast Trends and Outlook (2024-2032)

Inflight Catering Market Analysis

Airlines are providing facilities such as preselection and pre-ordering meals, customisation of meals, and digital payments to improve passenger experiences, aiding the growth of the market. Some major factors are growing health awareness and evolving consumer dietary preferences, prompting caterers to include healthier food options such as fresh fruits, yoghurts, and poultry-based food products, among others, in their catalogues.

As airlines increasingly provide complimentary meal services such as premium quality meals to businesses and first-class passengers to enhance their flight experience, the inflight catering demand is significantly rising. Airline companies are addressing growing food wastage in cabins to become more sustainable by developing AI-based devices that can track and control inflight catering services.

Inflight Catering Market Trends

Increasing Long-Haul Flights

The rise in long-haul and ultra-long-haul flights necessitates comprehensive meal services, driving inflight catering demand growth. As per Eurocontrol, in Europe, the share of annual departing flights for the 0-500 KM range decreased from 31% in 2015 to 27% in 2023. Flights within the 500-1,500 KM range increased slightly from 39% in 2015 to 43% in 2023. The 1,500-4,000 KM range saw a rise from 16% to 23% over the same period. Flights exceeding 4,000 KM held steady at 5% in 2015 and 2019, before rising to 6% in 2023.

The increasing share of long-haul flights (1500 km and above) directly correlates with a growing demand of inflight catering market, as longer flights necessitate comprehensive meal options to enhance passenger experience. The substantial air traffic underscores the need for enhanced meal options and premium services to cater to the large number of passengers.

Passenger Demand for Premium Services

Travellers are increasingly seeking high-quality, personalised meal options, pushing airlines to enhance their inflight catering offerings. As per the United Nations Statistics Division data, Latin America and the Caribbean contributed 0.23 trillion kilometres (6.5%) to global air travel while Africa added 0.07 trillion kilometres (2%), and Oceania 0.04 trillion kilometres (1%).  The United States alone represented 1.11 trillion passenger kilometres, accounting for 30.5% of the global share, highlighting the importance of inflight catering in maintaining passenger satisfaction. China contributed 0.66 trillion kilometres (18.1%), underscoring the significant travel volume in this region and its impact on inflight catering demand. Russia and the United Kingdom accounted for 0.20 trillion (5.7%) and 0.06 trillion kilometres (1.7%), respectively, indicating lower yet notable contributions to global air travel.

Overall, the concentration of passenger kilometres in these major regions directly correlates with increased inflight catering market revenue, emphasising the importance of providing high-quality and varied meal options to meet the diverse preferences of travellers.

Industry News

October 2024

Singapore Airlines announced the launch of a new in-flight menu for Suites, First Class, and Business customers for flights taking off from the UK, in partnership with Monica Galetti, a celebrity chef. 

July 2024

Mainline Aviation, an in-flight catering service company, announced its collaboration with SAS Scandinavian Airlines for its in-flight catering services for their transatlantic flights from Atlanta to Copenhagen.

Opportunities in Inflight Catering Market

Growing passenger preference for healthy, organic, and special dietary meals is driving innovation and diversity in inflight catering menus. There is a growing emphasis on fresh, locally sourced ingredients in seasonal menus that highlight regional flavours and reduce carbon footprints, appealing to environmentally conscious travellers and boosting the growth of the inflight catering market.  The shift is clearly visible at significant industry gatherings like the World Travel Catering & Onboard Services Expo (WTCE), where wellness and nutrition take centre stage. The WTCE 2024 showcased innovations including plant-based meal choices and underscored the significance of sustainability and health-oriented catering solutions.

Additionally, reports like En Route International’s Passenger Experience 2023 emphasise the need for airlines to cater to diverse dietary preferences while ensuring the availability of nutritious and allergen-free meal choices. The report also underscores the significance of the market adopting data-driven approaches to understand and meet passenger demands for healthy and diverse inflight dining options. Pioneering zero-waste flights by minimising single-use plastics and implementing comprehensive recycling programs also align with environmental sustainability goals and cater to eco-friendly passenger preferences.

Inflight Catering Market Restraints

Significant increases in the prices of key ingredients like meat, dairy, and fresh produce are driving up the cost of meal preparation for airlines and impacting the inflight catering demand growth. Regulatory Variability is another crucial factor as differing food safety regulations across countries complicate menu standardisation and require caterers to adjust practices frequently, increasing operational complexity.

Moreover, the need for timely delivery and precise coordination at major hub airports, such as Heathrow and JFK, makes logistics challenging, particularly during peak travel seasons.

Waste Management has also proven to be a challenge in the market as strict regulations on waste disposal require caterers to find sustainable packaging solutions, adding to costs and operational burdens. For instance, the European Union has implemented a ban on single-use plastics, establishing stringent regulations that prohibit a range of disposable plastic products, such as cutlery, plates, and food containers, in an effort to mitigate plastic waste.

Market Dynamics

Increasing global air travel, particularly in emerging markets, boosts the overall demand for inflight catering services.  According to the data provided by the United Nations Statistics Division, in 2021, global air travel accounted for 3.63 trillion passenger kilometres, with Asia leading at 1.33 trillion kilometres, comprising 36.6% of the total. This high travel volume in Asia, especially in the emerging economies indicates substantial inflight catering market value, driven by the extensive air travel network and long-haul flights.

Technological innovations such as the implementation of on-demand meal ordering systems allow passengers to choose meals during the flight via personal devices, enhancing personalisation. Several flights are leveraging AI to analyse passenger preferences and optimise meal selection reduce waste and improve satisfaction by predicting popular meal choices on specific routes.

Inflight Catering Industry Segmentation

“Inflight Catering Market Report and Forecast 2024-2032” offers a detailed analysis of the market based on the following segments:

Inflight catering is the preparation and delivery of food, beverages, and snacks, among others, to passengers onboard a commercial flight. This service is delivered by airline catering services, which are usually situated near airports for quick delivery.

Market Breakup by Flight Type

• Full-Service Carriers
• Low-Cost Carriers
• Others

Market Breakup by Aircraft Seating Class

• Economy Class
• Business Class
• First Class
• Others

Market Breakup by Flight Duration

• Long Haul 
• Short Haul 

Market Breakup by Food Type

• Meals
• Bakery And Confectionery
• Beverages
• Others 

Market Breakup by Catering Type

• Retail Onboard 
• Classic Catering 

Market Breakup by Region

• North America
• Europe
• Asia Pacific
• Latin America
• Middle East and Africa

Inflight Catering Market Share

By Flight Type Insights

Full-service carriers account for a major inflight catering market share as they incorporate meal offerings in their ticket prices, making them a key player in inflight catering. These airlines focus on improving the passenger experience by regularly offering a wide range of meal options, including those catering to special dietary requirements. 

Low-cost carriers have traditionally avoided providing meals or offered only limited choices but their CAGR is expected to be 4.9% in the forecast period as many of these airlines have introduced a paid meal system recently. This change has increased their reach in the market, as more travellers are willing to buy food options during flights, contributing to growth in this area.

By Aircraft Seating Class Insights

Economy class occupies a substantial portion of the global market owing to its affordable price range. It is a viable option among passengers who are travelling short distances as well as travellers on a budget. Furthermore, the availability of affordable meal options in economy class is also a driving factor. Catering services are working on expanding their menu and incorporating affordable regional cuisines to provide more options to passengers.

By Flight Duration Insights

Long-haul flights are expected to witness a CAGR of 5.1% between 2024 to 2032 and boost the inflight catering market expansion. These flights often cover international or intercontinental routes and involve extended travel times, necessitating comprehensive meal services for passengers. Due to the longer duration, airlines commonly offer multiple meal services, including breakfast, lunch, dinner, and a variety of snack options. Furthermore, many airlines enhance the passenger experience by providing beverages, appetizers, and dessert choices. Travellers on long-haul flights generally expect higher quality and a wider selection of meal options.

In contrast, short-haul flights represent a smaller segment of the overall Inflight Catering market compared to long-haul flights. These shorter journeys usually operate on regional or domestic routes, leading to a lower demand for full meal services.

By Food Type Insights

Meals occupy a significant market share as during long-haul flights, airlines prioritise providing comprehensive meal services, which can include breakfast, lunch, dinner, and sometimes snacks, depending on the flight duration. Passengers expect a wide range of meal options during these journeys making them vital for the overall inflight catering market. Beverages, both alcoholic and non-alcoholic, are also crucial in inflight catering. The availability of drinks is important on all flights, regardless of their duration as passengers generally have a variety of choices, including coffee, tea, soft drinks, and sometimes even alcoholic beverages.

By Catering Type Insights

Classic catering represents a significant market share, especially for long-haul and full-service flights. These traditional services deliver a complete dining experience, with meals included in the ticket price. This service is mainly adopted by full-service airlines on long-distance routes, allowing passengers to enjoy breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks, and beverages at no additional cost.

Inflight Catering Market Regional Analysis

North America Inflight Catering Market Trends

Key factors driving regional market growth are the surge in long-haul flights and the demand for personalised meal options. Additionally, airlines' focus on premium service significantly impacts the growth of the inflight catering industry.  As per the data provided by the United Nations Statistics Division in 2021, North America held 1.16 trillion kilometres or 32% of global air travel, which boosts the demand for comprehensive in-flight catering services. Moreover, several companies in the region are increasingly adopting AI for predictive ordering and inventory management to reduce waste and costs as a part of the global waste management initiative.

Asia Pacific Inflight Catering Market Growth

The Asia Pacific is expected to have a CAGR of 5.2% in the forecast period due to growth in international and domestic travel and a rise in disposable income. India and China are expected to have CAGRs of 5.5% and 4.9% between 2024 and 2032 which indicates an increase in inflight catering industry revenue. The regional demographic is gradually shifting towards air travel owing to its convenience and shorter travel time. Moreover, collaborations and partnerships between market players and airline companies to improve catering facilities in airlines are expected to boost market expansion. Increasing investment by several government bodies to promote the development of the aircraft sector further provides a positive outlook to the market.

Europe Inflight Catering Market Analysis

There has been a rise in partnerships between airlines and renowned chefs and local suppliers to enhance menu appeal. Additionally, the focus on sustainable practices, such as eco-friendly packaging and zero-waste initiatives, is crucial for attracting environmentally conscious travellers and maintaining a competitive edge, which can boost inflight catering market opportunities.

As per the data provided by the United Nations Statistics Division in 2021, Europe accounted for 0.80 trillion kilometres, making up 22% of global air travel, offering a lucrative opportunity for in-flight catering services.

Middle East and Africa Inflight Catering Market Trends

The market is highly competitive, driven by innovation in meal customisation, sustainability, and technological integration. Saudi Arabia is expected to have a CAGR of 4.4% in the forecast period. Several airlines in the Middle East, such as Qatar Airways and Emirates, are reducing their dependence on plastic and opting for sustainable packaging options, in line with the global effort to reduce inflight waste. As per the inflight catering market dynamics and trends, these changes not only comply with regulatory requirements but also appeal to travellers who value environmental sustainability. Furthermore, innovations like automated galleys and digital meal ordering systems are being implemented to enhance operational efficiency and improve the passenger experience.

Latin America Inflight Catering Market Outlook

Key factors propelling the market growth include the ability to offer diverse and high-quality meal options, efficiency in supply chain and logistics, and adherence to stringent food safety regulations.  Mexico is expected to have a CAGR of 4.9% between 2024 and 2032. As per the inflight catering industry analysis, as the aviation sector in the region recovers and expands, inflight caterers are focusing on enhancing menu diversity to meet varied passenger preferences, which increasingly include sustainable, plant-based, and healthy options.

Major players like LSG Sky Chefs and GCG Catering have formed regional partnerships to improve operational efficiency and meet the specific needs of airlines like LATAM Airlines and GOL. These collaborations help reduce costs, ensure timely deliveries, and maintain quality standards, all while addressing the infrastructural challenges in the region.

Innovative Inflight Catering Startups

Several startups are implementing a technology-driven approach to meal customisation, allowing passengers to pre-select meals based on dietary preferences through an online platform. Some companies are also partnering with high-end restaurants and celebrity chefs to offer gourmet meals, enhancing the inflight dining experience and catering to premium passengers. Some other startups in inflight catering market are investing in research and development to create innovative meal solutions, such as nutritionally balanced options and special dietary meals, catering to diverse passenger needs.

Swypes

This startup is dedicated to providing fresh and sustainable meal choices that passengers can tailor to their individual dietary preferences. They use environmentally friendly packaging solutions, reflecting the growing demand for sustainable options during flights. Swypes has made significant progress by implementing a user-friendly digital ordering system that allows passengers to choose their meals via tablets, thereby improving both the customer experience and catering efficiency.

The Drinks Bakery

This company focuses on producing artisanal snacks specifically designed to pair with particular beverages, aiming to enhance the premium inflight experience. Their offerings include uniquely crafted biscuits and crackers that are intended to complement a variety of wines, beers, and spirits. As airlines strive to deliver unique culinary experiences onboard, The Drinks Bakery presents a high-quality snack option that is well-suited for the premium and business-class sectors of inflight catering.

Competitive Landscape

Companies are investing in state-of-the-art catering facilities, enhancing meal production capacity and implementing advanced food safety protocols to ensure high-quality service. They are also offering a sustainable dining program focused on reducing food waste and sourcing locally produced ingredients, aligning with their environmental goals. Some inflight catering market players are expanding their operations by opening new kitchens in strategic locations across the world, increasing their ability to serve multiple airlines efficiently.

Key Industry Players

The Emirates Group is an international aviation corporation in the inflight catering industry, founded in 1985 and headquartered in Dubai, the UAE. It provides domestic and international air travel and hotel operations, among others.

Cathay Pacific Airways Limited, incorporated in 1946, is a Hong Kong flag carrier based in Cathay City, Hong Kong. It offers air travel to over 190 destinations across Asia, North America, and Europe globally.

Flying Food Group, founded in 1983 and based in Chicago, the United States, is an in-flight catering company. It provides meals, ready-to-eat foods, snacks, and beverages, among others, to passengers onboard.

Other inflight catering market players include Amber Green Corporation (Abby's Catering), DO & CO Aktiengesellschaft, Gate Gourmet Switzerland GmbH, LSG Group, SATS Ltd., Saudi Airlines Catering, Newrest Group Services SAS, and ANA Catering Service Co., Ltd., among others.

Recent Developments

February 2024

Qatar Airways and gategroup announced a new catering partnership for improving inflight dining, with improvements in menu design and culinary concepts.

October 2023

The upcoming Noida International Airport (NIA) in India signed an agreement with Tata Group’s TajSATS for the development of an in-flight kitchen facility to facilitate in-flight catering.