In-Flight Catering Services Market Size 2025-2029
The in-flight catering services market size is valued to increase USD 7.65 billion, at a CAGR of 7.7% from 2024 to 2029. Increase in air passenger traffic globally will drive the in-flight catering services market.
Major Market Trends & Insights
- APAC dominated the market and accounted for a 35% growth during the forecast period.
- By Product - Food segment was valued at USD 5.51 billion in 2023
- By Type - Economy class segment accounted for the largest market revenue share in 2023
Market Size & Forecast
- Market Opportunities: USD 222.81 million
- Market Future Opportunities: USD 7646.90 million
- CAGR from 2024 to 2029 : 7.7%
Market Summary
- The market experiences steady expansion, fueled by the increasing number of air passengers worldwide. According to data from the International Air Transport Association, global air passenger traffic grew by 6.5% in 2019, driving demand for high-quality in-flight catering services. This trend is further accentuated by the emergence of meal ordering devices, enabling passengers to customize their meals before takeoff. In-flight catering providers face challenges such as fluctuating airline ticket prices and the need to maintain food quality during long-haul flights. To meet these demands, companies invest in advanced technologies, including automated meal preparation systems and temperature-controlled storage solutions. However, the market faces challenges, including the need for companies to maintain strict adherence to food safety regulations to ensure passenger satisfaction and safety.
- Additionally, the market is witnessing a shift towards sustainable and healthier meal options, reflecting evolving consumer preferences. The market is expected to reach significant value in the coming years, as airlines continue to prioritize passenger comfort and satisfaction. Despite the challenges, the market remains a dynamic and innovative space, driven by technological advancements and changing consumer expectations.
What will be the Size of the In-Flight Catering Services Market during the forecast period?
Get Key Insights on Market Forecast (PDF) Request Free Sample
How is the In-Flight Catering Services Market Segmented?
The in-flight catering services industry research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in "USD million" for the period 2025-2029, as well as historical data from 2019-2023 for the following segments.
- Product
- Food
- Beverages
- Type
- Economy class
- Business class
- First class
- Cusine Type
- Western
- Asian
- Middle Eastern
- Other
- Flight Duration
- Short-Haul
- Long-Haul
- Geography
- North America
- US
- Mexico
- Europe
- France
- Germany
- Italy
- Norway
- UK
- Middle East and Africa
- UAE
- APAC
- Australia
- China
- India
- Japan
- South Korea
- South America
- Brazil
- Rest of World (ROW)
- North America
By Product Insights
The food segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period.
The market is experiencing a steady growth trajectory, with the food segment being a significant contributor. As competition intensifies, airlines differentiate themselves through food quality and offerings. In February 2024, Qatar Airways and gategroup announced a strategic partnership, which includes a Business Management Agreement focusing on passenger dining experiences, sourcing and procurement, health-conscious menus, and sustainability initiatives. This collaboration underscores the evolving nature of the market. The food segment encompasses a diverse range of offerings, including meals, breakfast items, pre-packed meals, fresh snacks, and fruits. Airline catering contracts prioritize cost optimization strategies through inventory management systems, temperature-controlled packaging, and transportation coordination.
The Food segment was valued at USD 5.51 billion in 2019 and showed a gradual increase during the forecast period.
Allergen control measures, staff training programs, and food safety audits ensure quality assurance systems meet stringent standards. Premium meal services cater to passenger preferences, with customized meal options and dietary restriction management. Food service technology, such as meal pre-assembly processes and order fulfillment efficiency, streamlines operations. Hygiene compliance standards, packaging material selection, and crew meal provisions are essential components of the market. In-flight menu planning, including nutritional information accuracy and inflight beverage service, contribute to overall passenger satisfaction metrics. Production capacity planning, service standards compliance, special meal handling, and sustainability initiatives further enhance the market landscape. The market's focus on food safety, cost optimization, and passenger experience is driving innovation and growth.
For instance, in 2023, a leading airline reported a 25% reduction in food waste through advanced waste management solutions.
Regional Analysis
APAC is estimated to contribute 35% to the growth of the global market during the forecast period. Technavio's analysts have elaborately explained the regional trends and drivers that shape the market during the forecast period.
See How In-Flight Catering Services Market Demand is Rising in APAC Request Free Sample
The market is experiencing significant growth due to the increasing number of travelers, particularly in Asia Pacific, where countries like China, India, and Indonesia are seeing a rise in first-time fliers. These nations' populations are investing more in leisure activities and international travel, leading to a surge in demand for new aircraft and upgrades to aging fleets. South Korea stands out as a key player in this region, with Seoul and Jeju Island ranking first in terms of flight frequency, making it a popular honeymoon destination and a significant contributor to the market's expansion.
This trend is expected to continue as travelers seek enhanced in-flight experiences, further fueling the market's growth.
Market Dynamics
Our researchers analyzed the data with 2024 as the base year, along with the key drivers, trends, and challenges. A holistic analysis of drivers will help companies refine their marketing strategies to gain a competitive advantage.
The market is a critical component of the aviation industry, focusing on the preparation and delivery of meals to passengers aboard aircraft. Inflight meal preparation techniques have evolved significantly, with airlines prioritizing onboard food safety management systems to ensure the highest standards of hygiene and quality. Airline catering contract negotiations are a key aspect of this market, with suppliers offering temperature controlled packaging solutions and sustainable inflight catering practices to meet the demands of various carriers. Passenger dietary needs accommodation is another essential consideration, with caterers implementing efficient inflight meal delivery systems and catering inventory management software to meet diverse requirements. Supply chain management in catering plays a crucial role in maintaining the freshness and quality of ingredients, while food safety audits and certifications are mandatory to secure regulatory compliance. Catering equipment maintenance schedules are essential for operational cost optimization, ensuring that premium meal service customization options, such as inflight meal allergen control measures and inflight meal nutritional information, are consistently delivered. Sustainable practices, including the reduction of inflight meal waste and the implementation of cold chain logistics for catering, are becoming increasingly important to caterers and passengers alike. Airline catering staff training programs are vital for maintaining the highest standards of service, while efficient inflight beverage service efficiency is crucial for enhancing the overall passenger experience. Food safety and operational cost optimization are ongoing priorities, with caterers continually seeking innovative solutions to meet the evolving needs of the market.
What are the key market drivers leading to the rise in the adoption of In-Flight Catering Services Industry?
- The global air travel industry is primarily driven by the significant growth in air passenger traffic.
- The market is experiencing significant growth due to the increasing air passenger traffic driven by the expanding middle-class population in emerging economies and the rising global working-age population. With many regional airlines offering low-fare services to expand their customer base, the demand for in-flight catering services is surging. Furthermore, factors such as seasonal discounts, frequent flyer concessions, and the short travel time of airlines compared to other modes of transportation are also contributing to the growth of this market.
- As disposable incomes rise and air connectivity improves, the impact on air passenger traffic will be direct and substantial, leading to the expansion of the commercial airline industry. This trend is expected to continue during the forecast period.
What are the market trends shaping the In-Flight Catering Services Industry?
- The rising trend in meal ordering devices represents a significant market development. This trend signifies a notable shift in consumer behavior and preferences.
- The market is undergoing significant evolution, with innovative technologies playing a pivotal role in enhancing the overall flying experience. One such advancement is the use of MOD (Minimum Operating Device) smartphones by cabin crew members for taking food and beverage orders from passengers. These devices, which connect to a plug-and-play Wi-Fi router, are distinct from the onboard connectivity system used by passengers. MOD smartphones lack SIM cards and are designed to enable order placement through a meal-ordering app while restricting access to other applications.
- Emirates is among the carriers employing this technology, with crew members in business class utilizing it to streamline the ordering process and minimize errors. This technology's efficiency is evident, as it saves valuable time and ensures accurate orders, thereby contributing to the overall improvement of in-flight catering services.
What challenges does the In-Flight Catering Services Industry face during its growth?
- The volatile nature of airline ticket pricing poses a significant challenge to the industry's growth trajectory.
- The market has experienced significant evolution, catering to diverse sectors beyond just the aviation industry. This market's growth can be attributed to the increasing demand for personalized and premium food options, especially in sectors like business aviation and long-haul commercial flights. According to recent studies, The market is projected to reach a value of over USD12 billion by 2026, growing at a steady pace.
- The market's expansion is driven by factors such as the rising number of air passengers, increasing preference for premium services, and technological advancements in meal preparation and delivery systems. Passengers' expectations for high-quality meals during their travel experience continue to influence market growth.
Exclusive Technavio Analysis on Customer Landscape
The in-flight catering services market forecasting report includes the adoption lifecycle of the market, covering from the innovator's stage to the laggard's stage. It focuses on adoption rates in different regions based on penetration. Furthermore, the in-flight catering services market report also includes key purchase criteria and drivers of price sensitivity to help companies evaluate and develop their market growth analysis strategies.
Customer Landscape of In-Flight Catering Services Industry
Competitive Landscape
Companies are implementing various strategies, such as strategic alliances, in-flight catering services market forecast, partnerships, mergers and acquisitions, geographical expansion, and product/service launches, to enhance their presence in the industry.
Abela & Co. - Thai Airways passengers are treated to authentic in-flight meals, curated by a dedicated catering service provider.
The industry research and growth report includes detailed analyses of the competitive landscape of the market and information about key companies, including:
- Abela & Co.
- Air Culinaire Worldwide LLC
- Cathay Pacific Catering Services
- dnata (Emirates Group)
- DO & CO AG
- Emirates Flight Catering
- Flying Food Group LLC
- Gate Gourmet (Gategroup)
- Journey Group Plc
- KLM Catering Services
- LSG Sky Chefs (Lufthansa Group)
- Newrest Group
- Oman Air Catering
- Qatar Aircraft Catering Company
- SATS Ltd.
- Servair SA
- Singapore Airlines Catering
- Sky Chefs Inc.
- Swissport International AG
- The Emirates Group
Qualitative and quantitative analysis of companies has been conducted to help clients understand the wider business environment as well as the strengths and weaknesses of key industry players. Data is qualitatively analyzed to categorize companies as pure play, category-focused, industry-focused, and diversified; it is quantitatively analyzed to categorize companies as dominant, leading, strong, tentative, and weak.
Recent Development and News in In-Flight Catering Services Market
- In January 2024, Lufthansa Group's subsidiary, LSG Sky Chefs, announced the launch of its new 'Green Choice' in-flight catering concept, offering more sustainable meal options for passengers (Lufthansa Group press release).
- In March 2024, Air France-KLM and dnata signed a strategic partnership to expand their in-flight catering services collaboration, covering 15 European airports (Air France-KLM press release).
- In April 2025, Gate Gourmet, a leading global provider of in-flight culinary solutions, secured a significant investment of USD 100 million from the private equity firm, Blackstone, to support its growth plans (Bloomberg).
- In May 2025, Emirates announced the deployment of robotic automation in its in-flight catering operations, reducing preparation time and increasing efficiency (Emirates press release).
Dive into Technavio's robust research methodology, blending expert interviews, extensive data synthesis, and validated models for unparalleled In-Flight Catering Services Market insights. See full methodology.
|
Market Scope |
|
|
Report Coverage |
Details |
|
Page number |
198 |
|
Base year |
2024 |
|
Historic period |
2019-2023 |
|
Forecast period |
2025-2029 |
|
Growth momentum & CAGR |
Accelerate at a CAGR of 7.7% |
|
Market growth 2025-2029 |
USD 7646.9 million |
|
Market structure |
Fragmented |
|
YoY growth 2024-2025(%) |
7.4 |
|
Key countries |
US, China, Germany, Japan, UK, Australia, India, France, Brazil, UAE, Rest of World (ROW), Saudi Arabia, France, South Korea, Mexico, Italy, and Norway |
|
Competitive landscape |
Leading Companies, Market Positioning of Companies, Competitive Strategies, and Industry Risks |
Research Analyst Overview
- The market continues to evolve, with airlines and catering providers implementing various strategies to meet the diverse needs of passengers. Contracts for airline catering services are a significant focus, with providers offering waste management solutions to minimize food waste and reduce costs. Allergen control measures and packaging material selection are crucial considerations, ensuring food safety audits and staff training programs are in place. Premium meal services and quality assurance systems are essential for enhancing the passenger experience. Food service technology, such as meal pre-assembly processes and on-time delivery performance, streamline operations and improve efficiency. Nutritional information accuracy and dietary restriction management are vital for catering to diverse passenger needs.
- Cost optimization strategies, including inventory management systems and hygiene compliance standards, are essential for maintaining profitability. Transportation coordination and supply chain traceability are critical for ensuring order fulfillment efficiency and catering logistics optimization. Crew meal provisions and catering equipment maintenance are also essential components of the market. Passenger meal preferences and customer satisfaction metrics drive innovation in the market. Production capacity planning and service standards compliance are necessary for meeting demand and maintaining high-quality offerings. Special meal handling, inflight beverage service, and in-flight menu planning are key areas of differentiation. Sustainability initiatives, such as temperature-controlled packaging and storage facility requirements, are increasingly important in the market.
- The market is expected to grow by over 5% annually, driven by these evolving trends and the continuous unfolding of market activities. For instance, a leading catering provider implemented a new meal pre-assembly process, resulting in a 15% increase in on-time delivery performance.
What are the Key Data Covered in this In-Flight Catering Services Market Research and Growth Report?
-
What is the expected growth of the In-Flight Catering Services Market between 2025 and 2029?
-
USD 7.65 billion, at a CAGR of 7.7%
-
-
What segmentation does the market report cover?
-
The report is segmented by Product (Food and Beverages), Type (Economy class, Business class, and First class), Geography (APAC, Europe, North America, Middle East and Africa, and South America), Cusine Type (Western, Asian, Middle Eastern, and Other), and Flight Duration (Short-Haul and Long-Haul)
-
-
Which regions are analyzed in the report?
-
APAC, Europe, North America, Middle East and Africa, and South America
-
-
What are the key growth drivers and market challenges?
-
Increase in air passenger traffic globally, Fluctuating airline ticket prices
-
-
Who are the major players in the In-Flight Catering Services Market?
-
Abela & Co., Air Culinaire Worldwide LLC, Cathay Pacific Catering Services, dnata (Emirates Group), DO & CO AG, Emirates Flight Catering, Flying Food Group LLC, Gate Gourmet (Gategroup), Journey Group Plc, KLM Catering Services, LSG Sky Chefs (Lufthansa Group), Newrest Group, Oman Air Catering, Qatar Aircraft Catering Company, SATS Ltd., Servair SA, Singapore Airlines Catering, Sky Chefs Inc., Swissport International AG, and The Emirates Group
-
Market Research Insights
- The market is a continually evolving industry that prioritizes operational efficiency and customer satisfaction. Two key areas of focus are inventory control and staffing optimization. For instance, implementing real-time inventory tracking systems can reduce food waste by up to 15%, ensuring freshness and minimizing losses. Furthermore, the market anticipates a 7% annual growth rate over the next five years, driven by increasing passenger traffic and the expanding demand for premium in-flight dining experiences.
We can help! Our analysts can customize this in-flight catering services market research report to meet your requirements.