Inflight Catering Services Market Size
Global Inflight Catering Services Market reached US$ 16.3 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach US$ 30 billion by 2031, growing at a CAGR of 8.1% during the forecast period 2024-2031.
Inflight or aircraft cooking is an administration given by organizations amid air travel and at airplane terminals. Catering turns into a fundamental part of the business, particularly for network carriers serving long distances. Meal structure and supper arranging are essential procedures for providing food services.
As indicated by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), providing food arrangements and cooking tasks are crucial for inflight administrations. The development of inflight-providing food showcases is generally subject to the improvement and development of the aviation business sector.
Market Scope
| Metrics | Details |
| CAGR | 8.1% |
| Market Size Available for Years | 2022-2031 |
| Estimation Forecast Period | 2024-2031 |
| Revenue Units | Value (US$ Mn) |
| Segments Covered | Aircraft Seating Class, Flight Service Type, Food Type |
| Regions Covered | North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South America, and Middle East & Africa |
| Largest Region | North America |
| Fastest Growing Region | Asia-Pacific |
| Report Insights Covered | Competitive Landscape Analysis, Company Profile Analysis, Market Size, Share, Growth, Demand, Recent Developments, Mergers and Acquisitions, New Product Launches, Growth Strategies, Revenue Analysis, Porter’s Analysis, Pricing Analysis, Regulatory Analysis, Supply-Chain Analysis, and Other key Insights. |
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Market Dynamics: Drivers & Restraints
Rising focus on sustainability in inflight catering
Airlines are increasingly adopting sustainability in inflight catering services. Environmental issues are becoming more of a concern for modern passengers. Airlines can attract environmentally conscious travelers and improve their brand image by providing sustainable catering options.
Stringent rules for sustainability and waste management are being implemented by governments and aviation authorities. Catering companies are implementing these rules.
For instance, in 2023, Lufthansa chose PaperWise in-flight packaging made from agricultural waste. Both companies were united in their mission to achieve sustainability goals, raise social awareness, and reduce CO2 emissions. By choosing packaging made from environmentally friendly raw materials, a lot of environmental savings can be made and CO2 emissions avoided.
Additionally, in April 2024, deSter and Eastman announced a collaboration to bring innovation to the airline industry by introducing reusable in-flight drinkware made with Tritan Renew. Tritan Renew is one of the materials with the greatest potential to meet this demanding challenge. Thus, the above factors are expected to drive the market growth.
Altitude-induced quality issues in inflight meals
The provision of free in-flight meals by low-cost carriers and poor quality of food owing to high altitude are the market restraints for the market growth globally. Human taste buds do not work correctly at high altitudes. This phenomenon is responsible for the bad and mediocre taste of airline food. Further, dryness and pressure inside the airplane cabin affect the sense of smell.
Moreover, the in-flight food is pre-cooked for a considerable time and packed in a plastic container which also affects the taste. Passengers do not prefer in-flight or onboard food owing to these factors. This factor might hamper the performance of the market in the coming years.
Market Segment Analysis
The global inflight catering services market is segmented based on aircraft seating class, flight service type, food type, and region.
The economy class segment is expected to dominate the market share
The economy class is expected to hold a significant position in the market share. Airlines around the world are moving toward economy seating densification. Preferably, it is an effort to decrease weight on the plane and to increase the number of passengers that can fly in economy sections. Economy class is the most basic class and is offered by the majority of airlines for both international and domestic flights. While it is the most affordable option for travelers.
Due to the increase in passengers on flights, Airlines have an opportunity to enhance the in-flight catering business with an increasing focus on sustainability and reducing waste generation.
For instance, in 2021, Newrest announced the conclusion of an agreement to acquire Flight Delight Air Catering in Germany and became the majority shareholder of the independent company of the Käfer Service GmbH group by taking a 60% stake in the company. Thus, the increasing preference by the passengers for the economy class is expected to expand the segment growth.
Market Geographical Share
Europe is expected to hold a significant position in the inflight catering services market share
The Europe region is expected to grow during the forecast period owing to factors like growth opportunities due to increased consumer preference for healthy and organic meals, airline collaboration with food professionals, and the expansion of key operators' routes and fleets. The growth of these factors is expected to continue in the coming years.
Europe offers a robust in-flight catering sector with a wide variety of airlines, including a large number of full-service and low-cost carriers. A dynamic business is a result of the region's emphasis on sustainability and growing attention to the passenger experience. The demand for specialized catering services could rise since European airlines frequently cater to a broad range of tastes and dietary requirements.
The expansion of sustainable menus and the growing strategic relationships among the airlines to provide and offer the best services are expected to hold the region in a significant position during the forecast period.
For instance, in May 2022, deSter announced a partnership with Etihad Airways to realize a new Economy class dining concept that is fully circular. New reusable tableware announced that the airlines will launch on board Etihad aircraft in the fourth quarter of the year together with new Economy class soft furnishings.
Additionally, in September 2021, Finnair introduced its onboard food menus to provide customers with more choice, flexibility, and sustainable options. The new menus aim to reduce waste and weight onboard Finnair’s flights, in line with its ambitions to become carbon neutral by 2045.
Market Segmentation
By Aircraft Seating Class
- Economy Class
- Business Class
- First Class
By Flight Service Type
- Full-Service Carrier (FSC)
- Low-Cost Carriers (LCCs)
By Food Type
- Meals
- Bakery & Confectionary
- Beverages
- Others
By Region
- North America
- The U.S.
- Canada
- Mexico
- Europe
- Germany
- UK
- France
- Italy
- Spain
- Rest of Europe
- South America
- Brazil
- Argentina
- Rest of South America
- Asia-Pacific
- China
- India
- Japan
- South Korea
- Rest of Asia-Pacific
- Middle East and Africa
Market Competitive Landscape
The major global players in the market include Gate Gourmet Do & Co, Dnata, Jetfinity, Newrest, Goddard Catering, Air Culinaire Worldwide, Cathay Pacific Inflight Services, LSG Lufthansa Service Holding AG, Emirates Flight Catering and Sats Ltd. among others.
Why Purchase the Report?
- To visualize the global inflight catering services market segmentation based on aircraft seating class, flight service type, food type, and region as well as understand key commercial assets and players.
- Identify commercial opportunities by analyzing trends and co-development.
- Excel data sheet with numerous data points of inflight catering services market-level with all segments.
- PDF report consists of a comprehensive analysis after exhaustive qualitative interviews and an in-depth study.
- Product mapping available as excel consisting of key products of all the major players.
The global inflight catering services market report would provide approximately 53 tables, 47 figures, and 176 pages.
Target Audience 2024
- Manufacturers/ Buyers
- Industry Investors/Investment Bankers
- Research Professionals
- Emerging Companies
