Inflight Catering Market Growth, Size, Share and Industry Report | 2034
Inflight Catering Market Outlook
According to the report by Expert Market Research (EMR), the global inflight catering market size attained a value of USD 15.21 Billion in 2024. Aided by the rising demand for premium travel experiences, the expansion of the airline industry, and the increasing focus on diverse culinary offerings for passengers, the market is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.60% between 2025 and 2034, reaching a value of USD 23.85 Billion by 2034.
Inflight catering refers to the preparation, packaging, and distribution of food and beverages served to passengers during air travel. This service has evolved from basic meal offerings to high-quality, diverse, and gourmet meal options, catering to the changing preferences of modern travelers. As the airline industry continues to recover and expand post-pandemic, the demand for inflight catering services has surged, driven by a growing emphasis on enhancing the passenger experience.
Key Drivers of Market Growth
Several factors are driving the growth of the global inflight catering market. One of the key factors is the expansion of the global airline industry. As air travel continues to increase, airlines are increasingly focused on providing a higher level of service to attract and retain customers. Inflight catering plays a crucial role in this strategy, with airlines offering a wide range of meal options tailored to various passenger preferences. From standard meals to premium dining experiences, airlines are investing in their catering services to differentiate themselves in a competitive market.
Furthermore, the growing demand for premium and business class travel has led to an increased emphasis on high-quality inflight catering services. Business and first-class passengers expect gourmet meals, often prepared by renowned chefs, with offerings that reflect regional tastes and culinary trends. This shift toward premium offerings has spurred innovation in inflight catering, with airlines working with established catering providers to enhance their menu options and ensure quality food that meets the expectations of their high-end passengers.
The growing focus on passenger experience also drives the demand for inflight catering services. Airlines are increasingly prioritizing the comfort and satisfaction of their passengers, and catering plays an integral part in this strategy. Inflight meals are no longer seen as a mere necessity, but as an essential component of the overall flight experience. Whether it is through offering a wider variety of meal options, accommodating dietary preferences, or providing locally inspired cuisine, inflight catering is now an essential factor in shaping the passenger experience.
Increased Focus on Health and Wellness
Another key trend driving the inflight catering market is the rising consumer demand for healthier and more sustainable food options. As awareness of health and nutrition continues to grow, travelers are increasingly seeking food options that align with their dietary preferences and wellness goals. This shift has led airlines to incorporate a broader range of healthy, organic, and plant-based meals into their inflight menus.
Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and other dietary-specific meals have become commonplace in inflight catering services. Airlines are now offering a diverse range of meal options that cater to the specific health-conscious needs of their passengers. This shift has resulted in increased demand for specialized catering services that can provide customized meals, often sourced from local, organic, and sustainable ingredients. Additionally, airlines are paying more attention to reducing sugar, salt, and unhealthy fats in their menus, aligning with global health trends and regulatory requirements.
Sustainability has also become a key consideration in inflight catering. Airlines and catering providers are increasingly focusing on reducing food waste, minimizing packaging materials, and sourcing ingredients from sustainable, environmentally friendly suppliers. This trend is driven by both consumer demand and regulatory pressures, as governments and environmental organizations encourage the adoption of more sustainable practices in the foodservice industry. In response, inflight catering companies are implementing green initiatives such as reducing single-use plastic, offering biodegradable packaging, and ensuring the responsible sourcing of food ingredients.
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Technological Advancements in Inflight Catering
Technological advancements are also playing a significant role in transforming the inflight catering industry. Airlines and catering providers are leveraging technology to improve efficiency, reduce costs, and enhance the overall dining experience for passengers. One such innovation is the use of automated systems for meal ordering, which allows passengers to pre-order their meals before their flight, ensuring a more streamlined and personalized dining experience onboard.
Another technology that is gaining traction is the use of advanced cooking and preservation methods. Techniques such as sous-vide cooking, where food is sealed in airtight bags and cooked at precise temperatures, help maintain the quality and flavor of meals while also extending shelf life. This method allows airlines to offer freshly prepared meals that retain their taste and nutritional value, even at high altitudes.
Furthermore, innovations in food packaging and preservation technologies are contributing to the growth of the inflight catering market. Packaging solutions that maintain the integrity and freshness of meals during transport and while onboard are becoming increasingly sophisticated. For example, vacuum-sealed packaging and modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) are helping to extend the shelf life of meals while preserving their flavor and texture.
In addition to improving the quality of inflight meals, technology is also enhancing the operational side of inflight catering. Catering providers are utilizing advanced logistics software and inventory management systems to streamline the supply chain, reducing food waste, improving inventory accuracy, and ensuring that airlines receive the correct meals in a timely manner.
Regional Trends and Preferences
The global inflight catering market is also shaped by regional preferences and trends. In regions such as North America and Europe, where air travel is well-established, airlines are increasingly focusing on providing premium dining experiences to cater to high-end business and leisure travelers. This includes offering regionally inspired menus, celebrity chef collaborations, and a wide selection of gourmet meals. In these regions, the emphasis is on luxury, quality, and customization.
In contrast, the Asia-Pacific region, which has seen rapid growth in air travel, particularly among low-cost carriers, is witnessing a greater emphasis on cost-effective catering solutions. However, there is still a growing demand for healthier meal options and innovative food offerings in this region, particularly in markets like China and India, where consumer preferences are evolving rapidly.
The Middle East and Africa are emerging as key markets for inflight catering, driven by the expansion of airlines like Emirates and Qatar Airways. These airlines are known for offering high-end catering services, with premium and personalized dining options for their passengers. As air travel grows in the region, the demand for high-quality inflight catering is expected to rise, with airlines continuing to invest in gourmet meals and premium service offerings.
Inflight Catering Market Segmentation
The market can be divided based on flight type, aircraft seating class, flight duration, food type, catering type, and region.
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
Competitive Landscape
Some of the major players explored in the report by Expert Market Research are as follows:
- The Emirates Group
- Cathay Pacific Airways Limited
- Flying Food Group
- Amber Green Corporation (Abby’s Catering)
- DO & CO Aktiengesellschaft
- Gate Gourmet Switzerland GmbH
- LSG Group
- SATS Ltd.
- Saudi Airlines Catering
- Newrest Group Services SAS
- ANA Catering Service Co., Ltd.
- Others
Challenges in the Inflight Catering Market
Despite the growth opportunities, the inflight catering market faces several challenges. One of the major obstacles is the rising cost of ingredients and the complexity of managing food safety and quality during air transport. Airlines and catering providers must carefully balance the costs of sourcing high-quality ingredients with the need to maintain profitability. Additionally, food safety regulations are stringent, and the logistics of transporting perishable food items to airports and ensuring their quality during the flight can be challenging.
Another challenge is the ongoing pressure to reduce food waste. Airlines often face logistical difficulties in predicting the exact number of meals needed on each flight, which can lead to waste. However, with the increasing focus on sustainability, the industry is exploring solutions such as real-time data analytics and improved meal planning systems to reduce waste and improve the accuracy of meal demand forecasting.
Future Outlook
The global inflight catering market is expected to continue its growth, driven by increasing consumer demand for premium dining experiences, healthier and more sustainable food options, and technological innovations. As airlines increasingly prioritize the passenger experience, inflight catering will continue to play a crucial role in differentiating brands and providing an enhanced travel experience.
Looking ahead, the market will likely see further advancements in food technology, packaging, and sustainability. Airlines will increasingly look for ways to provide a diverse range of meal options, with an emphasis on health, wellness, and sustainability. Additionally, catering providers will continue to innovate in the areas of food preservation and delivery, ensuring that meals are not only of high quality but also delivered efficiently and safely to passengers.
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