USD 36.1 billion
In-Flight Catering Services Market Size, Share, and Growth Analysis
In-Flight Catering Services Market By Aircraft Class (Economy Class, Business Class), By Flight Type (Full Service, Low Cost), By Food Type (Meals, Bakery & Confectionary), By Region -Industry Forecast 2025-2032
Report ID:
SQMIG20S2013 |
Region:
Global |
Published Date: February, 2025
Pages:
202
|Tables:
117
|Figures:
77
Format -
In-Flight Catering Services Market Insights
Global In-Flight Catering Services Market size was valued at USD 36.1 billion in 2023 and is poised to grow from USD 37.98 billion in 2024 to USD 56.97 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 5.2% during the forecast period (2025-2032).
The global in-flight catering services market is evolving dynamically with the developments in practices adopted by individual airlines, changes in the preferences of passengers, green initiatives, fitness concerns, and globalization events affecting air travel. Another major broad trend emerging in the market for in-flight catering services is demand for a more diverse, healthy, and decent menu. To many travelers, fresh, wholesome, and specially prepared meals consumed in-flight have become the order of the day to many travelers at times. It provides well-considered in-flight nutrition views that suit personal dietary and lifestyle preferences. In response to the changing tastes of health-conscious travelers, airlines and catering services are offering a number of healthier options, such as plant-based, gluten-free, and occasionally sodium meals. The market for in-flight catering services is changing due to technological integration.
Modernization is making catering service providers optimize their inventory management, logistics, and operations while beautifying meal practice ways. Food preparation automation, innovative kitchenware, computerized menu systems, and mobile applications for pre-ordering food are ways through which efficiency gains and personalization as they adjust to changing tastes of passengers can be achieved. These significant trends are spoiling the in-flight catering services market in the outer world under changes that respond to varied travel preferences and global events. COVID-19 has also transformed the way catering was done, focusing beyond those on touchless and hygiene issues, yet I assume pre-packaged meals can safeguard passengers. In reaction to dynamic travel environments, flexibility in catering operations to handle shifting journey restrictions and options also shows a critical trend.
US In-Flight Catering Services Market is poised to grow at a sustainable CAGR for the next forecast year.
Market snapshot - 2025-2032
Global Market Size
Largest Segment
Economy Class
Fastest Growth
Business Class
Growth Rate
5.2% CAGR
Global In-Flight Catering Services Market ($ Bn)
Country Share by Asia Pacific (%)
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In-Flight Catering Services Market Segments Analysis
Global In-Flight Catering Services Market is segmented by Food Type, Flight Type, Aircraft Seating, Catering Type, Flight Duration and region. Based on Food Type, the market is segmented into Meals, Bakery and Confectionary, Beverages and Other Food Types. Based on Flight Type, the market is segmented into Full-Service Carriers, Low-Cost Carriers and Other Flight Types. Based on Aircraft Seating, the market is segmented into Economy Class, Business Class and First Class. Based on Catering Type, the market is segmented into Retail on Board and Classic Catering. Based on Flight Duration, the market is segmented into Long Haul and Short Haul. Based on region, the market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America and Middle East & Africa.
Analysis by Aircraft Class
As per categorization by aircraft class, the market is classified as economy class, business class, and first class. Among these, economy earned the largest share and continues to hold the dominant global in-flight catering services market share. Economy class is driving innovation in the global in-flight catering services market due to increasing demand for cost-effective yet high-quality meal offerings. These changes, while considering price, are being implemented toward making the in-flights further better from the point of view of meal services more health-conscious and more sustainable while incorporating local products. Economy class boasts a sizeable passenger base; thus, it is the most lucrative fare segment for all the airlines. The next boost is going to come up with innovations in packaging, personalization, and variety of diet-controlled foods.
Business class is poised to be the fastest-growing segment in the global in-flight catering services market due to rising demand for premium experiences, especially in long-haul flights. As travelers are interested in brilliant and tailored service, airlines have upped the ante in their catering provision with gourmet meals, a feast of international cuisines as well as specialized dietary options. Sustainability and better quality ingredients have an added impetus in this direction since airlines now have a wealthy clientele willing to pay for better food. Business travel is on the increase and technology is advancing to make in-flight service better; thus, these services will continue to increase in this lucrative market segment.
Analysis by Flight Type
Full-service is dominating the global in-flight catering services market and is currently seeing significant innovation, with airlines focusing on delivering high-quality, diverse, and personalized meal options across all classes. Innovations include sourcing local sustainable ingredients, personalized meal enhancements, and premium products for economy and business classes. What is a definitive feature of the global in-flight catering services industry is full-service model-domination in that aspect of in-flight service provision. Providing food, as well as service, creates an entirely seamless experience for passengers. With the realization that excellent catering services contribute immensely to customer satisfaction and loyalty, it is becoming increasingly obvious that great catering is a differentiator in a highly competitive environment. This holistic approach will also be in support of passenger satisfaction as well as airline profitability.
The low-cost segment is expected to be the fastest-growing in the global in-flight catering services market due to the rapid expansion of budget airlines and the increasing demand for affordable travel options. The more passengers move toward the low-cost carriers, the more airlines are minimizing their catering services by providing easy and affordable meal packages without quality loss. Innovations in pre-packaged meals, snacks, and transport system cost reductions will not compromise consumer satisfaction. Definitely, this would further catalyze growth in this segment-there's an emerging trend of traveling on a budget, especially among price-sensitive consumers-making low-cost catering an essential part of any airline service model.
Global In-Flight Catering Services Market By Aircraft Class (%)
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In-Flight Catering Services Market Regional Insights
Asia Pacific is dominating the global in-flight catering services market due to the region's rapid economic growth, expanding middle class, and increasing air travel demand. Several budget airlines and full-service carriers surround the region. They employ massive budgets to meet the varied catering requirements of their passengers. Long-haul travel and emerging regional airlines are the two main factors adding to the expansion of this market. Advanced in-flight catering technologies are widely used as the Asia Pacific region still concentrates on providing these culinary options to passengers in conjunction with necessary enhancements in the service quality and therefore, the region will continue to keep its lead in the global in-flight catering services market outlook.
North America is the fastest-growing region in the global in-flight catering services market due to its robust aviation industry, rising demand for premium in-flight experiences, and increasing air travel. Airlines are focusing in this region particularly on providing passengers with diverse, quality meals due to the changing consumer preference toward healthier meals which are sourced sustainably and locally. Added to these, advancements in the technology of food preparation and delivery systems, coupled with a strong emphasis on customer satisfaction, are also driving market growth. Demand continues to rise for fresh and novel catering solutions that the legacy and low-cost airlines are both expanding into the region, particularly internationally.
Global In-Flight Catering Services Market By Geography
- Largest
- Fastest
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In-Flight Catering Services Market Dynamics
In-Flight Catering Services Market Drivers
Rising Demand for Premium Travel Experiences
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A growing trend towards luxury and comfort in air travel has made airlines increasingly emphasize investment in superior and varied in-flight meal options. Such needs are sorely felt by business and first-class travelers who have increasingly come to expect gourmet meals and personalized services; hence the companies are reacting by ensuring that their catering offers respond to these new demands.
Expansion of Low-Cost Carriers
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The increasing number of budget airlines globally is significantly impacting the in-flight catering services market. As the low-cost airlines stretch their wings to fly in new markets, the need grows for cost-effective, streamlined alternatives to conventional in-flight catering that can maintain quality while keeping prices competitive. This drives the development of innovation in meal packaging and delivery systems.
In-Flight Catering Services Market Restraints
Limited Catering Flexibility on Short-Haul Flights
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Limited air-travel space and short-haul flight duration can obviously limit the variety of meal options that meet high-quality standards. Hence, airline operators will find it difficult to create personalized or premium catered experiences, which can reduce passenger satisfaction and even limit the growth potential in the in-flight catering market on such routes.
Environmental Impact Concerns
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The increasing focus on sustainability and on reducing carbon footprints is also affecting the global in-flight catering services market growth. Waste food and single-use plastic wrappers contribute to environmental harm and are subject to a growing level of scrutiny from regulators and passengers alike. As environmentally conscious activities reflect costly expenses and logistically challenging implementations, this typically involves the aviation industry.
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In-Flight Catering Services Market Competitive Landscape
The intense competition present in the global in-flight catering services market leads to numerous key players having a stronghold in the industry. Topping the list is LSG Sky Chefs, Gate Gourmet, and DO & CO, which provide a comprehensive array of catering services for full-service and low-cost airlines. Their strategy to ensure their competitive advantage is innovation, top-quality services, and cost-effectiveness of their catering solutions. These companies are focusing their efforts on creating partnerships with airlines, innovating their sustainability practices, and in the end, these aspects will lead to growth and differentiation of the market.
Top Players in In-Flight Catering Services Market
- Lufthansa Flight Kitchen (Germany)
- Newrest (France)
- SATS Ltd. (Singapore)
- DNATA (United Arab Emirates)
- Flying Food Group (US)
- Do & Co (Austria)
- Emirates Flight Catering (United Arab Emirates)
- Gate Gourmet (Switzerland)
- Sodexo (France)
- Compass Group (UK)
- Aramark (US)
- Elior Group (France)
- Compass Group USA (US)
- Alpen Catering (Germany)
- Do & Co (Austria)
- Servair (France)
- Casino Air Caterers & Flight Services (CAFS) (France)
- Flying Food Group (US)
In-Flight Catering Services Market Recent Developments
- In October 2024, LSG Sky Chefs (Germany) announced in its partnership with a major airline to introduce a new sustainable in-flight dining concept. This initiative focuses on reducing food waste and using eco-friendly packaging. LSG Sky Chefs aims to improve sustainability and enhance the overall passenger experience with innovative meal offerings.
- In September 2024, With the commissioning of this state-of-the-art catering facility by Gate Gourmet (Switzerland), they are prepared to broaden their international route operations. This generation has thus been focusing on efficiency and quality by installing state-of-the-art technologies in areas such as AI for the planning of meals and delivery logistics. Gate Gourmet's strategy is to improve the efficiencies of operation and to set up higher service standards with global airline partners.
- In November 2024, DO & CO (Austria) launched a new line of plant-based meals for airlines in November 2024. With the growing demand for sustainable food options, this development aims to cater to environmentally conscious passengers. DO & CO’s initiative aligns with the broader trend toward offering healthier, ethical dining choices in air travel.
In-Flight Catering Services Key Market Trends
- Increased Demand for Sustainable Catering Solutions: Eco-friendly packaging lately is beginning to embrace trends for both airlines and passengers, as waste and sourcing ingredients locally become the thrust. Investments by airlines in green practices are, therefore, seen as the means through which they inculcate both satisfaction in passengers and environmental goals.
- Rising Popularity of Health-Conscious Meal Options: Currently, in the airline catering market, there is an increasing shift toward health-conscious dining. Apart from plant-based services, airlines will also be adding nutritious and allergen-free meal options for the growing consumption tendency of such healthier choices made by people. It goes as a reflection of larger transitions in society toward wellness and individual health.
In-Flight Catering Services Market SkyQuest Analysis
SkyQuest's ABIRAW (Advanced Business Intelligence, Research & Analysis Wing) is our Business Information Services team that Collects, Collates, Correlates, and Analyses the Data collected by means of Primary Exploratory Research backed by robust Secondary Desk research.
As per SkyQuest analysis, the global in-flight catering services industry changes in response to changing consumer demands-increased health consciousness and sustainable meal options. It's a highly dynamic market in terms of innovation fueled by technological advancement and premiumality of business class offerings, as well as low-cost carrier offerings with value for money.
The regional trends are also optimistic for growth, with Asia-Pacific at its forefront and North America showing up as the fastest growing region. Challenges like environmental impact concerns and limited flexibility in mobility on short-haul flights cannot stop the market since airlines are now adapting to consumer preferences and all other global trends.
| Report Metric | Details |
|---|---|
| Market size value in 2023 | USD 36.1 billion |
| Market size value in 2032 | USD 56.97 billion |
| Growth Rate | 5.2% |
| Base year | 2024 |
| Forecast period | 2025-2032 |
| Forecast Unit (Value) | USD Billion |
| Segments covered |
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| Regions covered | North America (US, Canada), Europe (Germany, France, United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Rest of Europe), Asia Pacific (China, India, Japan, Rest of Asia-Pacific), Latin America (Brazil, Rest of Latin America), Middle East & Africa (South Africa, GCC Countries, Rest of MEA) |
| Companies covered |
|
| Customization scope | Free report customization with purchase. Customization includes:-
|
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Table Of Content
Executive Summary
Market overview
- Exhibit: Executive Summary – Chart on Market Overview
- Exhibit: Executive Summary – Data Table on Market Overview
- Exhibit: Executive Summary – Chart on In-Flight Catering Services Market Characteristics
- Exhibit: Executive Summary – Chart on Market by Geography
- Exhibit: Executive Summary – Chart on Market Segmentation
- Exhibit: Executive Summary – Chart on Incremental Growth
- Exhibit: Executive Summary – Data Table on Incremental Growth
- Exhibit: Executive Summary – Chart on Vendor Market Positioning
Parent Market Analysis
Market overview
Market size
- Market Dynamics
- Exhibit: Impact analysis of DROC, 2021
- Drivers
- Opportunities
- Restraints
- Challenges
- Exhibit: Impact analysis of DROC, 2021
- SWOT Analysis
KEY MARKET INSIGHTS
- Technology Analysis
- (Exhibit: Data Table: Name of technology and details)
- Pricing Analysis
- (Exhibit: Data Table: Name of technology and pricing details)
- Supply Chain Analysis
- (Exhibit: Detailed Supply Chain Presentation)
- Value Chain Analysis
- (Exhibit: Detailed Value Chain Presentation)
- Ecosystem Of the Market
- Exhibit: Parent Market Ecosystem Market Analysis
- Exhibit: Market Characteristics of Parent Market
- IP Analysis
- (Exhibit: Data Table: Name of product/technology, patents filed, inventor/company name, acquiring firm)
- Trade Analysis
- (Exhibit: Data Table: Import and Export data details)
- Startup Analysis
- (Exhibit: Data Table: Emerging startups details)
- Raw Material Analysis
- (Exhibit: Data Table: Mapping of key raw materials)
- Innovation Matrix
- (Exhibit: Positioning Matrix: Mapping of new and existing technologies)
- Pipeline product Analysis
- (Exhibit: Data Table: Name of companies and pipeline products, regional mapping)
- Macroeconomic Indicators
COVID IMPACT
- Introduction
- Impact On Economy—scenario Assessment
- Exhibit: Data on GDP - Year-over-year growth 2016-2022 (%)
- Revised Market Size
- Exhibit: Data Table on In-Flight Catering Services Market size and forecast 2021-2027 ($ million)
- Impact Of COVID On Key Segments
- Exhibit: Data Table on Segment Market size and forecast 2021-2027 ($ million)
- COVID Strategies By Company
- Exhibit: Analysis on key strategies adopted by companies
MARKET DYNAMICS & OUTLOOK
- Market Dynamics
- Exhibit: Impact analysis of DROC, 2021
- Drivers
- Opportunities
- Restraints
- Challenges
- Exhibit: Impact analysis of DROC, 2021
- Regulatory Landscape
- Exhibit: Data Table on regulation from different region
- SWOT Analysis
- Porters Analysis
- Competitive rivalry
- Exhibit: Competitive rivalry Impact of key factors, 2021
- Threat of substitute products
- Exhibit: Threat of Substitute Products Impact of key factors, 2021
- Bargaining power of buyers
- Exhibit: buyers bargaining power Impact of key factors, 2021
- Threat of new entrants
- Exhibit: Threat of new entrants Impact of key factors, 2021
- Bargaining power of suppliers
- Exhibit: Threat of suppliers bargaining power Impact of key factors, 2021
- Competitive rivalry
- Skyquest special insights on future disruptions
- Political Impact
- Economic impact
- Social Impact
- Technical Impact
- Environmental Impact
- Legal Impact
Market Size by Region
- Chart on Market share by geography 2021-2027 (%)
- Data Table on Market share by geography 2021-2027(%)
- North America
- Chart on Market share by country 2021-2027 (%)
- Data Table on Market share by country 2021-2027(%)
- USA
- Exhibit: Chart on Market share 2021-2027 (%)
- Exhibit: Market size and forecast 2021-2027 ($ million)
- Canada
- Exhibit: Chart on Market share 2021-2027 (%)
- Exhibit: Market size and forecast 2021-2027 ($ million)
- Europe
- Chart on Market share by country 2021-2027 (%)
- Data Table on Market share by country 2021-2027(%)
- Germany
- Exhibit: Chart on Market share 2021-2027 (%)
- Exhibit: Market size and forecast 2021-2027 ($ million)
- Spain
- Exhibit: Chart on Market share 2021-2027 (%)
- Exhibit: Market size and forecast 2021-2027 ($ million)
- France
- Exhibit: Chart on Market share 2021-2027 (%)
- Exhibit: Market size and forecast 2021-2027 ($ million)
- UK
- Exhibit: Chart on Market share 2021-2027 (%)
- Exhibit: Market size and forecast 2021-2027 ($ million)
- Rest of Europe
- Exhibit: Chart on Market share 2021-2027 (%)
- Exhibit: Market size and forecast 2021-2027 ($ million)
- Asia Pacific
- Chart on Market share by country 2021-2027 (%)
- Data Table on Market share by country 2021-2027(%)
- China
- Exhibit: Chart on Market share 2021-2027 (%)
- Exhibit: Market size and forecast 2021-2027 ($ million)
- India
- Exhibit: Chart on Market share 2021-2027 (%)
- Exhibit: Market size and forecast 2021-2027 ($ million)
- Japan
- Exhibit: Chart on Market share 2021-2027 (%)
- Exhibit: Market size and forecast 2021-2027 ($ million)
- South Korea
- Exhibit: Chart on Market share 2021-2027 (%)
- Exhibit: Market size and forecast 2021-2027 ($ million)
- Rest of Asia Pacific
- Exhibit: Chart on Market share 2021-2027 (%)
- Exhibit: Market size and forecast 2021-2027 ($ million)
- Latin America
- Chart on Market share by country 2021-2027 (%)
- Data Table on Market share by country 2021-2027(%)
- Brazil
- Exhibit: Chart on Market share 2021-2027 (%)
- Exhibit: Market size and forecast 2021-2027 ($ million)
- Rest of South America
- Exhibit: Chart on Market share 2021-2027 (%)
- Exhibit: Market size and forecast 2021-2027 ($ million)
- Middle East & Africa (MEA)
- Chart on Market share by country 2021-2027 (%)
- Data Table on Market share by country 2021-2027(%)
- GCC Countries
- Exhibit: Chart on Market share 2021-2027 (%)
- Exhibit: Market size and forecast 2021-2027 ($ million)
- South Africa
- Exhibit: Chart on Market share 2021-2027 (%)
- Exhibit: Market size and forecast 2021-2027 ($ million)
- Rest of MEA
- Exhibit: Chart on Market share 2021-2027 (%)
- Exhibit: Market size and forecast 2021-2027 ($ million)
KEY COMPANY PROFILES
- Competitive Landscape
- Total number of companies covered
- Exhibit: companies covered in the report, 2021
- Top companies market positioning
- Exhibit: company positioning matrix, 2021
- Top companies market Share
- Exhibit: Pie chart analysis on company market share, 2021(%)
- Total number of companies covered
Methodology
For the In-Flight Catering Services Market, our research methodology involved a mixture of primary and secondary data sources. Key steps involved in the research process are listed below:
1. Information Procurement: This stage involved the procurement of Market data or related information via primary and secondary sources. The various secondary sources used included various company websites, annual reports, trade databases, and paid databases such as Hoover's, Bloomberg Business, Factiva, and Avention. Our team did 45 primary interactions Globally which included several stakeholders such as manufacturers, customers, key opinion leaders, etc. Overall, information procurement was one of the most extensive stages in our research process.
2. Information Analysis: This step involved triangulation of data through bottom-up and top-down approaches to estimate and validate the total size and future estimate of the In-Flight Catering Services Market.
3. Report Formulation: The final step entailed the placement of data points in appropriate Market spaces in an attempt to deduce viable conclusions.
4. Validation & Publishing: Validation is the most important step in the process. Validation & re-validation via an intricately designed process helped us finalize data points to be used for final calculations. The final Market estimates and forecasts were then aligned and sent to our panel of industry experts for validation of data. Once the validation was done the report was sent to our Quality Assurance team to ensure adherence to style guides, consistency & design.
Analyst Support
Customization Options
With the given market data, our dedicated team of analysts can offer you the following customization options are available for the In-Flight Catering Services Market:
Product Analysis: Product matrix, which offers a detailed comparison of the product portfolio of companies.
Regional Analysis: Further analysis of the In-Flight Catering Services Market for additional countries.
Competitive Analysis: Detailed analysis and profiling of additional Market players & comparative analysis of competitive products.
Go to Market Strategy: Find the high-growth channels to invest your marketing efforts and increase your customer base.
Innovation Mapping: Identify racial solutions and innovation, connected to deep ecosystems of innovators, start-ups, academics, and strategic partners.
Category Intelligence: Customized intelligence that is relevant to their supply Markets will enable them to make smarter sourcing decisions and improve their category management.
Public Company Transcript Analysis: To improve the investment performance by generating new alpha and making better-informed decisions.
Social Media Listening: To analyze the conversations and trends happening not just around your brand, but around your industry as a whole, and use those insights to make better Marketing decisions.
In-Flight Catering Services Market Report Snapshots
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