Inflight Catering Market Size (2024 - 2029)

The inflight catering market is projected to experience significant growth, driven by an increase in airline passengers and enhancements in the quality of food and services provided by aircraft service providers. Technological advancements in the food and beverage industry, such as mobile device-based ordering and payment systems, are contributing to this expansion. However, the market faces challenges due to rising costs of inflight food, which could impede its growth potential. Airlines are adopting various strategies to improve the inflight dining experience, which may influence the market's future prospects.

Market Size of Inflight Catering Industry

Global Inflight Catering Market Summary
Study Period 2019 - 2029
Market Size (2024) USD 17.15 Billion
Market Size (2029) USD 25.87 Billion
CAGR (2024 - 2029) 8.57 %
Fastest Growing Market North America
Largest Market Asia-Pacific

Major Players

Global Inflight Catering Market Major Players

*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order

Inflight Catering Market Analysis

The Inflight Catering Market size is estimated at USD 17.15 billion in 2024, and is expected to reach USD 25.87 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 8.57% during the forecast period (2024-2029).

The growth of the inflight catering market is expected to be driven by an increasing number of airline passengers. Another factor that is expected to boost the growth of the market is improving the quality of food and services offered by aircraft service providers. The food & beverage industry is witnessing increasing technological advancements in the form of tablet and mobile device-based ordering and payment for specific orders, which is an ongoing trend in the target market.

The in-flight catering service market is facing a significant challenge due to the rise in the cost of in-flight food. This increase in cost is impeding the market's efficient functioning and hindering its growth potential With the competition among the airlines growing, they are opting for certain strategies to enhance the inflight dining experience. These strategies range from the process of ordering to food serving. Such developments may have a long-term effect on the prospects of the market in focus during the forecast period.

Inflight Catering Industry Segmentation

Inflight food is the food served to passengers onboard a commercial airliner. Specialist airline catering services prepare these meals and usually serve them to passengers using an airline service trolley.

The inflight catering market is segmented by food type, flight type, aircraft seating class, catering type, flight duration, and geography (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East and Africa). By food type, the market is segmented into meals, bakery and confectionery, beverages, and other food types. Other food types include jams, sauces, salt, pepper, and margarine.

By flight type, the market is segmented into full-service carriers, low-cost carriers, and other flight types. By seating class, the market is segmented into economy class, business class, and first class. By catering type, the market is segmented into retail onboard and classic catering. By flight duration, the market is segmented into long haul and short haul. The report also covers the market size and forecasts in major countries across all the regions. 

For each segment, the market size is provided in terms of value (USD).

Meals
Bakery and Confectionary
Beverages
Other Food Types
Flight Type
Full-service Carriers
Low-cost Carriers
Other Flight Types
Aircraft Seating Class
Economy Class
Business Class
First-class
Catering Type
Retail on Board
Classic Catering
Flight Duration
Long Haul
Short Haul
Geography
North America
US
Canada
Europe
United Kingdom
Germany
France
Russia
Italy
Rest of Europe
Asia-Pacific
China
India
Japan
Australia
Rest of Asia-Pacific
Latin America
Mexico
Brazil
Rest of Latin America
Middle East
UAE
Saudi Arabia
Qatar
Rest of Middle East and Africa
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Inflight Catering Market Size Summary

The inflight catering market is poised for significant growth, driven by an increasing number of airline passengers and enhancements in the quality of food and services offered by aircraft service providers. Technological advancements, such as tablet and mobile device-based ordering and payment systems, are becoming prevalent, further propelling market expansion. However, the rising cost of inflight food presents a challenge, potentially hindering market growth. Airlines are adopting various strategies to improve the inflight dining experience, including offering ready-to-eat meals and catering services for long-distance flights. The demand for culturally diverse, healthy, and nutritious meals is on the rise, with passengers willing to pay a premium for such options. This trend is supported by the growing popularity of vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free meals, as well as the increasing health consciousness among travelers.

The North American region, in particular, is witnessing a shift towards healthier food options, with a notable increase in demand for low-calorie meals and fresh produce. Airlines are adapting their menus to cater to regional dietary preferences, with a focus on sustainability and inclusivity. The market is semi-consolidated, with major players like gategroup, LSG Airline Catering & Retail GmbH, and The Emirates Group leading the charge, while regional players are gaining traction in smaller airports. These companies are investing in research and development to innovate and enhance culinary offerings, ensuring high-quality and safe food for passengers. The competitive landscape is prompting airlines to implement diverse service strategies to cater to different classes on the same flight, aiming to enhance the overall inflight dining experience.

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Inflight Catering Market Size - Table of Contents

  1. 1. MARKET DYNAMICS

    1. 1.1 Market Overview

    2. 1.2 Market Drivers

    3. 1.3 Market Restraints

    4. 1.4 Value Chain / Supply Chain Analysis

    5. 1.5 Porter's Five Forces Analysis

      1. 1.5.1 Bargaining Power of Suppliers

      2. 1.5.2 Bargaining Power of Buyers/Consumers

      3. 1.5.3 Threat of New Entrants

      4. 1.5.4 Threat of Substitute Products

      5. 1.5.5 Intensity of Competitive Rivalry

    6. 1.6 PESTLE Analysis

  2. 2. MARKET SEGMENTATION

    1. 2.1 Meals

      1. 2.1.1 Bakery and Confectionary

      2. 2.1.2 Beverages

      3. 2.1.3 Other Food Types

    2. 2.2 Flight Type

      1. 2.2.1 Full-service Carriers

      2. 2.2.2 Low-cost Carriers

      3. 2.2.3 Other Flight Types

    3. 2.3 Aircraft Seating Class

      1. 2.3.1 Economy Class

      2. 2.3.2 Business Class

      3. 2.3.3 First-class

    4. 2.4 Catering Type

      1. 2.4.1 Retail on Board

      2. 2.4.2 Classic Catering

    5. 2.5 Flight Duration

      1. 2.5.1 Long Haul

      2. 2.5.2 Short Haul

    6. 2.6 Geography

      1. 2.6.1 North America

        1. 2.6.1.1 US

        2. 2.6.1.2 Canada

      2. 2.6.2 Europe

        1. 2.6.2.1 United Kingdom

        2. 2.6.2.2 Germany

        3. 2.6.2.3 France

        4. 2.6.2.4 Russia

        5. 2.6.2.5 Italy

        6. 2.6.2.6 Rest of Europe

      3. 2.6.3 Asia-Pacific

        1. 2.6.3.1 China

        2. 2.6.3.2 India

        3. 2.6.3.3 Japan

        4. 2.6.3.4 Australia

        5. 2.6.3.5 Rest of Asia-Pacific

      4. 2.6.4 Latin America

        1. 2.6.4.1 Mexico

        2. 2.6.4.2 Brazil

        3. 2.6.4.3 Rest of Latin America

      5. 2.6.5 Middle East

        1. 2.6.5.1 UAE

        2. 2.6.5.2 Saudi Arabia

        3. 2.6.5.3 Qatar

        4. 2.6.5.4 Rest of Middle East and Africa

Inflight Catering Market Size FAQs

The Inflight Catering Market size is expected to reach USD 17.15 billion in 2024 and grow at a CAGR of 8.57% to reach USD 25.87 billion by 2029.

In 2024, the Inflight Catering Market size is expected to reach USD 17.15 billion.

Inflight Catering Market Size & Share Analysis - Growth Trends & Forecasts (2024 - 2029)