In-Flight Catering Services Market Size - Global Industry, Share, Analysis, Trends and Forecast 2023 - 2032
The In-Flight Catering Services Market Size accounted for USD 18.2 Billion in 2022 and is estimated to achieve a market size of USD 37.9 Billion by 2032 growing at a CAGR of 7.8% from 2023 to 2032.
In-Flight Catering Services Market Highlights
- Global in-flight catering services market revenue is poised to garner USD 37.9 billion by 2032 with a CAGR of 7.8% from 2023 to 2032
- Asia-Pacific in-flight catering services market value occupied around USD 6.2 billion in 2022
- Europe in-flight catering services market growth will record a CAGR of more than 9% from 2023 to 2032
- Among aircraft class, the economy class sub-segment generated over US$ 10.7 billion revenue in 2022
- Based on food, the meals sub-segment generated around 51% share in 2022
- Collaborations with airlines to provide special in-flight catering for events and celebrations is a popular in-flight catering services market trend that fuels the industry demand
Meals supplied to passengers when they board aeroplanes are handled by in-flight catering services. Catering companies prepare and serve these meals to passengers on aircraft. The expansion of the aviation sector has been the primary driver of the recent rapid growth in the worldwide in-flight catering industry. Rising disposable incomes, an increase in airline passengers, strong brand marketing, technological improvements such wing meal ordering systems and the rise of on-board catering services are all driving factors in the global airline catering market's evolution.
Global In-Flight Catering Services Market Dynamics
Market Drivers
- Rising air travel demand and increasing passenger numbers
- Growing disposable incomes, fostering demand for premium in-flight catering
- Advancements in technology, including efficient food ordering systems
- Robust marketing strategies by major brands enhancing in-flight dining experiences
Market Restraints
- Stringent aviation regulations impacting catering logistics
- Fluctuating fuel prices affecting overall airline operational costs
- Challenges in meeting diverse dietary preferences and restrictions
Market Opportunities
- Increasing focus on sustainable and eco-friendly in-flight catering options
- Expanding market for premium catering services in the business and first-class segments
- Integration of digital platforms for personalized and efficient meal ordering
In-Flight Catering Services Market Report Coverage
| Market | In-Flight Catering Services Market |
| In-Flight Catering Services Market Size 2022 | USD 18.2 Billion |
| In-Flight Catering Services Market Forecast 2032 | USD 37.9 Billion |
| In-Flight Catering Services Market CAGR During 2023 - 2032 | 7.8% |
| In-Flight Catering Services Market Analysis Period | 2020 - 2032 |
| In-Flight Catering Services Market Base Year |
2022 |
| In-Flight Catering Services Market Forecast Data | 2023 - 2032 |
| Segments Covered | By Aircraft Class, By Food, By Flight Type, By Catering Model, And By Geography |
| Regional Scope | North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa |
| Key Companies Profiled | ANA Catering Service Co., Ltd., Cathay Pacific Catering Services (H.K.) Ltd., DO & CO Restaurants & Catering AG, Emirates Flight Catering Co., LLC, Flying Food Group, LLC, GaJourney Group plc, Air Fayre CA Inc., LSG Lufthansa Service Holding AG, Newrest Group International S.A.S, and Saudi Airlines Catering Company. |
| Report Coverage |
Market Trends, Drivers, Restraints, Competitive Analysis, Player Profiling, Covid-19 Analysis, Regulation Analysis |
In-Flight Catering Services Market Insights
The growth of the in-flight catering market is primarily driven by the expansion of the aviation industry. The integration of technology for on-board food and beverage ordering is expected to contribute to the market's growth. Additionally, concepts such as retail onboard and private in-flight chefs are anticipated to impact the market in the in-flight catering industry forecast period. Market growth is mainly attributed to the increasing number of airline passengers, a rise in airplane deliveries, and a growing global economy.
In-flight catering, or airline catering, is a service provided by companies during travel and at airports. Rising passenger expectations for high-quality food, regardless of seating class, are fueling the growth of in-flight catering services. The global in-flight catering market is categorized into meals, snacks & confectionery, and beverages based on food type. Among these, meals constitute the majority share in the global in-flight catering services market and are expected to remain the largest segment throughout the forecast period. These meals, prepared by specialized airline catering services, are typically served to passengers using an airline service trolley. In-flight catering services are highly dependent on the health of the aviation sector.
Meanwhile, as consumers become more health-conscious, the demand for healthy and nutritious food is increasing. To stand out in the highly competitive market, major airlines are focusing on improving on-board food options. Technological advancements in the on-board food ordering system are proving to be a key driving factor for the global in-flight catering market.
In-Flight Catering Services Market Segmentation
The worldwide market for in-flight catering services is split based on aircraft class, food, flight type, catering model, and geography.
In-Flight Catering Services By Aircraft Classes
- Economy Class
- Premium Economy
- Business Class
- First Class
According to in-flight catering services industry analysis, based on aircraft category, the market is classified into economy class, business class, premium economy, and first class. In 2022, the economy class was the leading segment within the global market, attributed to the lower cost of economy class air tickets. Additionally, various governments are introducing initiatives to fuel the growth of the aviation sector. For instance, UDAN-RCS, a policy by the government of India introduced in April 2017 with the aim to make travel more affordable for the growing middle class, is anticipated to drive the growth of the in-flight catering service market.
In-Flight Catering Services By Food Types
- Meals
- Bakery and confectionary
- Beverages
- Others
In the year 2022, meals dominated the food type segment, and this segment is projected to maintain its dominance over the in-flight catering services market forecast period from 2023 to 2032. Meals are expected to remain the dominant food type in the in-flight catering market throughout the forecast period, driven by demand from Asian and European airlines. There is a growing preference among passengers in these regions for meals, especially on long-haul flights. In the North American region, some airlines offer meals that are available for an additional cost. However, the beverages segment is anticipated to experience the highest growth rate throughout the forecast period.
In-Flight Catering Services By Flight Types
- Full Service
- Low Cost
- Others
The market for in-flight catering services is dominated by the full-service segment, which makes sense given its importance. Offering a wide selection of services, such as in-flight meals, is a top priority for full-service airlines in order to improve the overall traveller experience. These providers frequently concentrate on offering fine dining options that satisfy a range of gastronomic tastes. The need for first-class and business travellers in particular for high-end in-flight amenities is what has made the full-service market so popular. Full-Service airlines maintain their market leadership by providing a superior level of comfort and luxury, winning over passengers who want an upscale and luxurious in-flight experience. The constant pursuit of quality in gastronomic offerings and overall passenger happiness serves to further solidify this superiority.
In-Flight Catering Services By Catering Models
- In-house Catering By Airlines
- Outsourced Catering Services
The market leader in the in-flight catering services market, with the most share, is the in-house catering category. When an airline chooses to use in-house catering, they keep direct control on menu personalisation, operational effectiveness, and quality standards. Carriers can customise their offers to match particular passenger demographics and their corporate identity with this technique. Personalised and seamless in-flight meals is made possible by in-house catering, which improves responsiveness to evolving trends and dietary needs. Additionally, in order to strengthen their brand and retain customers, airlines that use in-house catering frequently try to set themselves apart through distinctive culinary options. In order to satisfy changing market demands and improve overall passenger happiness, it is strategically advantageous to keep a direct role in catering operations, as demonstrated by the leadership of this industry.
In-Flight Catering Services Market Regional Outlook
North America
- U.S.
- Canada
Europe
- U.K.
- Germany
- France
- Spain
- Rest of Europe
Asia-Pacific
- India
- Japan
- China
- Australia
- South Korea
- Rest of Asia-Pacific
Latin America
- Brazil
- Mexico
- Rest of Latin America
The Middle East & Africa
- South Africa
- GCC Countries
- Rest of the Middle East & Africa (ME&A)
In-Flight Catering Services Market Regional Analysis
For a number of reasons, Asia-Pacific leads the world market for in-flight catering services. The fast economic development of nations like China and India has resulted in a booming aviation industry in the region. The rising demand for air travel resulting from these countries' growing affluence has raised the need for in-flight culinary services. Furthermore, there is a strong desire for personalized and varied in-flight meal options due to the unique culinary tastes of the Asian community.
Furthermore, the demand for in-flight catering services has been further stimulated by the growth of low-cost carriers in the Asia-Pacific area. These airlines frequently prioritise providing reasonably priced travel options without sacrificing the calibre of in-flight amenities, such as meals. The Asia-Pacific region's importance in the worldwide in-flight catering business is highlighted by the enormous volume of passengers and flights that occur there.
In the market for in-flight catering services, Europe is the region with the quickest rate of growth. This rise is explained by a number of important variables. First off, there is a lot of air activity in the area; both business and pleasure travellers use the airways extensively. Travellers from Europe have a particularly strong desire for upscale, individualised in-flight catering services, which is fueling the market's explosive growth.
In addition, the European aviation industry has seen a rise in the focus on improving the whole traveller experience, which has resulted in a need for superior catering services. The highly competitive European aviation industry incentivizes airlines to allocate resources towards distinctive and inventive catering services, hence bolstering the market's expansion.
In-Flight Catering Services Market Players
Some of the top in-flight catering services companies offered in our report ANA Catering Service Co., Ltd., Cathay Pacific Catering Services (H.K.) Ltd., DO & CO Restaurants & Catering AG, Emirates Flight Catering Co., LLC, Flying Food Group, LLC, GaJourney Group plc, Air Fayre CA Inc., LSG Lufthansa Service Holding AG, Newrest Group International S.A.S, and Saudi Airlines Catering Company.
Frequently Asked Questions
How big is the in-flight catering services market?
The in-flight catering services market size was USD 18.2 billion in 2022.
What is the CAGR of the global in-flight catering services market from 2023 to 2032?
The CAGR of in-flight catering services is 7.8% during the analysis period of 2023 to 2032.
Which are the key players in the in-flight catering services market?
The key players operating in the global market are including ANA Catering Service Co., Ltd., Cathay Pacific Catering Services (H.K.) Ltd., DO & CO Restaurants & Catering AG, Emirates Flight Catering Co., LLC, Flying Food Group, LLC, GaJourney Group plc, Air Fayre CA Inc., LSG Lufthansa Service Holding AG, Newrest Group International S.A.S, and Saudi Airlines Catering Company.
Which region dominated the global in-flight catering services market share?
Asia-Pacific held the dominating position in in-flight catering services industry during the analysis period of 2023 to 2032.
Which region registered fastest CAGR from 2023 to 2032?
Europe region exhibited fastest growing CAGR for market of in-flight catering services during the analysis period of 2023 to 2032.
What are the current trends and dynamics in the global in-flight catering services industry?
The current trends and dynamics in the in-flight catering services industry include rising air travel demand and increasing passenger numbers, growing disposable incomes, fostering demand for premium in-flight catering, advancements in technology, including efficient food ordering systems, and robust marketing strategies by major brands enhancing in-flight dining experiences
Which aircraft class held the maximum share in 2022?
The economy class aircraft class held the maximum share of the in-flight catering services industry.
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