The in-flight catering services market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $18.06 billion in 2024 to $19.33 billion in 2025 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to crisis adaptation, air travel expansion, evolving dietary preferences, focus on service quality, globalization of cuisine.
The in-flight catering services market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $27.42 billion in 2029 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.1%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to adaptation to health and safety protocols, globalization of culinary offerings, demand for on-demand services, premium and luxury market growth, sustainability and eco-friendly practices. Major trends in the forecast period include rise of on-demand services, customization and personalization, health and wellness focus, sustainability initiatives, premium and luxury services.
The in-flight catering services market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $25.39 billion in 2028 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.5%. The anticipated growth in the forecast period can be attributed to the adaptation to health and safety protocols, the globalization of culinary offerings, the increasing demand for on-demand services, and the growth of the premium and luxury markets, all of which are coupled with a focus on sustainability and eco-friendly practices. Major trends in this period include the rise of on-demand services, a shift towards customization and personalization, a growing emphasis on health and wellness, the implementation of sustainability initiatives, and the expansion of premium and luxury services.
The growth of the in-flight catering services market is anticipated to be fueled by increased air traffic. In recent years, air travel has surged, indicating that more individuals can now afford to fly. This rise in demand for air travel, driven by changing lifestyles and higher disposable incomes, caters to both leisure and business purposes. In-flight catering has become essential for travelers, particularly for network carriers operating long-haul flights. For example, in January 2024, the International Air Transport Association (IATA), a US-based trade association representing the global airline industry, reported that total air travel traffic increased by 36.9% in 2023 compared to 2022. Furthermore, international traffic rose by 24.2% in December 2023 compared to December 2022, while domestic traffic grew by 27% over the same period. Thus, the rise in air traffic is significantly driving the growth of the in-flight catering services market.
The growth of the in-flight catering services market is expected to be driven by an increase in disposable income. Disposable income refers to the amount of money that individuals or households have available for spending and saving after accounting for taxes and essential expenses. As disposable income rises, passenger spending power increases, resulting in a higher demand for premium in-flight catering services, as travelers seek enhanced dining experiences. For example, in September 2024, a report from the Office for National Statistics, a UK-based statistics authority, indicated that the median household disposable income for the lowest fifth of the population rose by 2.3% to $16,400, attributed to government support for the cost of living. Additionally, the median household disposable income for the longer-term average increased by 0.8% per year in 2023. Therefore, the rise in disposable income is a key factor driving the growth of the in-flight catering services market.
Numerous companies in the in-flight catering services market are innovating advanced offerings, such as pre-purchase meal options, to improve customer satisfaction and simplify meal selection for passengers. The Pre-Purchase Meal Options Service allows airline passengers to choose and pay for their meals ahead of their flight. For example, in March 2022, Icelandair, an Iceland-based airline, launched its Pre-Purchase Meal Options service. This service features a diverse menu that includes three-course meals inspired by Icelandic and Mediterranean flavors, smorrebrod open sandwiches, vegan and keto options, as well as popular choices like the ham and cheese baguette. Available to economy-class travelers on flights between Iceland and Europe, as well as between Iceland and North America, this variety addresses various tastes and dietary preferences, ensuring that passengers have satisfying meal options throughout their journey.
Major players in the in-flight catering services market are actively pursuing strategic collaborations as a means to offer dependable services to their customers. Strategic collaborations involve mutually beneficial partnerships between independent entities, working together toward shared objectives that align with their respective strategic goals. For instance, in August 2023, Oman Air, a luxury airline based in Oman, announced a partnership with In-Flight Catering Software TCI LTD (IFCS), a software provider in Providenciales specializing in the aviation industry. The collaboration aims to enhance the airline's in-flight catering operations by integrating IFCS's cutting-edge Recipe Costing and HACCP Compliance Monitoring Software with advanced Galley Loading and Planning Software. These sophisticated solutions are intended to streamline the airline's catering processes, improve overall efficiency, and fortify compliance protocols.
In November 2023, Aurelius Group, a Germany-based asset management firm, acquired LSG Group for an undisclosed amount. This acquisition enables Aurelius Group to capitalize on growth opportunities within the aviation sector and pursue its three-pillar strategy, which emphasizes expansion in classic airline catering, onboard retail, and food commerce. LSG Group is a Germany-based aviation services company that includes in-flight catering services in its offerings.
Major companies operating in the in-flight catering services market include Korean Air Catering Co. Ltd., Japan Airlines Catering Service Co. Ltd., Cathay Pacific Catering Services Ltd., Emirates Flight Catering LLC, Newrest Group Services SAS, Ethiopian Airlines Catering Services, Singapore Airport Terminal Services Ltd., Flying Food Group LLC, DO & CO Luftfahrt-Catering Service GmbH & Co. KG, Servair S.A., EgyptAir In-Flight Services, Bahrain Airport Services Co. (BAS), Air Culinaire Worldwide Inc., Air Fayre Ltd., Abby's Catering Ltd., Gate Gourmet Ltd., Journey Group plc, LSG Group GmbH & Co. KG, All Nippon Airways Catering Service Co. Ltd., AAS Catering (Air Atlanta Catering), KLM Catering Services Amsterdam B.V., Saudi Airlines Catering Company (SACC), Royal In-Flight Catering A/S, TajSATS Ltd., Aerofood Catering Services Ltd., Dubai National Air Transport Authority Catering, Airport Catering Services (ACS), TUI Catering Ltd., Eurest Catering Ltd., Turkish Airlines Catering services.
In-flight catering services provide packaged food and beverages to passengers during flights, offering specialized food catering for airline passengers.
The primary services provided by in-flight catering companies include meals, bakery and confectionery, beverages, and other types of catering services. Meals refer to the food served to passengers onboard commercial airliners, prepared by specialized airline catering companies and served using airline service trolleys. These services are offered by full-service carriers, low-cost carriers with seating classes such as economy class, business class, and first class. The catering sources can be in-house or outsourced.
The in-flight catering services market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $16.96 billion in 2023 to $18.33 billion in 2024 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to crisis adaptation, air travel expansion, evolving dietary preferences, focus on service quality, globalization of cuisine.
North America was the largest region in the in-flight catering services market in 2024. The regions covered in the in-flight catering services market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa. The countries covered in the in-flight catering services market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.
The in-flight catering services market includes revenues earned by entities by providing flight dine food services, meal services, raw material handling services. The market value includes the value of related goods sold by the service provider or included within the service offering. Only goods and services traded between entities or sold to end consumers are included.
The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD, unless otherwise specified).
The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.
This product will be delivered within 3-5 business days.
The in-flight catering services market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $27.42 billion in 2029 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.1%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to adaptation to health and safety protocols, globalization of culinary offerings, demand for on-demand services, premium and luxury market growth, sustainability and eco-friendly practices. Major trends in the forecast period include rise of on-demand services, customization and personalization, health and wellness focus, sustainability initiatives, premium and luxury services.
The in-flight catering services market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $25.39 billion in 2028 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.5%. The anticipated growth in the forecast period can be attributed to the adaptation to health and safety protocols, the globalization of culinary offerings, the increasing demand for on-demand services, and the growth of the premium and luxury markets, all of which are coupled with a focus on sustainability and eco-friendly practices. Major trends in this period include the rise of on-demand services, a shift towards customization and personalization, a growing emphasis on health and wellness, the implementation of sustainability initiatives, and the expansion of premium and luxury services.
The growth of the in-flight catering services market is anticipated to be fueled by increased air traffic. In recent years, air travel has surged, indicating that more individuals can now afford to fly. This rise in demand for air travel, driven by changing lifestyles and higher disposable incomes, caters to both leisure and business purposes. In-flight catering has become essential for travelers, particularly for network carriers operating long-haul flights. For example, in January 2024, the International Air Transport Association (IATA), a US-based trade association representing the global airline industry, reported that total air travel traffic increased by 36.9% in 2023 compared to 2022. Furthermore, international traffic rose by 24.2% in December 2023 compared to December 2022, while domestic traffic grew by 27% over the same period. Thus, the rise in air traffic is significantly driving the growth of the in-flight catering services market.
The growth of the in-flight catering services market is expected to be driven by an increase in disposable income. Disposable income refers to the amount of money that individuals or households have available for spending and saving after accounting for taxes and essential expenses. As disposable income rises, passenger spending power increases, resulting in a higher demand for premium in-flight catering services, as travelers seek enhanced dining experiences. For example, in September 2024, a report from the Office for National Statistics, a UK-based statistics authority, indicated that the median household disposable income for the lowest fifth of the population rose by 2.3% to $16,400, attributed to government support for the cost of living. Additionally, the median household disposable income for the longer-term average increased by 0.8% per year in 2023. Therefore, the rise in disposable income is a key factor driving the growth of the in-flight catering services market.
Numerous companies in the in-flight catering services market are innovating advanced offerings, such as pre-purchase meal options, to improve customer satisfaction and simplify meal selection for passengers. The Pre-Purchase Meal Options Service allows airline passengers to choose and pay for their meals ahead of their flight. For example, in March 2022, Icelandair, an Iceland-based airline, launched its Pre-Purchase Meal Options service. This service features a diverse menu that includes three-course meals inspired by Icelandic and Mediterranean flavors, smorrebrod open sandwiches, vegan and keto options, as well as popular choices like the ham and cheese baguette. Available to economy-class travelers on flights between Iceland and Europe, as well as between Iceland and North America, this variety addresses various tastes and dietary preferences, ensuring that passengers have satisfying meal options throughout their journey.
Major players in the in-flight catering services market are actively pursuing strategic collaborations as a means to offer dependable services to their customers. Strategic collaborations involve mutually beneficial partnerships between independent entities, working together toward shared objectives that align with their respective strategic goals. For instance, in August 2023, Oman Air, a luxury airline based in Oman, announced a partnership with In-Flight Catering Software TCI LTD (IFCS), a software provider in Providenciales specializing in the aviation industry. The collaboration aims to enhance the airline's in-flight catering operations by integrating IFCS's cutting-edge Recipe Costing and HACCP Compliance Monitoring Software with advanced Galley Loading and Planning Software. These sophisticated solutions are intended to streamline the airline's catering processes, improve overall efficiency, and fortify compliance protocols.
In November 2023, Aurelius Group, a Germany-based asset management firm, acquired LSG Group for an undisclosed amount. This acquisition enables Aurelius Group to capitalize on growth opportunities within the aviation sector and pursue its three-pillar strategy, which emphasizes expansion in classic airline catering, onboard retail, and food commerce. LSG Group is a Germany-based aviation services company that includes in-flight catering services in its offerings.
Major companies operating in the in-flight catering services market include Korean Air Catering Co. Ltd., Japan Airlines Catering Service Co. Ltd., Cathay Pacific Catering Services Ltd., Emirates Flight Catering LLC, Newrest Group Services SAS, Ethiopian Airlines Catering Services, Singapore Airport Terminal Services Ltd., Flying Food Group LLC, DO & CO Luftfahrt-Catering Service GmbH & Co. KG, Servair S.A., EgyptAir In-Flight Services, Bahrain Airport Services Co. (BAS), Air Culinaire Worldwide Inc., Air Fayre Ltd., Abby's Catering Ltd., Gate Gourmet Ltd., Journey Group plc, LSG Group GmbH & Co. KG, All Nippon Airways Catering Service Co. Ltd., AAS Catering (Air Atlanta Catering), KLM Catering Services Amsterdam B.V., Saudi Airlines Catering Company (SACC), Royal In-Flight Catering A/S, TajSATS Ltd., Aerofood Catering Services Ltd., Dubai National Air Transport Authority Catering, Airport Catering Services (ACS), TUI Catering Ltd., Eurest Catering Ltd., Turkish Airlines Catering services.
In-flight catering services provide packaged food and beverages to passengers during flights, offering specialized food catering for airline passengers.
The primary services provided by in-flight catering companies include meals, bakery and confectionery, beverages, and other types of catering services. Meals refer to the food served to passengers onboard commercial airliners, prepared by specialized airline catering companies and served using airline service trolleys. These services are offered by full-service carriers, low-cost carriers with seating classes such as economy class, business class, and first class. The catering sources can be in-house or outsourced.
The in-flight catering services market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $16.96 billion in 2023 to $18.33 billion in 2024 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to crisis adaptation, air travel expansion, evolving dietary preferences, focus on service quality, globalization of cuisine.
North America was the largest region in the in-flight catering services market in 2024. The regions covered in the in-flight catering services market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa. The countries covered in the in-flight catering services market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.
The in-flight catering services market includes revenues earned by entities by providing flight dine food services, meal services, raw material handling services. The market value includes the value of related goods sold by the service provider or included within the service offering. Only goods and services traded between entities or sold to end consumers are included.
The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD, unless otherwise specified).
The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.
This product will be delivered within 3-5 business days.
Table of Contents
1. Executive Summary2. In-Flight Catering Services Market Characteristics3. In-Flight Catering Services Market Trends and Strategies4. In-Flight Catering Services Market - Macro Economic Scenario Macro Economic Scenario Including the Impact of Interest Rates, Inflation, Geopolitics and Covid and Recovery on the Market32. Global in-Flight Catering Services Market Competitive Benchmarking and Dashboard33. Key Mergers and Acquisitions in the in-Flight Catering Services Market34. Recent Developments in the in-Flight Catering Services Market
5. Global in-Flight Catering Services Growth Analysis and Strategic Analysis Framework
6. In-Flight Catering Services Market Segmentation
7. In-Flight Catering Services Market Regional and Country Analysis
8. Asia-Pacific in-Flight Catering Services Market
9. China in-Flight Catering Services Market
10. India in-Flight Catering Services Market
11. Japan in-Flight Catering Services Market
12. Australia in-Flight Catering Services Market
13. Indonesia in-Flight Catering Services Market
14. South Korea in-Flight Catering Services Market
15. Western Europe in-Flight Catering Services Market
16. UK in-Flight Catering Services Market
17. Germany in-Flight Catering Services Market
18. France in-Flight Catering Services Market
19. Italy in-Flight Catering Services Market
20. Spain in-Flight Catering Services Market
21. Eastern Europe in-Flight Catering Services Market
22. Russia in-Flight Catering Services Market
23. North America in-Flight Catering Services Market
24. USA in-Flight Catering Services Market
25. Canada in-Flight Catering Services Market
26. South America in-Flight Catering Services Market
27. Brazil in-Flight Catering Services Market
28. Middle East in-Flight Catering Services Market
29. Africa in-Flight Catering Services Market
30. In-Flight Catering Services Market Competitive Landscape and Company Profiles
31. In-Flight Catering Services Market Other Major and Innovative Companies
35. In-Flight Catering Services Market High Potential Countries, Segments and Strategies
36. Appendix
Executive Summary
in-Flight Catering Services Global Market Report 2025 provides strategists, marketers and senior management with the critical information they need to assess the market.This report focuses on in-flight catering services market which is experiencing strong growth. The report gives a guide to the trends which will be shaping the market over the next ten years and beyond.
Reasons to Purchase:
- Gain a truly global perspective with the most comprehensive report available on this market covering 15 geographies.
- Assess the impact of key macro factors such as conflict, pandemic and recovery, inflation and interest rate environment and the 2nd Trump presidency.
- Create regional and country strategies on the basis of local data and analysis.
- Identify growth segments for investment.
- Outperform competitors using forecast data and the drivers and trends shaping the market.
- Understand customers based on the latest market shares.
- Benchmark performance against key competitors.
- Suitable for supporting your internal and external presentations with reliable high quality data and analysis
- Report will be updated with the latest data and delivered to you along with an Excel data sheet for easy data extraction and analysis.
- All data from the report will also be delivered in an excel dashboard format.
Description
Where is the largest and fastest growing market for in-flight catering services? How does the market relate to the overall economy, demography and other similar markets? What forces will shape the market going forward? The in-flight catering services market global report answers all these questions and many more.The report covers market characteristics, size and growth, segmentation, regional and country breakdowns, competitive landscape, market shares, trends and strategies for this market. It traces the market’s historic and forecast market growth by geography.
- The market characteristics section of the report defines and explains the market.
- The market size section gives the market size ($b) covering both the historic growth of the market, and forecasting its development.
- The forecasts are made after considering the major factors currently impacting the market. These include:
- The forecasts are made after considering the major factors currently impacting the market. These include the Russia-Ukraine war, rising inflation, higher interest rates, and the legacy of the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Market segmentations break down the market into sub markets.
- The regional and country breakdowns section gives an analysis of the market in each geography and the size of the market by geography and compares their historic and forecast growth. It covers the growth trajectory of COVID-19 for all regions, key developed countries and major emerging markets.
- The competitive landscape chapter gives a description of the competitive nature of the market, market shares, and a description of the leading companies. Key financial deals which have shaped the market in recent years are identified.
- The trends and strategies section analyses the shape of the market as it emerges from the crisis and suggests how companies can grow as the market recovers.
Scope
Markets Covered:
1) By Aircraft Seating Class: Economy Class; Business Class; First Class2) By Source: In-house; Outsource
3) By Flight Type: Full Service Carriers; Low Cost Carriers
4) By Food Type: Meal; Bakery and confectionery; Beverage; Other Types
Subsegments:
1) By Economy Class: Meal Options (Standard, Vegetarian, Special Dietary); Snack and Beverage Services; in-Flight Entertainment Snacks2) By Business Class: Gourmet Meal Options; Premium Snack and Beverage Selection; on-Demand Meal Service
3) By First Class: Fine Dining Experience; Customizable Meal Options; Exclusive Beverages and Snacks; in-Flight Chef Services
Key Companies Mentioned: Korean Air Catering Co. Ltd.; Japan Airlines Catering Service Co. Ltd.; Cathay Pacific Catering Services Ltd.; Emirates Flight Catering LLC; Newrest Group Services SAS
Countries: Australia; Brazil; China; France; Germany; India; Indonesia; Japan; Russia; South Korea; UK; USA; Canada; Italy; Spain
Regions: Asia-Pacific; Western Europe; Eastern Europe; North America; South America; Middle East; Africa
Time Series: Five years historic and ten years forecast.
Data: Ratios of market size and growth to related markets, GDP proportions, expenditure per capita.
Data Segmentation: Country and regional historic and forecast data, market share of competitors, market segments.
Sourcing and Referencing: Data and analysis throughout the report is sourced using end notes.
Delivery Format: PDF, Word and Excel Data Dashboard.
Companies Mentioned
- Korean Air Catering Co. Ltd.
- Japan Airlines Catering Service Co. Ltd.
- Cathay Pacific Catering Services Ltd.
- Emirates Flight Catering LLC
- Newrest Group Services SAS
- Ethiopian Airlines Catering Services
- Singapore Airport Terminal Services Ltd.
- Flying Food Group LLC
- DO & CO Luftfahrt-Catering Service GmbH & Co. KG
- Servair S.A.
- EgyptAir In-Flight Services
- Bahrain Airport Services Co. (BAS)
- Air Culinaire Worldwide Inc.
- Air Fayre Ltd.
- Abby's Catering Ltd.
- Gate Gourmet Ltd.
- Journey Group plc
- LSG Group GmbH & Co. KG
- All Nippon Airways Catering Service Co. Ltd.
- AAS Catering (Air Atlanta Catering)
- KLM Catering Services Amsterdam B.V.
- Saudi Airlines Catering Company (SACC)
- Royal In-Flight Catering A/S
- TajSATS Ltd.
- Aerofood Catering Services Ltd.
- Dubai National Air Transport Authority Catering
- Airport Catering Services (ACS)
- TUI Catering Ltd.
- Eurest Catering Ltd.
- Turkish Airlines Catering services
Table Information
| Report Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| No. of Pages | 200 |
| Published | March 2025 |
| Forecast Period | 2025 - 2029 |
| Estimated Market Value ( USD | $ 19.33 Billion |
| Forecasted Market Value ( USD | $ 27.42 Billion |
| Compound Annual Growth Rate | 9.1% |
| Regions Covered | Global |
| No. of Companies Mentioned | 30 |
