• The global industry was valued at US$ 16.9 Bn in 2023
• It is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 6.3% from 2024 to 2034 and reach US$ 32.9 Bn by the end of 2034

Market Introduction

In-flight Catering Services Market Regional Insights

In-flight Catering Services Market Snapshot

The Inflight Catering Market report segments the industry into 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), and Geography (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and more).

It is estimated that in 2027, the global airline catering services market will amount to approximately **** billion U.S. dollars. Airline catering industry in the U.S. As low-cost carriers (LCCs) entered the aviation market, the traditional aviation services got disrupted immensely. One of the impacts of the structural changes within the aviation industry was on the airline catering services because traditional air carriers started to rethink the in-flight food provisioning. Despite all, people need food or some basic nourishments during a travel journey. In upcoming years, slow but steady growth in global airline catering services is expected. In 2019, the market size of the U.S. airline catering services was roughly *** billion U.S. dollars. During that period, this industry employed over ****** people in the U.S. Enterprises in the U.S. air catering market Since 2017, the number of firms in this market has experienced a growth path even amid the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. Each large air carrier has a main in-flight food provider, mostly owned vertically within their own business unit. In 2019, there were approximately *** businesses in the U.S. airline catering services market to supply the aviation industry with food. In that same year, the U.S. airline catering service enterprises incurred approximately *** billion U.S. dollars in wage costs.

In-flight Catering Services Market size was valued at around USD 22 billion in 2024 and is projected to reach around USD 34 billion by 2030 along with a CAGR of 9.12%.

The Asia Pacific Inflight Catering Services Market report segments the industry into Food Type (Meals, Bakery And Confectionary, Beverages, Other Food Types), Flight Type (Full-Service Carriers, Low-Cost Carriers), Aircraft Seating Class (Economy Class, Business Class, First Class), and Geography (India, China, Japan, South Korea, Rest Of Asia-Pacific). Get five years of historical data and five-year forecasts.

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In-Flight Catering Services Market Size 2025-2029

The in-flight catering services market size is forecast to increase by USD 7.65 billion, at a CAGR of 7.7% between 2024 and 2029.

The market is experiencing significant growth due to several key factors. The increase in global air passenger traffic is driving market demand, as more people travel by air for both business travel and leisure purposes. Another trend influencing market growth is the rising use of meal-ordering devices, which enable passengers to customize their meals and have more control over their in-flight dining experience. Additionally, fluctuating airline ticket prices can impact the demand for in-flight catering services, as some passengers may opt for cheaper fares that do not include meals. Overall, these trends are shaping the market and are expected to continue driving growth In the coming years.

What will be the size of the In-Flight Catering Services Market During the Forecast Period?

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The market caters to the meal requirements of passengers on non-stop and long-haul flights aboard commercial aeroplanes. Airlines prioritize supply chain management, implementing lean manufacturing and just-in-time manufacturing principles to ensure efficient delivery of on-board meals. IT management and inventory systems enable real-time tracking and automation of catering orders. Commercial kitchens prepare regionally appropriate meals, accommodating special dietary needs and premium cabin passengers with pre-ordered meal offerings. Safety regulations mandate stringent food safety protocols.
Full-service carriers and low-cost carriers differ In their catering strategies, with the former focusing on enhancing passenger experience through premium offerings and the latter optimizing costs. In-flight catering automation and catering management systems streamline operations, ensuring timely delivery of meals on commercial aircraft. Consumer lifestyles and evolving airline classes continue to influence market trends. Contract renewals and continuous improvement in food quality and variety remain key factors driving market growth.

How is this In-Flight Catering Services Industry segmented and which is the largest segment?

The in-flight catering services industry research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD billion' for the period 2025-2029, as well as historical data from 2019-2023 for the following segments.

Product

  Food
  Beverages


Type

  Economy class
  Business class
  First class


Geography

  APAC

    China
    India
    Japan


  Europe

    Germany
    UK
    France


  North America

    Canada
    US


  Middle East and Africa



  South America

    Brazil

By Product Insights

The food segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period.

In-flight catering services play a crucial role in enhancing the passenger experience, particularly on non-stop and long-haul flights. The food segment is a significant component of these services, offering a diverse range of products including meals, breakfast items, pre-packed meals, fresh snacks, and fruits. Airlines differentiate themselves through the quality and variety of onboard meals, with premium economy and business class passengers expecting more customized offerings. IT management and inventory systems, lean and just-in-time manufacturing, commercial kitchens, and safety regulations are essential elements of efficient in-flight catering operations. Partnerships between airlines and caterers, as well as airline class segments, contribute to the market's growth.

Consumer lifestyle trends, urbanization, and cultural backgrounds influence meal preferences, leading to regionally appropriate meals and special dietary needs. In-flight catering automation, catering management, and passenger experience are key areas of focus for improving the overall offering. Food safety, cold chain management, and HACCP tracking are essential for maintaining quality and adhering to regulations.

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The food segment was valued at USD 5.51 billion in 2019 and showed a gradual increase during the forecast period.

Regional Analysis

APAC is estimated to contribute 35% to the growth of the global market during the forecast period.

Technavio's analysts have elaborately explained the regional trends and drivers that shape the market during the forecast period.

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The market In the Asia Pacific (APAC) region is experiencing significant growth due to the increasing number of non-stop and long haul flights by airlines. With the rise in consumer lifestyle trends and urbanization, there is a growing demand

Inflight Catering Market size was valued at USD 17.16 Billion in 2023 and is projected to reach USD 25.88 Billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 8.58% during the forecast period 2024-2030.

Global Inflight Catering Market Drivers

The market drivers for the Inflight Catering Market can be influenced by various factors. These may include:

Growth in Air Passenger Traffic: The in-flight catering business is significantly influenced by the steady increase in air passenger traffic, which is fueled by factors including rising disposable incomes, an expanding middle class, and an increase in tourism. The market is driven by an increase in the demand for in-flight amenities and meals as more people travel by air. Focus on Passenger Experience: In an effort to obtain a competitive advantage, airlines are placing a greater emphasis on improving the overall passenger experience. High-quality food and services may greatly increase passenger happiness and loyalty, which is why in-flight catering is so important. As a result, airlines are making investments to raise the caliber, diversity, and presentation of their onboard meals. Preferences of Airlines for Outsourcing: Rather than handling their catering internally, several airlines would rather contract with specialized businesses. Airlines may lower expenses, boost productivity, and get access to a greater variety of food alternatives through outsourcing. Because of this, there is a growing need for specialty in-flight food services, which is propelling market expansion. Regulatory Requirements: Aviation authorities are subject to stringent laws concerning the safety and hygienic practices of food served during flights. Because of the specialized knowledge and infrastructure needed to comply with these rules, airlines must rely on reputable catering businesses. Therefore, one of the main factors driving the in-flight catering market is the requirement to comply with regulations. Increasing aviation Competition: To stand out from the competition and draw in more customers, airlines compete fiercely in the aviation sector. One way airlines try to differentiate themselves is by providing excellent in-flight meals and services. Airlines are concentrating more on enhancing their in-flight catering options as competition heats up, which is propelling market expansion. Innovations in Food Packaging and Delivery: The industry for in-flight catering has seen a radical transformation because to developments in food packaging and delivery technologies. These developments enable airlines to provide customers with a greater selection of freshly prepared, premium meals—even on lengthy trips. Improving the whole in-flight dining experience, improved food packaging also contributes to the preservation of food quality and freshness. Shifting Customer Preferences: Over time, travelers' tastes for meals on flights have changed. Passengers today have a wider range of food choices and restrictions in addition to being more health-conscious. In response to these shifting consumer tastes, airlines are expanding their selection of in-flight meal options to include vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and organic options. The in-flight catering sector is growing and innovating to meet these changing consumer requirements.

The global Inflight Catering Services market was valued at USD 16.52 Billion in 2023 and is expected to reach USD 26.74 Billion by 2029 with a CAGR of 8.36% through 2029.

The global in-flight catering service market reached a value of nearly USD 28.82 Billion in 2024. The market is assessed to grow at a CAGR of 5.50% during the forecast period of 2025-2034 to attain a value of around USD 49.23 Billion by 2034. The market is being driven by the expansion of low-cost carriers, technological advancements, the development of in-flight food delivery apps, the surging focus on health and wellness, and the growing shift towards sustainability.

The North America In-Flight Catering Market report segments the industry into Aircraft Seating Class (Economy Class, Business Class, First Class), Flight Service Type (Full-Service Carrier, Low-Cost Carrier, Hybrid and Other Flight Types), and Geography (United States, Canada). Get five years of historical data alongside five-year market forecasts.

The global in-flight catering services market is expected to reach USD 26.12 billion by 2028 from USD 17.95 billion in 2022, growing at a CAGR of 6.45%.

Global In-Flight Catering Services market size is expected to reach $27.14 billion by 2029 at 9%, segmented as by aircraft seating class, economy class, business class, first class

In 2020, the meal segment in the airline catering market accounted for over ************ U.S. dollars worldwide. By 2027, the global airline catering market is expected to reach approximately **** billion U.S. dollars.

In-Flight Catering Services Market size was valued at USD 16.23 billion in 2021 and is predicted to reach USD 26.53 billion by 2030.

The North America Inflight Catering Market, valued at USD 3.48 billion in 2024, is projected to grow at a 12.4% CAGR from 2025-2030, driven by key trends and opportunities.

The Europe Inflight Catering Market report segments the industry into Food Type (Meals, Bakery and Confectionary, Beverages, Other Food Types), Flight Type (Full-service Carriers, Low-cost Carriers), Aircraft Seating Class (Economy Class, Business Class, First Class) and Geography (United Kingdom, Germany, France, Russia, Italy, Spain, Rest of Europe). Get five years of historical data alongside five-year market forecasts.

It is estimated that in 2026, the European airline catering services market will amount to approximately *** billion U.S. dollars. In December 2020, Lufthansa's subsidiary, LSG Group, which was responsible for airline catering services, was acquired by Gategroup.

Global Inflight Catering Services Market reached US$ 16.3 billion in 2023 and is expected to reach US$ 30 billion by 2031

The Global In-Flight Catering Services Market was valued at USD 23.87 Billion in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 39.98 Billion by 2032 growing at a CAGR of 6.66% from 2026 to 2032.The growth of the In-Flight Catering Services Market is driven by increasing air travel, the expansion of the aviation industry, and a rise in passenger expectations for high-quality, diverse meal options. Airlines are focusing on enhancing customer experiences, leading to a demand for customized meal offerings, including healthier and region-specific options. Additionally, the growth of low-cost carriers (LCCs) has resulted in new revenue models, including paid meal services. Advances in food packaging and preservation technologies also play a role in maintaining food quality during flights. Furthermore, the emphasis on sustainable practices, such as reducing food waste and adopting eco-friendly packaging, is shaping the market landscape.

Inflight Catering Service Market Outlook

The global inflight catering service market size was valued at approximately USD 19.5 billion in 2023 and is projected to reach around USD 28.6 billion by 2032, growing at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.2% during the forecast period. The market is primarily driven by the increasing number of air travelers, coupled with the rising demand for high-quality and diverse meal options on flights.

One of the key growth factors for the inflight catering service market is the significant increase in global air passenger traffic. As per the International Air Transport Association (IATA), passenger numbers are expected to reach 4.9 billion by 2030. This surge in the number of air travelers directly translates to higher demand for inflight catering services. Airlines are continuously striving to enhance passenger experience by offering diverse and high-quality meals, which in turn is driving the growth of the inflight catering market.

Another factor contributing to the market growth is the growing trend of globalization and international travel. With more people traveling for leisure, business, and education, the need for comprehensive and high-quality inflight catering services has never been higher. This trend is further supported by the expansion of airline fleets and the introduction of new routes, particularly by low-cost carriers, which are making air travel more accessible. This broader availability of flights is creating a ripple effect that propels the demand for catering services.

Technological advancements in food preservation and packaging are also playing a pivotal role in the growth of the inflight catering service market. Innovations such as vacuum packing and advanced freezing techniques ensure that meals remain fresh and safe for consumption throughout the flight. Additionally, the integration of digital platforms for pre-ordering meals is enhancing passenger convenience and allowing for greater customization of inflight meals, thereby boosting customer satisfaction and loyalty.

From a regional perspective, North America and Europe are major contributors to the inflight catering service market, owing to the high volume of air travel in these regions. The Asia Pacific region is also expected to witness significant growth, driven by increasing disposable incomes and the rapid expansion of airline operations in countries like China and India. However, the market faces challenges such as stringent regulations regarding food safety and quality, which could hamper growth to some extent.

Offering Analysis

The offering segment of the inflight catering service market is divided into meals, bakery & confectionary, beverages, and others. Meals constitute the largest share of the market. Airlines offer a variety of meal options ranging from vegetarian, non-vegetarian to special dietary meals, catering to the diverse preferences of passengers. The demand for wholesome and nutritious meals has seen a significant rise, particularly in long-haul flights, where passengers seek comfort and quality in their dining experience. Airlines are partnering with renowned chefs and culinary experts to curate meals that not only satisfy hunger but also provide a delightful gastronomic experience.

Bakery & confectionary items are also a crucial offering within the inflight catering service market. These include bread rolls, cakes, pastries, and other baked goods that complement meals and enhance passenger satisfaction. The focus here is on freshness and variety, with many airlines offering a rotating selection of bakery items to keep the offerings exciting. The demand for premium confectionary items like chocolates and gourmet candies is particularly high in business and first-class cabins, where passengers expect top-tier service and quality.

Beverages form another significant component of inflight catering services. This includes both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks such as juices, soft drinks, coffee, tea, and a selection of wines and spirits. The beverage service is a critical element of the overall inflight dining experience. Airlines are increasingly focusing on offering an extensive range of beverages to cater to different passenger tastes and preferences. The trend of serving locally sourced and organic beverages is gaining traction, reflecting a broader consumer shift towards health-conscious consumption.

The "others" category includes snacks, salads, and other light refreshments that are often provided on shorter flights or a