In-Flight Catering Service Market Outlook - 2026
According to analysis of International Air Transport Association (IATA), more than seven billion passengers are expected to opt for air travel by end of 2036, with a 3.6 % year-on-year growth. Air transportation companies are focusing on increasing the quality of in-flight catering service to attract more passengers from a business development standpoint. This factor is expected to fuel demand for various in-flight catering services, consequently driving the growth of the in-flight catering market during the analysis period. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the international and domestic air traffic across the global aviation industry has witnessed a significant surge since the past few years that has led to increased operational profits and overall net profits of airlines. Moreover, an increase in number of individuals opting for air travel is expected to boost the demand for in-flight catering services, in turn fueling the growth of the in-flight catering market during the forecast period. According to the International Civil Aviation Organization, there has been a dramatic growth in the aviation industry over the last two decades with passenger the number of passengers rising from 1.467 billion in 1998 to 3.979 billion in 2017. Thus, this growth in the aviation industry is expected to boost the number of airline passenger and thereby fuel the growth of the inflight catering service market.
The global in-flight catering service market size was valued at $18,081 million in 2018, and is expected to reach $24,113 million by 2026, growing at a CAGR of 3.66% from 2019 to 2026. In-flight catering service deals with in-flight meals served to the passengers boarding the flight. These meals are prepared by catering companies and are served to passengers via trolley.
The meals have wide range of variety and differs from company to company and region to region. The inflight catering company is guided by various rules and regulations to offer passengers quality food and food products. For instance, EgyptAir, Emirates, Etihad Airways, Garuda Indonesia, and others served meal with Halal certification without pork and alcohol in accordance with Islamic customs. While Emirates, Etihad, and Qatar still provide wine to the non-Muslim passengers upon request. The food type range from a simple snack or beverage in short-haul economy class to a seven-course gourmet meal in a first class long-haul flight. The types of food offered, often incorporate elements of local cuisine, sometimes both from the destination countries and origin.
In the recent years, an exponential rise in the number of passengers travelling via air is expected to be the primary driver for the growth of the in-flight catering service industry. Despite slower economic growth in various countries, the number of domestic and international passenger travelling by air has increased, thereby boosting the market growth. However, healthy growth in the market is projected due to rise in expectation of flyers to have nutritious and healthy food is also expected to boost the market growth. In addition, rise in adoption of online platforms for meal booking by the major airline companies is further expected to increase meal booking. Moreover, rise in automation and proliferation of inflight catering management has enabled caters and airline to collaborate and offer a rich passenger experience at minimum cost. Furthermore, rise in investment in the aviation sector is expected to benefit the catering service market as global in-flight catering company would further invest and substantially increase their market In-Flight catering service market share. In addition, the government of India has approved 100% of foreign direct investment (FDI) in scheduled air transport service regional air transport service and domestic scheduled passenger airline. However, FDI over 49% would require government approval. India’s aviation industry is expected to witness Rs 35,000 crore (US$ 4.99 billion) investment in the next four years. The Indian government is planning to invest US$ 1.83 billion for development of airport infrastructure along with aviation navigation services by 2026.
The global in-flight catering service market is segmented based on aircraft class, flight type, and food type. Depending on aircraft class, the in-flight catering service market is classified into economy class, business class, and first class. The flight type segment comprises full service and low cost. Based on food type, the in-flight catering service market is classified into meals, bakery & confectionary, beverages, and others. Region wise, the in-flight catering service market is analyzed across North America (U.S., Canada, and Mexico), Europe (Germany, UK, France, The Netherlands, Turkey, and rest of Europe), Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, India, South Korea, Australia, and rest of Asia-Pacific), and LAMEA (Brazil, South Africa, United Arab Emirates, and rest of LAMEA).
Based on aircraft class, the market is classified into economy class, business class, and first class. In 2019, economy class was the leading segment in the global market, owing to lower price of economy class air tickets. In addition, government of various countries are introducing various initiatives to fuel the growth of the aviation sector. For instance, UDAN-RCS, a policy by government of India was introduced in April 2017, with aim to make air travel cheaper for the growing middle class is expected to drive the market In-Flight Catering service market growth.
On the basis of flight type, the market is categorized into full service and low cost. The full service was the leading segment in the global market, owing to in-flight entertainment, meals, baggage, blanket, and pillow all-inclusive in the ticket price. Full service carrier offers passengers the options of economy class or business class travel and on some flights, premium economy and first class; thus, contributing toward the market growth.
On the basis of food type, the in-flight catering service market is classified into meals, bakery and confectionary, beverages, and others. The meals segment was the leading segment in the global market, owing to increase in number of passengers and long duration air travels. In addition, various catering companies have introduced various types of meals such as mini-meal for customer with moderate time of travelling thus fueling the growth of in-flight catering service market. Furthermore, introduction of online platform for ordering food and stringent hygiene regulations for food products are expected to further boost the market growth.
Region wise, North America was the largest market in 2019, owing to rise in number of passengers travelling for business and tourism in the North American region. Population growth, economic growth, and social factors are expected to drive the in-flight catering service market trends in Asia-Pacific. The present level of efficient in-flight catering service technology has helped in increasing the profitability and is expected to further boost the in-flight catering service industry growth.
Some of the major players in the operating in the global in-flight catering service market include Gategroup, Newrest Group International S.A.S, LSG Sky Chefs, Do & Co, Emirates Flight Catering, SATS Limited, Cathay Pacific Airways Limited, Flying Food Group LLC, Saudi Airlines Catering Company, and Royal In-Flight Catering.
The other players in the in-flight catering service industry are Journey Group Plc, On Air Dining, KLM Catering Services Schiphol, Air Fayre, Servair, LSG Lufthansa Service Holding, Abby's Catering, AAS Catering, LSG Lufthansa Service Holding, ANA Catering Service, TajSATS Air Catering Limited, and Brahim's SATS Food Services.
Key Benefits for In-Flight Catering Service Market:
- This report provides a quantitative analysis of the current In-flight catering service industry trends, estimations, and dynamics of the market from 2019 to 2026 to identify the prevailing market opportunities.
- The key countries in all the major regions are mapped based on their market share.
- Porter’s five forces of in-flight catering service market analysis highlights the potency of buyers and suppliers to enable stakeholders to make profit-oriented business decisions and strengthen their supplier–buyer network.
- An in-depth analysis of the in-flight catering service market size helps to determine the prevailing market opportunities.
- The market in-flight catering service market forecast are provided along with the information related to key drivers, restraints, and opportunities.
- A detailed analysis of the in-flight catering service market segments measures the potential of the market. These segments outline the favorable conditions for the market forecast.
In-Flight Catering Service Market Report Highlights
| Aspects | Details |
 By AIRCRAFT CLASS |
|
 By FLIGHT TYPE |
|
 By FOOD TYPE |
|
 By Region |
|
 Key Market Players | LSG Sky Chefs, Newrest Group International S.A.S, Flying food Group LLC, DO & CO, SATS Limited, Brahim's SATS Food Services, ANA Catering Service, gategroup, Cathay Pacific Airways Limited, The Emirates Group |
Analyst Review
In-flight catering offers customers the highest level of customized catering and provisioning service available in the industry from first class and business class cabins or VIP charter flight services, to bespoke private jet service. Airline company provides the most distinctive cabins aboard the most recognizable airlines experience flying along with delicious food.
In-flight catering company also provides food and beverages for airport lounges that are managed directly by customers or through a partnership with our colleagues at PERFORMA. They support menu development and delivery of a wide array of hot and cold buffet meals including breakfasts, lunches, dinners, and afternoon tea. The premium catering offering begins with consultations with experienced team of executive chefs, to fully understand the scope of your onboard program, including menus, drink service, service presentation and amenity kits or other comfort items.
By planning for changes that lie ahead using internationally accepted smarter regulation principles, governments can ensure that their economies and societies will reap the benefits of increased connectivity and position aviation as a key contributor to the 2030 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. Thus, this factor will lead to development of in-flight catering service market in the coming years.
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