In-Flight Catering Services Market Size, Share & Industry Analysis, By Flight Type (Business, Premium, and Economy), By Flight Duration (Short haul, Medium haul, and Long haul), and Regional Forecast, 2025 – 2032

The global in-flight catering services market was valued at USD 17.45 billion in 2024. It is projected to grow from USD 18.24 billion in 2025 to USD 29.01 billion by 2032, exhibiting a CAGR of 6.9% during the forecast period.

In-flight catering services is a growing industry driven by the expanding travel market and strong competition from flight operators. Airlines actively invest in enhancing customer experience in assisting flights through in-house services such as meal offerings, entertainment, and other. These services significantly increase customer loyalty and brand differentiation. As airline services connect to different parts of the world, there is an increase in multicultural passenger bases with varied culinary requirements. The market observes trends such as data-driven personalization and collaborative crowd-sourced food menus in airlines. These services offer diverse and customizable food options that cater to individual tastes, ensuring each passenger's satisfaction.

Global in-flight catering services players such as Gates Group, Emirates, and Dnata are investing heavily in increasing operational excellence and customer loyalty through valuable digital feedback, data-driven personalization, and mobile apps. The data gathered through feedback and travel booking is used to offer personalized meals, refine in-flight services, and expand customer loyalty toward airline brands.

IMPACT OF DIGITIZATION

Increased In-Flight Digital Ordering and Catering Drive Technology Adoption

Digital ordering systems are revolutionary technologies that integrate orders from different systems at one place, easing ordering and catering processes across in-flight catering services. This technology enhances service operations by increasing its speed and accuracy, making customers satisfied. Further, this technology also delivers real-time menu updates, giving customers the latest options and making operations smoother with less cost and labor. These advancements expand the in-flight catering services market size in developed and emerging markets.

• For example, a recent study on digital ordering in Tarka Indian Kitchen reflected a 43% increase in overall sales after using Checkmate’s digital ordering system. The study shows how the tech offers a better dining experience and customer satisfaction for pre ordered meal options before onboarding. Currently, 70% of new orders are digital, making the process easier.

IN-FLIGHT CATERING SERVICES MARKET TRENDS

Health Trends and Vegan Meals Reshape Modern In-flight Catering Market

The air travel industry is rapidly changing post-pandemic, shifting focus to healthier meal options across the airline catering industry. This change highlights a customer shift toward safer catering needs and demand for quick nutritional meals on their journey. These requirements create a space for partnerships between prominent airlines and catering specialists. This allows industry experts to create versatile options that are both healthy and tasty.

• For instance, in January 2024, Emirates announced an array of vegan meals onboard and in lounges to meet the growing demand for plant-based meals. In 2023, Emirates served more than 300 vegan recipes to more than 4,50,000 passengers, as consumption had grown 40% year over year.

MARKET DYNAMICS

Market Drivers

Personalized Catering and Digital Ordering Drives In-Flight Catering Services Demand

Demand for in-flight catering services is shaped by digital ordering that allows customers to personalize menus according to taste, significantly expanding the menus in-flight. Airline companies are integrating custom food menu options for passengers in every class. These customized menu options enable companies to ensure customers' favourite meals are available before onboarding. This extends the demand for personalized catering, progressively driving the in-flight catering services market growth during the forecast period.

• For instance, in August 2024, Emirates introduced pre-flight meal selection for passengers to select their hot main meal up to 14 days and 24 hours before onboarding. The service is available on 100 main routes worldwide.

Market Challenges

High Price Competitiveness and Stringent Compliance are Complex Challenges

The industry is highly dependent on customer behavior. Thus, the catering industry demands strong compliance, especially for the outsourced onboard meals. Airports cater to a large group of customers, however ensuring profit while reducing wastage is crucial for the airline catering industry. Additionally, different airline catering companies are hampered by highly competitive market where low price margins due to the presence of a large pool of companies is creating complexities.

Market Opportunities

Demand for Sustainable Packaging Creates Lucrative Opportunities

Sustainability in airline catering has gained a significant focus, as passengers' preferences for compostable and biodegradable packaging for in-flight meals have changed. Additionally, there is a growing emphasis on eliminating single-use plastics and shifting consumers to opt for biodegradable materials to reduce the environmental footprint. Hence, airlines offer recyclable packaging options to meet the growing consumer preference for eco-friendly practices. These sustainable practices create a new demand for eco-packaged meals across the in-flight catering industry.

• For instance, in November 2024, LSKY, a premium in-flight gourmet catering provider, elevated premium services and sustainability commitment by replacing all plastic items with eco-friendly bamboo alternatives. Additionally, the company switched to compostable packaging to minimize environmental impact.

SEGMENTATION ANALYSIS

By Flight Type

Increased World-class Service Options for Business Class Contributes to the Segment’s Dominance

By flight type the market is classified into business, premium, and economy.

Business class flights are the dominating segment and expected to grow with highest CAGR, and huge potential for the in-flight catering market over the forecast period. Business customers pre-order premium food services to satisfy their needs and appetites, strengthening airline caterers' business across the in-flight catering services value chain. As the economy class turned into a highly competitive market, airline businesses ventured into new offerings with onboard catering services to increase customer attraction and brand awareness.

The premium segment continues to grow significantly, supported by airlines' increasing emphasis on offering premium services to build customer loyalty.

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By Flight Duration

Growing Preference for Hot Meals Drives Long-Haul Catering Demand

The market is classified into short-haul, medium-haul, and long-haul, based on flight duration.

The long-haul segment dominates the in-flight catering services market, led by the active adoption of food services in premium and long-range flights. Customers leverage the availability of hot meal services in long-range flights, which continues to expand the segment's growth.

The medium-haul segment will grow moderately, as packaged food and pre-order options with a marginal added cost are growing in preference.

Short-haul catering options for bakery and confectionery goods, ready-to-eat meals, and other drink options are available for the customers as onboard sales. These options continue diversifying business opportunities, increasing the in-flight catering services market share over the forecast period.

IN-FLIGHT CATERING SERVICES MARKET REGIONAL OUTLOOK

Geographically, the market is divided into North America, Asia Pacific, Europe, South America, and Middle East & Africa.

North America

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North America dominates the regional market with a 36% share, driven by the region’s dynamic aviation industry and increased preference for aviation as a mode of travel for long and medium journeys. Another factor contributing to the market growth is the customer preference for onboard food options, with a marginal price at every flight type, which has expanded the market potential. Countries such as the U.S., Canada, and Mexico are epicenters for the market due to their large aviation sector and huge number of national and international flights.

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The U.S. is the biggest market in the North American region. It dominates the region with potential customer earnings and a developed aviation sector supporting the travel industry. Customers prefer domestic flights for medium-haul travel owing to the numerous options available and cheap pricing across the country.

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Asia Pacific

Asia Pacific is a dynamically growing region witnessing the highest CAGR in the global market. The growing number of domestic and international air passengers leads to the surge in emerging economies such as China, Japan, India, and Southeast Asia. Prominent tourism destinations such as India and Southeast Asian countries have limited airline presence, which makes these countries efficient to operate. In-flight catering services can help emerging players build brand awareness and loyalty for customers travelling in this region.

Europe

The presence of a large number of businesses largely drives Europe's steadily growing premium and long-range flights. The region also has preferred tourism places for international tourists. The presence of premium airline operators and world-class catering services in-flights adds to the European high-value market.

Middle East & Africa

The Middle East & Africa region is moderately growing due to large connected airlines and a leg between the source and destination. However, connected airlines and premium players such as Etihad, Emirates, and Qatar drive the in-flight catering business. Companies are largely dependent on international tourism, and the potential investments in in-flight catering are growing as compared to lounge catering.

South America

The South American market is slowly growing, with increasing potential customer savings. The growing preference for travel spending is driving the in-flight catering services market. Airline caterers are expanding their regional presence, offering premium meals on medium and long flights.

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

KEY INDUSTRY PLAYERS

Modernization and Acquisition for Sustainability and Operations Drive Players' Expansion

In-flight catering companies are witnessing potential growth in the international market, largely shaped by the growing investment of flight operators in the in-flight catering services industry and sustainability. Businesses are expanding their operation capabilities to meet this demand, with expansion capabilities aligning with sustainability goals. The business verticals are targeting modern trends of sustainable options through strategic acquisitions that will strengthen the brand loyalty and presence in the long-term.

• For instance, in May 2025, Emirates flight catering acquired Emirates Bustanica, formerly Emirates Crop One. The brand encompasses the largest vertical indoor farm that can grow 3 tonnes of leafy greens daily. The acquisition establishes Emirates' vision of enhancing food and water security and meeting the demand for sustainable in-house agriculture needs.

Long List of Companies Studied (including but not limited to)

• Gategroup (Switzerland)
• Emirates Flight Catering (Dubai)
• Newrest (France)
• LSG Group (Germany)
• SATS Ltd. (Singapore)
• Do & CO Ag (Austria)
• TajSATS (India)
• Flying Food Group (U.S.)
• GCC Group (U.S.)
• Cathay Pacific Catering Services (H.K.) Ltd. (Hong Kong)
• Air Fayre (U.S.)
• Casino Air Caterers & Flight Services Pvt Ltd. (India)
• Saudi Airlines Catering Company (Saudi Arabia)
• KLM Catering Services (Netherlands)
• Kuwait Aviation Services Company, KASCO (Kuwait)
• Bangkok Air Catering Co., Ltd. (Thailand)
• Sky Café (Canada)
• MAS Awana Services Sdn Bhd (Indonesia)
• Hermolis (U.K.)
• CLA Catering (Portugal)

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS

• May 2025: Emirates Flight Catering (EFC), the world’s largest catering service operator, announced a fleet modernization contract with AL-Futtaim Auto and Machinery Company (FAMCO) and Volvo to purchase 53 aircraft catering trucks. This is an investment of USD 16 million in a fleet renewal programme, and 120 next-generation vehicles will be introduced over the next five years.
• May 2025: SATS Ltd., a leading air cargo and ground handling services provider, announced an investment of USD 270 million in the Singapore hub upgrade. The investment includes USD 115 million for renewal and expansion over the next five years. This strategy will enhance SG hub operations' reliability and ground handling capabilities.
• February 2025: Dnata Catering & Retail is investing USD 17 million to advance Inflight catering within Western Sydney International Airport's cargo precinct. The investment will extend the capability of producing three million high-quality meals yearly.
• January 2025: Emirates’ Dnata announced an investment of USD 31.01 million to strengthen its position in the Australian in-flight catering market. The expansion makes the Dnata catering facility the largest in Victoria, with an increased capacity of producing 25 million meals annually. The development will further enhance Dnata’s ability to meet customers' evolving needs and demand base.
• November 2024: LSG Sky Chefs, a prominent airline catering and onboard services provider, announced a transformative USD 60 million investment in a new fleet of advanced 230 trucks. The strategy aims to modernize operations and improve delivery standards for quality, operation excellence, and efficiency.
• September 2024: Newrest announces a strategic partnership with AREAS, a leading leisure and travel catering provider in Europe. Together, they operate an in-flight catering license at Bordeaux and Nantes airports. The alliance enables both groups to enhance service offerings and benefit from operational and commercial synergies.

REPORT COVERAGE

The in-flight catering services report includes detailed segmentation and analysis of the market. It focuses on key aspects such as leading companies, services, and operations. It also offers insights into market trends and highlights key industry developments. In addition to the factors above, the report encompasses several factors that contributed to the market's growth in recent years.

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REPORT SCOPE & SEGMENTATION