China Inflight Catering Market Size (2024 - 2029)

The Chinese inflight catering market is poised for growth, driven by the expansion of the aviation industry and a heightened focus on food quality services. Technological innovations, such as meal ordering devices, and the increasing adoption of inflight catering by low-cost carriers are expected to create further opportunities. As China is set to become the largest aviation market, the rising air traffic and demand for new aircraft are anticipated to significantly influence the market size, contributing to its expansion in the coming years.

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Market Size of China Inflight Catering Industry

China Inflight Catering Market Summary
Study Period 2020 - 2029
Base Year For Estimation 2023
Forecast Data Period 2024 - 2029
Historical Data Period 2020 - 2022
CAGR 4.00 %
Market Concentration High

Major Players

China Inflight Catering Market Major Players

*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order

China Inflight Catering Market Analysis

The Chinese inflight catering market is estimated to register a CAGR of over 4% during the forecast period.

The upturn in the Chinese aviation industry and the increasing emphasis on food quality services may lead to growth in the market in the coming years. Technological advancements, such as meal ordering devices (MOD), coupled with the growing adoption of inflight catering services by low-cost carriers in China, are expected to provide growth opportunities for the China Inflight Catering Market in the years to come.

According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), China will surpass the United States and will become the largest aviation market by 2024. Also, the country is expected to reach a total of 1.5 billion aviation passengers by 2036. In addition to that, the Civil Aviation Administration of China (CAAC) aimed to construct 216 new airports by 2035 due to growing demands for air travel. Thus, rising air traffic leads to increasing demand for new aircraft which drives the growth of the market.

China Inflight Catering Industry Segmentation

Inflight catering refers to airline food, inflight meal, or airline meal, which is served on board to passengers by the aircraft operator. Specialist airline catering services prepare these meals and usually serve to passengers using an airline service trolley.

The market is segmented by seating class, flight service type, and food type. Based on seating class, the market is segmented into economy class, business class, and first class. Based on flight service type, the market is divided into full-service providers, low-cost carriers, hybrid, and others. On the basis of food type, the market is segmented into meals, bakery and confectionary, beverages, and other food types. The market sizing and forecasts have been provided in value (USD million).

Aircraft Class
Economy Class
Business Class
First Class
Flight Service Type
Full Service Carriers
Low-cost Carriers
Hybrid and Others
Food Type
Meals
Bakery and Confectionary
Beverages
Other Food Types
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China Inflight Catering Market Size Summary

The Chinese inflight catering market is poised for significant growth, driven by the expansion of the aviation sector and an increasing focus on enhancing food quality services. Technological innovations, such as meal ordering devices, and the rising adoption of inflight catering by low-cost carriers are expected to create new opportunities in the market. As China is set to become the largest aviation market, the surge in air traffic is anticipated to boost the demand for inflight catering services. Full-service carriers currently dominate the market, with airlines investing in improving the inflight experience to attract more passengers. The shift in sourcing strategies from point-to-point to destination-based procurement has also helped reduce logistics costs, further supporting market growth.

The economy class segment is expected to hold the largest share in the market, driven by the increasing demand for high-quality meals among economy class passengers. There is a notable trend towards healthier meal options, with passengers showing a preference for white meat over red meat. The market is characterized by a few key players holding significant shares, and companies are actively seeking to expand their market presence through contract extensions and new agreements. The market's consolidated nature means that maintaining high-quality food offerings is crucial for caterers to retain airline contracts and build trust. Despite challenges such as flight duration and meal preservation, the market continues to evolve with a focus on meeting the diverse needs of air travelers.

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China Inflight Catering Market Size - Table of Contents

  1. 1. MARKET DYNAMICS

    1. 1.1 Market Overview

    2. 1.2 Market Drivers

    3. 1.3 Market Restraints

    4. 1.4 Porter's Five Forces Analysis

      1. 1.4.1 Threat of New Entrants

      2. 1.4.2 Bargaining Power of Buyers/Consumers

      3. 1.4.3 Bargaining Power of Suppliers

      4. 1.4.4 Threat of Substitute Products

      5. 1.4.5 Intensity of Competitive Rivalry

  2. 2. MARKET SEGMENTATION

    1. 2.1 Aircraft Class

      1. 2.1.1 Economy Class

      2. 2.1.2 Business Class

      3. 2.1.3 First Class

    2. 2.2 Flight Service Type

      1. 2.2.1 Full Service Carriers

      2. 2.2.2 Low-cost Carriers

      3. 2.2.3 Hybrid and Others

    3. 2.3 Food Type

      1. 2.3.1 Meals

      2. 2.3.2 Bakery and Confectionary

      3. 2.3.3 Beverages

      4. 2.3.4 Other Food Types

China Inflight Catering Market Size FAQs

The China Inflight Catering Market is projected to register a CAGR of greater than 4% during the forecast period (2024-2029)

Air China, Flying Food Group, Cathay Pacific Catering Services (H.K) Ltd., HNA Group and LSG Sky Chefs are the major companies operating in the China Inflight Catering Market.

China Inflight Catering Report Snapshots

China Inflight Catering Market Size & Share Analysis - Growth Trends & Forecasts (2024 - 2029)