Market Size of Inflight Catering Industry
| Study Period | 2019 - 2029 |
| Market Size (2024) | USD 17.15 Billion |
| Market Size (2029) | USD 25.87 Billion |
| CAGR (2024 - 2029) | 8.57 % |
| Fastest Growing Market | North America |
| Largest Market | Asia-Pacific |
Major Players
*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order |
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Inflight Catering Market Analysis
The Inflight Catering Market size is estimated at USD 17.15 billion in 2024, and is expected to reach USD 25.87 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 8.57% during the forecast period (2024-2029).
The growth of the inflight catering market is expected to be driven by an increasing number of airline passengers. Another factor that is expected to boost the growth of the market is improving the quality of food and services offered by aircraft service providers. The food & beverage industry is witnessing increasing technological advancements in the form of tablet and mobile device-based ordering and payment for specific orders, which is an ongoing trend in the target market.
The in-flight catering service market is facing a significant challenge due to the rise in the cost of in-flight food. This increase in cost is impeding the market's efficient functioning and hindering its growth potential With the competition among the airlines growing, they are opting for certain strategies to enhance the inflight dining experience. These strategies range from the process of ordering to food serving. Such developments may have a long-term effect on the prospects of the market in focus during the forecast period.
Inflight Catering Industry Segmentation
Inflight food is the food served to passengers onboard a commercial airliner. Specialist airline catering services prepare these meals and usually serve them to passengers using an airline service trolley.
The inflight catering market is segmented by food type, flight type, aircraft seating class, catering type, flight duration, and geography (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East and Africa). By food type, the market is segmented into meals, bakery and confectionery, beverages, and other food types. Other food types include jams, sauces, salt, pepper, and margarine.
By flight type, the market is segmented into full-service carriers, low-cost carriers, and other flight types. By seating class, the market is segmented into economy class, business class, and first class. By catering type, the market is segmented into retail onboard and classic catering. By flight duration, the market is segmented into long haul and short haul. The report also covers the market size and forecasts in major countries across all the regions.
For each segment, the market size is provided in terms of value (USD).
| 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 |
| Geography | ||||||||
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Inflight Catering Market Size Summary
The inflight catering market is poised for significant growth, driven by an increasing number of airline passengers and enhancements in the quality of food and services offered by aircraft service providers. Technological advancements, such as tablet and mobile device-based ordering and payment systems, are becoming prevalent, further propelling market expansion. However, the rising cost of inflight food presents a challenge, potentially hindering market growth. Airlines are adopting various strategies to improve the inflight dining experience, including offering ready-to-eat meals and catering services for long-distance flights. The demand for culturally diverse, healthy, and nutritious meals is on the rise, with passengers willing to pay a premium for such options. This trend is supported by the growing popularity of vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free meals, as well as the increasing health consciousness among travelers.
The North American region, in particular, is witnessing a shift towards healthier food options, with a notable increase in demand for low-calorie meals and fresh produce. Airlines are adapting their menus to cater to regional dietary preferences, with a focus on sustainability and inclusivity. The market is semi-consolidated, with major players like gategroup, LSG Airline Catering & Retail GmbH, and The Emirates Group leading the charge, while regional players are gaining traction in smaller airports. These companies are investing in research and development to innovate and enhance culinary offerings, ensuring high-quality and safe food for passengers. The competitive landscape is prompting airlines to implement diverse service strategies to cater to different classes on the same flight, aiming to enhance the overall inflight dining experience.
Inflight Catering Market Size - Table of Contents
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1. MARKET DYNAMICS
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1.1 Market Overview
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1.2 Market Drivers
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1.3 Market Restraints
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1.4 Value Chain / Supply Chain Analysis
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1.5 Porter's Five Forces Analysis
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1.5.1 Bargaining Power of Suppliers
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1.5.2 Bargaining Power of Buyers/Consumers
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1.5.3 Threat of New Entrants
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1.5.4 Threat of Substitute Products
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1.5.5 Intensity of Competitive Rivalry
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1.6 PESTLE Analysis
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2. MARKET SEGMENTATION
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2.1 Meals
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2.1.1 Bakery and Confectionary
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2.1.2 Beverages
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2.1.3 Other Food Types
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2.2 Flight Type
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2.2.1 Full-service Carriers
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2.2.2 Low-cost Carriers
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2.2.3 Other Flight Types
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2.3 Aircraft Seating Class
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2.3.1 Economy Class
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2.3.2 Business Class
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2.3.3 First-class
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2.4 Catering Type
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2.4.1 Retail on Board
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2.4.2 Classic Catering
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2.5 Flight Duration
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2.5.1 Long Haul
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2.5.2 Short Haul
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2.6 Geography
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2.6.1 North America
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2.6.1.1 US
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2.6.1.2 Canada
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2.6.2 Europe
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2.6.2.1 United Kingdom
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2.6.2.2 Germany
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2.6.2.3 France
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2.6.2.4 Russia
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2.6.2.5 Italy
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2.6.2.6 Rest of Europe
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2.6.3 Asia-Pacific
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2.6.3.1 China
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2.6.3.2 India
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2.6.3.3 Japan
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2.6.3.4 Australia
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2.6.3.5 Rest of Asia-Pacific
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2.6.4 Latin America
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2.6.4.1 Mexico
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2.6.4.2 Brazil
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2.6.4.3 Rest of Latin America
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2.6.5 Middle East
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2.6.5.1 UAE
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2.6.5.2 Saudi Arabia
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2.6.5.3 Qatar
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2.6.5.4 Rest of Middle East and Africa
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Inflight Catering Market Size FAQs
How big is the Inflight Catering Market?
The Inflight Catering Market size is expected to reach USD 17.15 billion in 2024 and grow at a CAGR of 8.57% to reach USD 25.87 billion by 2029.
What is the current Inflight Catering Market size?
In 2024, the Inflight Catering Market size is expected to reach USD 17.15 billion.
