PUBLISHER: Fortune Business Insights Pvt. Ltd. | PRODUCT CODE: 1880637
PUBLISHER: Fortune Business Insights Pvt. Ltd. | PRODUCT CODE: 1880637
In-Flight Catering Services Market Size, Share, Growth and Global Industry Analysis By Type & Application, Regional Insights and Forecast to 2024-2032
Growth Factors of in-flight catering services Market
The global in-flight catering services market continues to expand as airlines invest heavily in enhancing onboard passenger experience. According to the latest industry assessment, the market was valued at USD 17.45 billion in 2024, driven by rising global air travel, strong competition among airlines, and the growing emphasis on curated onboard dining. In 2025, the market is projected to reach USD 18.24 billion, supported by increased personalization, digital ordering, and health-focused meal innovations. By 2032, the market is expected to grow significantly to USD 29.01 billion, reflecting a CAGR of 6.9% during the forecast period.
Airlines across the world are incorporating enhanced meal offerings, premium beverages, cultural food options, and innovative pre-ordering systems to strengthen customer loyalty. The rise in multicultural travel has created demand for diverse menus suited to various dietary preferences, including vegan, gluten-free, diabetic-friendly, and high-protein options. Leading global players such as Gategroup, Emirates Flight Catering, SATS Ltd., and Dnata continue to invest in technology-enabled service models and sustainable packaging to modernize onboard catering.
Digital Transformation Reshaping In-Flight Catering
Digitization is playing a pivotal role in streamlining catering workflows, improving menu customization, and optimizing operational efficiency. Airlines are deploying digital meal ordering platforms that allow passengers to select meals before boarding, reducing waste and ensuring service accuracy. Integrated digital systems also help airlines balance procurement, streamline cooking schedules, and update menus in real time.
Recent industry evidence underscores the impact of digital ordering. A case study cited by Checkmate observed a 43% sales increase when digital ordering was introduced, demonstrating how technology enhances customer satisfaction and operational speed. Today, nearly 70% of new food orders are digital across select aviation-linked restaurants, setting a precedent for in-flight digital ordering scalability.
Market Trends
A major trend shaping the 2024-2032 period is the rising demand for healthier, vegan, and nutritious meal alternatives. Post-pandemic consumer behavior has shifted toward safe, plant-based, and fresh meal options. In January 2024, Emirates announced expanded vegan menus across flights and lounges, serving more than 300 plant-based recipes to nearly 450,000 passengers in 2023. The surge in vegan consumption-growing by nearly 40% year-over-year-illustrates the global shift toward cleaner food choices.
Sustainability in packaging is also transforming in-flight catering. Airlines are phasing out single-use plastics, adopting biodegradable cutlery, and integrating compostable packaging. For instance, in November 2024, LSKY transitioned completely to bamboo-based utensils and compostable packaging, aligning with global sustainability goals.
Market Drivers & Opportunities
The biggest driver for market expansion is the rise of personalized catering, supported by digital ordering. Airlines now allow passengers in all classes-especially business and premium classes-to pre-select meals days before boarding. Emirates, for example, introduced pre-flight meal selection in August 2024, allowing passengers to choose meals up to 14 days in advance, improving operational accuracy while elevating the passenger experience.
A significant opportunity emerging in the industry is the shift toward eco-friendly packaging and sustainable food sourcing. As environmental awareness grows, airlines offering biodegradable packaging, organic ingredients, and low-waste meals are experiencing stronger customer loyalty and improved brand perception.
Segmentation Overview
Business class remains the dominant segment in 2024 and is projected to maintain the highest CAGR. Business travelers demand premium meals, personalized menus, and exclusive dining experiences, strengthening the segment's revenue contribution.
Long-haul flights capture the largest market share due to high demand for hot meals and multiple meal cycles during extended journeys.
Regional Outlook
North America leads the global market, valued at USD 6.33 billion in 2024, accounting for approximately 36% of global share. The region benefits from a high volume of domestic and international flights, strong airline competition, and significant consumer preference for onboard meal purchases.
Asia Pacific is forecast to record the fastest CAGR due to the rising number of air passengers in China, India, Japan, and Southeast Asia.
Europe remains a strong high-value market driven by premium air travel and tourism.
Middle East & Africa, led by Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Etihad, continues to expand due to premium long-haul operations.
South America shows steady growth driven by rising disposable incomes and increasing domestic aviation demand.
Conclusion
Growing from USD 17.45 billion in 2024 to an expected USD 29.01 billion by 2032, the in-flight catering services market is evolving rapidly with digital innovations, personalized menus, and sustainability initiatives. As airlines redefine passenger experience through culinary excellence, the sector is positioned for strong growth across all major regions in the coming decade.
Segmentation By Flight Type
- Business
- Premium
- Economy
By Flight Duration
- Short Haul
- Medium Haul
- Long Haul
By Region
- North America (By Flight Type, By Flight Duration, and By Country)
- U.S. (By Flight Type)
- Canada (By Flight Type)
- Mexico (By Flight Type)
- South America (By Flight Type, By Flight Duration, and By Country)
- Brazil (By Flight Type)
- Argentina (By Flight Type)
- Rest of South America
- Europe (By Flight Type, By Flight Duration, and By Country)
- U.K. (By Flight Type)
- Germany (By Flight Type)
- France (By Flight Type)
- Italy (By Flight Type)
- Spain (By Flight Type)
- Russia (By Flight Type)
- Rest of Europe
- Asia Pacific (By Flight Type, By Flight Duration, and By Country)
- China (By Flight Type)
- India (By Flight Type)
- Japan (By Flight Type)
- South Korea (By Flight Type)
- ASEAN (By Flight Type)
- Rest of APAC
- Middle East & Africa (By Flight Type, By Flight Duration, and By Country)
- South Africa (By Flight Type)
- GCC (By Flight Type)
- Rest of MEA
Companies Profiled in the Report 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)
Table of Content
1. Introduction
- 1.1. Definition, By Segment
- 1.2. Research Methodology/Approach
- 1.3. Data Sources
2. Executive Summary
3. Market Dynamics
- 3.1. Macro and Micro Economic Indicators
- 3.2. Drivers, Restraints, Opportunities, and Trends
- 3.3. Impact of Reciprocal Tariffs
- 3.4. Impact of Digitization
4. Competition Landscape
- 4.1. Business Strategies Adopted by Key Players
- 4.2. Consolidated SWOT Analysis of Key Players
- 4.3. Global In-flight Catering Services Key Players (Top 3 - 5) Market Share/Ranking, 2024
5. Global In-flight Catering Services Market Size Estimates and Forecasts, By Segments, 2019-2032
- 5.1. Key Findings
- 5.2. By Flight Type (USD Bn)
- 5.2.1. Business
- 5.2.2. Premium
- 5.2.3. Economy
- 5.3. By Flight Duration (USD Bn)
- 5.3.1. Short Haul
- 5.3.2. Medium Haul
- 5.3.3. Long Haul
- 5.4. By Region (USD Bn)
- 5.4.1. North America
- 5.4.2. South America
- 5.4.3. Europe
- 5.4.4. Asia Pacific
- 5.4.5. Middle East & Africa
6. North America In-flight Catering Services Market Size Estimates and Forecasts, By Segments, 2019-2032
- 6.1. Key Findings
- 6.2. By Flight Type (USD Bn)
- 6.2.1. Business
- 6.2.2. Premium
- 6.2.3. Economy
- 6.3. By Flight Duration (USD Bn)
- 6.3.1. Short Haul
- 6.3.2. Medium Haul
- 6.3.2.1. Long Haul
- 6.4. By Country (USD Bn)
- 6.4.1. U.S.
- 6.4.1.1. By Flight Type
- 6.4.2. Canada
- 6.4.2.1. By Flight Type
- 6.4.3. Mexico
- 6.4.3.1. By Flight Type
- 6.4.1. U.S.
7. South America In-flight Catering Services Market Size Estimates and Forecasts, By Segments, 2019-2032
- 7.1. Key Findings
- 7.2. By Flight Type (USD Bn)
- 7.2.1. Business
- 7.2.2. Premium
- 7.2.3. Economy
- 7.3. By Flight Duration (USD Bn)
- 7.3.1. Short Haul
- 7.3.2. Medium Haul
- 7.3.3. Long Haul
- 7.4. By Country (USD Bn)
- 7.4.1. Brazil
- 7.4.1.1. By Flight Type
- 7.4.2. Argentina
- 7.4.2.1. By Flight Type
- 7.4.3. Rest of South America
- 7.4.1. Brazil
8. Europe In-flight Catering Services Market Size Estimates and Forecasts, By Segments, 2019-2032
- 8.1. Key Findings
- 8.2. By Flight Type (USD Bn)
- 8.2.1. Business
- 8.2.2. Premium
- 8.2.3. Economy
- 8.3. By Flight Duration (USD Bn)
- 8.3.1. Short Haul
- 8.3.2. Medium Haul
- 8.3.3. Long Haul
- 8.4. By Country (USD Bn)
- 8.4.1. U.K.
- 8.4.1.1. By Flight Type
- 8.4.2. Germany
- 8.4.2.1. By Flight Type
- 8.4.3. France
- 8.4.3.1. By Flight Type
- 8.4.4. Italy
- 8.4.4.1. By Flight Type
- 8.4.5. Spain
- 8.4.5.1. By Flight Type
- 8.4.6. Russia
- 8.4.6.1. By Flight Type
- 8.4.7. Rest of Europe
- 8.4.1. U.K.
9. Asia Pacific In-flight Catering Services Market Size Estimates and Forecasts, By Segments, 2019-2032
- 9.1. Key Findings
- 9.2. By Flight Type (USD Bn)
- 9.2.1. Business
- 9.2.2. Premium
- 9.2.3. Economy
- 9.3. By Flight Duration (USD Bn)
- 9.3.1. Short Haul
- 9.3.2. Medium Haul
- 9.3.3. Long Haul
- 9.4. By Country (USD Bn)
- 9.4.1. China
- 9.4.1.1. By Flight Type
- 9.4.2. Japan
- 9.4.2.1. By Flight Type
- 9.4.3. India
- 9.4.3.1. By Flight Type
- 9.4.4. South Korea
- 9.4.4.1. By Flight Type
- 9.4.5. ASEAN
- 9.4.5.1. By Flight Type
- 9.4.6. Rest of Asia Pacific
- 9.4.1. China
10. Middle East & Africa In-flight Catering Services Market Size Estimates and Forecasts, By Segments, 2019-2032
- 10.1. Key Findings
- 10.2. By Flight Type (USD Bn)
- 10.2.1. Business
- 10.2.2. Premium
- 10.2.3. Economy
- 10.3. By Flight Duration (USD Bn)
- 10.3.1. Short Haul
- 10.3.2. Medium Haul
- 10.3.3. Long Haul
- 10.4. By Country (USD Bn)
- 10.4.1. GCC
- 10.4.1.1. By Flight Type
- 10.4.2. South Africa
- 10.4.2.1. By Flight Type
- 10.4.3. Rest of MEA
- 10.4.1. GCC
11. Company Profiles for Top 10 Key Players (Based on data availability in public domain and/or on paid databases)
- 11.1. Gategroup
- 11.1.1. Overview
- 11.1.1.1. Key Management
- 11.1.1.2. Headquarters
- 11.1.1.3. Offerings/Business Segments
- 11.1.2. Key Details (Key details are consolidated data and not Product/service specific)
- 11.1.2.1. Employee Size
- 11.1.2.2. Past and Current Revenue
- 11.1.2.3. Geographical Share
- 11.1.2.4. Business Segment Share
- 11.1.2.5. Recent Developments
- 11.1.1. Overview
- 11.2. Emirates Flight Catering
- 11.2.1. Overview
- 11.2.1.1. Key Management
- 11.2.1.2. Headquarters
- 11.2.1.3. Offerings/Business Segments
- 11.2.2. Key Details (Key details are consolidated data and not Product/service specific)
- 11.2.2.1. Employee Size
- 11.2.2.2. Past and Current Revenue
- 11.2.2.3. Geographical Share
- 11.2.2.4. Business Segment Share
- 11.2.2.5. Recent Developments
- 11.2.1. Overview
- 11.3. Newrest
- 11.3.1. Overview
- 11.3.1.1. Key Management
- 11.3.1.2. Headquarters
- 11.3.1.3. Offerings/Business Segments
- 11.3.2. Key Details (Key details are consolidated data and not Product/service specific)
- 11.3.2.1. Employee Size
- 11.3.2.2. Past and Current Revenue
- 11.3.2.3. Geographical Share
- 11.3.2.4. Business Segment Share
- 11.3.2.5. Recent Developments
- 11.3.1. Overview
- 11.4. LSG Group
- 11.4.1. Overview
- 11.4.1.1. Key Management
- 11.4.1.2. Headquarters
- 11.4.1.3. Offerings/Business Segments
- 11.4.2. Key Details (Key details are consolidated data and not Product/service specific)
- 11.4.2.1. Employee Size
- 11.4.2.2. Past and Current Revenue
- 11.4.2.3. Geographical Share
- 11.4.2.4. Business Segment Share
- 11.4.2.5. Recent Developments
- 11.4.1. Overview
- 11.5. SATS Ltd.
- 11.5.1. Overview
- 11.5.1.1. Key Management
- 11.5.1.2. Headquarters
- 11.5.1.3. Offerings/Business Segments
- 11.5.2. Key Details (Key details are consolidated data and not Product/service specific)
- 11.5.2.1. Employee Size
- 11.5.2.2. Past and Current Revenue
- 11.5.2.3. Geographical Share
- 11.5.2.4. Business Segment Share
- 11.5.2.5. Recent Developments
- 11.5.1. Overview
- 11.6. Do & CO Ag
- 11.6.1. Overview
- 11.6.1.1. Key Management
- 11.6.1.2. Headquarters
- 11.6.1.3. Offerings/Business Segments
- 11.6.2. Key Details (Key details are consolidated data and not Product/service specific)
- 11.6.2.1. Employee Size
- 11.6.2.2. Past and Current Revenue
- 11.6.2.3. Geographical Share
- 11.6.2.4. Business Segment Share
- 11.6.2.5. Recent Developments
- 11.6.1. Overview
- 11.7. TajSATS
- 11.7.1. Overview
- 11.7.1.1. Key Management
- 11.7.1.2. Headquarters
- 11.7.1.3. Offerings/Business Segments
- 11.7.2. Key Details (Key details are consolidated data and not Product/service specific)
- 11.7.2.1. Employee Size
- 11.7.2.2. Past and Current Revenue
- 11.7.2.3. Geographical Share
- 11.7.2.4. Business Segment Share
- 11.7.2.5. Recent Developments
- 11.7.1. Overview
- 11.8. Flying Food Group
- 11.8.1. Overview
- 11.8.1.1. Key Management
- 11.8.1.2. Headquarters
- 11.8.1.3. Offerings/Business Segments
- 11.8.2. Key Details (Key details are consolidated data and not Product/service specific)
- 11.8.2.1. Employee Size
- 11.8.2.2. Past and Current Revenue
- 11.8.2.3. Geographical Share
- 11.8.2.4. Business Segment Share
- 11.8.2.5. Recent Developments
- 11.8.1. Overview
- 11.9. GCC Group
- 11.9.1. Overview
- 11.9.1.1. Key Management
- 11.9.1.2. Headquarters
- 11.9.1.3. Offerings/Business Segments
- 11.9.2. Key Details (Key details are consolidated data and not Product/service specific)
- 11.9.2.1. Employee Size
- 11.9.2.2. Past and Current Revenue
- 11.9.2.3. Geographical Share
- 11.9.2.4. Business Segment Share
- 11.9.2.5. Recent Developments
- 11.9.1. Overview
- 11.10. Cathay Pacific Catering Services (H.K.) Ltd.
- 11.10.1. Overview
- 11.10.1.1. Key Management
- 11.10.1.2. Headquarters
- 11.10.1.3. Offerings/Business Segments
- 11.10.2. Key Details (Key details are consolidated data and not Product/service specific)
- 11.10.2.1. Employee Size
- 11.10.2.2. Past and Current Revenue
- 11.10.2.3. Geographical Share
- 11.10.2.4. Business Segment Share
- 11.10.2.5. Recent Developments
- 11.10.1. Overview
12. Key Takeaways
List of Tables
- Table 1: Global In-Flight Catering Services Market Size Estimates and Forecasts, 2019 - 2032
- Table 2: Global In-Flight Catering Services Market Size Estimates and Forecasts, By Flight Duration, 2019 - 2032
- Table 3: Global In-Flight Catering Services Market Size Estimates and Forecasts, By Flight Type, 2019 - 2032
- Table 4: Global In-Flight Catering Services Market Size Estimates and Forecasts, By Region, 2019 - 2032
- Table 5: North America In-Flight Catering Services Market Size Estimates and Forecasts, 2019 - 2032
- Table 6: North America In-Flight Catering Services Market Size Estimates and Forecasts, By Flight Duration, 2019 - 2032
- Table 7: North America In-Flight Catering Services Market Size Estimates and Forecasts, By Flight Type, 2019 - 2032
- Table 8: North America In-Flight Catering Services Market Size Estimates and Forecasts, By Country, 2019 - 2032
- Table 9: United States In-Flight Catering Services Market Size Estimates and Forecasts, By Flight Type, 2019 - 2032
- Table 10: Canada In-Flight Catering Services Market Size Estimates and Forecasts, By Flight Type, 2019 - 2032
- Table 11: Mexico In-Flight Catering Services Market Size Estimates and Forecasts, By Flight Type, 2019 - 2032
- Table 12: South America In-Flight Catering Services Market Size Estimates and Forecasts, 2019 - 2032
- Table 13: South America In-Flight Catering Services Market Size Estimates and Forecasts, By Flight Duration, 2019 - 2032
- Table 14: South America In-Flight Catering Services Market Size Estimates and Forecasts, By Flight Type, 2019 - 2032
- Table 15: South America In-Flight Catering Services Market Size Estimates and Forecasts, By Country, 2019 - 2032
- Table 16: Brazil In-Flight Catering Services Market Size Estimates and Forecasts, By Flight Type, 2019 - 2032
- Table 17: Argentina In-Flight Catering Services Market Size Estimates and Forecasts, By Flight Type, 2019 - 2032
- Table 18: Europe In-Flight Catering Services Market Size Estimates and Forecasts, 2019 - 2032
- Table 19: Europe In-Flight Catering Services Market Size Estimates and Forecasts, By Flight Duration, 2019 - 2032
- Table 20: Europe In-Flight Catering Services Market Size Estimates and Forecasts, By Flight Type, 2019 - 2032
- Table 21: Europe In-Flight Catering Services Market Size Estimates and Forecasts, By Country, 2019 - 2032
- Table 22: U.K. In-Flight Catering Services Market Size Estimates and Forecasts, By Flight Type, 2019 - 2032
- Table 23: Germany In-Flight Catering Services Market Size Estimates and Forecasts, By Flight Type, 2019 - 2032
- Table 24: France In-Flight Catering Services Market Size Estimates and Forecasts, By Flight Type, 2019 - 2032
- Table 25: Italy In-Flight Catering Services Market Size Estimates and Forecasts, By Flight Type, 2019 - 2032
- Table 26: Spain In-Flight Catering Services Market Size Estimates and Forecasts, By Flight Type, 2019 - 2032
- Table 27: Russia In-Flight Catering Services Market Size Estimates and Forecasts, By Flight Type, 2019 - 2032
- Table 28: Asia Pacific In-Flight Catering Services Market Size Estimates and Forecasts, 2019 - 2032
- Table 29: Asia Pacific In-Flight Catering Services Market Size Estimates and Forecasts, By Flight Duration, 2019 - 2032
- Table 30: Asia Pacific In-Flight Catering Services Market Size Estimates and Forecasts, By Flight Type, 2019 - 2032
- Table 31: Asia Pacific In-Flight Catering Services Market Size Estimates and Forecasts, By Country, 2019 - 2032
- Table 32: China In-Flight Catering Services Market Size Estimates and Forecasts, By Flight Type, 2019 - 2032
- Table 33: Japan In-Flight Catering Services Market Size Estimates and Forecasts, By Flight Type, 2019 - 2032
- Table 34: India In-Flight Catering Services Market Size Estimates and Forecasts, By Flight Type, 2019 - 2032
- Table 35: South Korea In-Flight Catering Services Market Size Estimates and Forecasts, By Flight Type, 2019 - 2032
- Table 36: ASEAN In-Flight Catering Services Market Size Estimates and Forecasts, By Flight Type, 2019 - 2032
- Table 37: Middle East & Africa In-Flight Catering Services Market Size Estimates and Forecasts, 2019 - 2032
- Table 38: Middle East & Africa In-Flight Catering Services Market Size Estimates and Forecasts, By Flight Duration, 2019 - 2032
- Table 39: Middle East & Africa In-Flight Catering Services Market Size Estimates and Forecasts, By Flight Type, 2019 - 2032
- Table 40: Middle East & Africa In-Flight Catering Services Market Size Estimates and Forecasts, By Country, 2019 - 2032
- Table 41: South Africa In-Flight Catering Services Market Size Estimates and Forecasts, By Flight Type, 2019 - 2032
- Table 42: GCC In-Flight Catering Services Market Size Estimates and Forecasts, By Flight Type, 2019 - 2032
List of Figures
- Figure 1: Global In-Flight Catering Services Market Revenue Share (%), 2024 and 2032
- Figure 2: Global In-Flight Catering Services Market Revenue Share (%), By Flight Duration, 2024 and 2032
- Figure 3: Global In-Flight Catering Services Market Revenue Share (%), By Flight Type, 2024 and 2032
- Figure 4: Global In-Flight Catering Services Market Revenue Share (%), By Region, 2024 and 2032
- Figure 5: North America In-Flight Catering Services Market Revenue Share (%), 2024 and 2032
- Figure 6: North America In-Flight Catering Services Market Revenue Share (%), By Flight Duration, 2024 and 2032
- Figure 7: North America In-Flight Catering Services Market Revenue Share (%), By Flight Type, 2024 and 2032
- Figure 8: North America In-Flight Catering Services Market Revenue Share (%), By Country, 2024 and 2032
- Figure 9: South America In-Flight Catering Services Market Revenue Share (%), 2024 and 2032
- Figure 10: South America In-Flight Catering Services Market Revenue Share (%), By Flight Duration, 2024 and 2032
- Figure 11: South America In-Flight Catering Services Market Revenue Share (%), By Flight Type, 2024 and 2032
- Figure 12: South America In-Flight Catering Services Market Revenue Share (%), By Country, 2024 and 2032
- Figure 13: Europe In-Flight Catering Services Market Revenue Share (%), 2024 and 2032
- Figure 14: Europe In-Flight Catering Services Market Revenue Share (%), By Flight Duration, 2024 and 2032
- Figure 15: Europe In-Flight Catering Services Market Revenue Share (%), By Flight Type, 2024 and 2032
- Figure 16: Europe In-Flight Catering Services Market Revenue Share (%), By Country, 2024 and 2032
- Figure 17: Asia Pacific In-Flight Catering Services Market Revenue Share (%), 2024 and 2032
- Figure 18: Asia Pacific In-Flight Catering Services Market Revenue Share (%), By Flight Duration, 2024 and 2032
- Figure 19: Asia Pacific In-Flight Catering Services Market Revenue Share (%), By Flight Type, 2024 and 2032
- Figure 20: Asia Pacific In-Flight Catering Services Market Revenue Share (%), By Country, 2024 and 2032
- Figure 21: Middle East & Africa In-Flight Catering Services Market Revenue Share (%), 2024 and 2032
- Figure 22: Middle East & Africa In-Flight Catering Services Market Revenue Share (%), By Flight Duration, 2024 and 2032
- Figure 23: Middle East & Africa In-Flight Catering Services Market Revenue Share (%), By Flight Type, 2024 and 2032
- Figure 24: Middle East & Africa In-Flight Catering Services Market Revenue Share (%), By Country, 2024 and 2032
- Figure 25: Global In-Flight Catering Services Key Players' Market Share/Ranking (%), 2024
