In-Flight Catering Service Market Size and Share Outlook - Forecast Trends and Growth Analysis Report (2025-2034)

The global in-flight catering service market reached a value of nearly USD 28.82 Billion in 2024. The market is assessed to grow at a CAGR of 5.50% during the forecast period of 2025-2034 to attain a value of around USD 49.23 Billion by 2034. The market is being driven by the expansion of low-cost carriers, technological advancements, the development of in-flight food delivery apps, the surging focus on health and wellness, and the growing shift towards sustainability.

Global In-Flight Catering Service Market Growth

The expansion of low-cost carriers, especially in emerging economies such as India and Brazil, is fuelling the in-flight catering service demand growth. Low-cost carriers are increasingly offering a diverse range of snack and meal options to improve the passenger experience, including customisable and healthier meals appealing to a diverse customer base.

Airlines are actively collaborating with renowned restaurants and chefs to offer unique and gourmet meal options to passengers. For instance, in January 2025, Cathay Pacific partnered with Eaton HK’s Michelin-starred Cantonese restaurant Yat Tung Heen to improve the inflight dining experience for its Economy and Premium Economy class customers.

The emergence of in-flight food delivery apps that enable passengers to pre-order meals from a curated selection of dishes and offer customisable and convenient dining experiences is creating lucrative in-flight catering service market opportunities. Airlines are also increasingly adopting automated meal preparation systems that leverage artificial intelligence and robotics to streamline meal assembly and packaging and automate repetitive tasks like mixing, chopping, and portioning. Moreover, airlines are exploring the use of virtual reality (VR) to provide interactive dining experiences and promote destination-based cuisine.

Key Trends and Recent Developments

Increasing focus on health and wellness; integration of ethnic and local flavours; surging emphasis on sustainability; and technological advancements and innovations are driving the in-flight catering service market.

January 2025

Riyadh Air selected Saudi Arabia’s Catrion to provide in-flight catering and related services for its domestic and international flights. The services, provided at King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, are a part of the airline’s effort to ensure unparalleled guest experience.

July 2024

Mainline Aviation announced a partnership with SAS Scandinavian Airlines to offer in-flight catering services for its transatlantic route from Atlanta to Copenhagen. Through this, the companies aim to enhance the dining experience for SAS passengers travelling between Atlanta and Copenhagen.

February 2024

Qatar Airways announced a new partnership with gategroup to elevate in-flight dining. The partnership is aimed at amplifying the Qatar Airways brand by delivering refined experiences to guests, inflight and on the ground in its world class lounges at Hamad International Airport.

October 2023

In-flight caterer TajSATS signed a concession agreement for the development of an in-flight kitchen facility at the Noida International Airport (NIA). Through this, TajSATS intends to deliver premium in-flight and lounge catering and expand its presence in Delhi NCR.

Growing focus on health and wellness

With passengers becoming more health conscious, airlines are offering balanced and nutritious meal options. They are also providing food options that cater to specific dietary preferences such as gluten-free, vegan, keto, and low-calorie diets.

Integration of ethnic and local flavours

Airlines are incorporating fusion dishes combining global flavours with local ingredients. They are also exploring regional food offerings and adopting ethnic cuisines, especially on international routes, to provide passengers with a culturally immersive experience.

Surging emphasis on sustainability

Sustainability has emerged as a significant trend revolutionising the in-flight catering service market landscape. Airlines are increasingly eliminating the use of single-use plastics, adopting biodegradable and compostable alternatives, and sourcing ingredients responsibly to appeal to eco-conscious consumers.

Technological advancements and innovations

Caterers are leveraging advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and predictive analytics to reduce food waste, improve operational efficiency, and help them anticipate passengers’ preferences. In the forecast period, airlines are expected to deploy 3D printing technology to create customised and intricate food items with enhanced flavour and visual profiles.

Global In-Flight Catering Service Market Trends

The growing trend of health and wellness is prompting airlines to expand their range of non-alcoholic beverages to include options like craft sodas, mocktails, and functional drinks aimed at promoting digestive health, relaxation, and mental clarity. In addition, various short-haul flights are providing premium snack offerings over full meals amid shifting consumer preferences and the rising demand for smaller portions.

Airlines are increasingly offering gourmet meals and personalised in-flight dining options, particularly in first and business-class cabins, to enhance customer experience. The rising implementation of digital ordering systems for meal selection by airlines is also bolstering the market. Moreover, airlines are adopting zero-waste initiatives in their catering operations by utilising edible cutlery, reducing packaging, and making use of excess food in a responsible manner. In the forecast period, increasing investments in energy-efficient kitchen equipment and sustainable transportation options are anticipated to fuel the in-flight catering services market development.

Global In-Flight Catering Service Industry Segmentation

The report titled “Global In-Flight Catering Service Market Report and Forecast 2025-2034” offers a detailed analysis of the market based on the following segments:

Market Breakup by Aircraft Class

• Economy Class
• Business Class
• First Class

Market Breakup by Flight Type

• Full Services
• Low Cost

Market Breakup by Food Type

• Meals
• Bakery and Confectionery
• Beverages
• Others

Market Breakup by Region

• North America
• Europe
• Asia-Pacific
• Latin America
• Middle East and Africa

Global In-Flight Catering Service Market Share

As per the in-flight catering service market analysis, full-service airlines offer a diverse range of in-flight meal options. They also enable passengers to request special dietary options and pre-select meals while offering restaurant-style dining. Meanwhile, low-cost carriers offer customers the option to purchase food and beverages on board. They typically offer meals that can be easily stored, prepared, and served, such as ready-to-eat meals and pre-wrapped sandwiches.

Competitive Landscape

Key in-flight catering service market players are partnering with restaurants and chefs to provide unique and high-quality meal offerings to passengers. With the growing focus on sustainability, in-flight catering service companies are shifting to recyclable and biodegradable packaging, optimising delivery routes, sourcing ingredients responsibly, and investing in energy-efficient kitchen facilities.

Cathay Pacific Airways Limited

Cathay Pacific Airways Limited, established in 1946 and headquartered in Hong Kong, is a premium full-service airline. It comprises low-cost carrier HK Express, the cargo division Cathay Cargo, and its lifestyle business. A member of the Swire Group, the company is listed on the Hong Kong Stock Exchange (HKSE).

Flying food Group LLC

Flying food Group LLC, established in 1983 and headquartered in Illinois, United States, is a company that offers authentic meals, and digital and logistic services to the travel and retail sectors. Boasting 17 modern production kitchens stretching from Hawaii to Florida, the company offers excellent on-board passenger experience to elevate the brand value of its customers.

LSG Lufthansa Service Holding AG

LSG Lufthansa Service Holding AG, headquartered in Frankfurt, Germany, and established in 1966, is a quality and technology leader in airline catering and onboard retail. In 2023, with over 20,000 of its FTEs at 120 locations in nearly 40 countries, the company generated a consolidated revenue of EUR 2.43 billion.

Newrest Group International S.A.S

Newrest Group International S.A.S, established in 1996, and headquartered in Toulouse, France, is a global leader in multi-sector catering. The company is active in all catering and related hospitality segments like buy-on-board, airline catering, duty-free on-board, rail catering, and remote site and support services, among others. In 2023/24, the company generated a revenue of EUR 2.50 billion.

Other key players in the in-flight catering service market include Emirates Flight Catering Company LLC and SATS Limited, among others.