In-flight Catering Services Market Opportunity, Growth Drivers, Industry Trend Analysis, and Forecast 2025 - 2034
The Global In-flight Catering Services Market, valued at USD 10.9 billion in 2024, is projected to experience a robust growth trajectory, with a CAGR of 7.8% between 2025 and 2034. This surge is driven by an evolving consumer preference for healthier, sustainable, and locally sourced meal options. Airlines are responding by partnering with catering providers to deliver menus featuring organic ingredients and regional flavors, aligning with passenger demand for nutritious and environmentally friendly dining. As sustainability becomes a priority, airlines are not only addressing customer preferences but also striving to reduce the environmental impact of their operations. The adoption of eco-friendly packaging, locally sourced ingredients, and reduced food waste is becoming integral to these efforts. Additionally, tighter global regulations around sustainability are likely to accelerate these trends, underscoring their impact on the future development of in-flight catering services.
The market is segmented by food type, including meals, bakery and confectionery, beverages, and others. The meal segment dominated in 2024, representing 44% of the market share. Airlines are prioritizing meal diversity and customization to meet a wide range of passenger preferences. From hot and cold main courses on long-haul flights to plant-based, organic, and certified halal or kosher meals, airlines are focusing on delivering a premium dining experience. This shift toward healthier and inclusive options reflects broader consumer trends, where passengers are increasingly seeking meals that balance taste, nutrition, and dietary requirements.
In terms of source, the in-flight catering services market is categorized into in-house and outsourced services. Outsourced catering is emerging as the fastest-growing segment, with a projected CAGR of 8.2% during the forecast period. Airlines are opting to partner with specialized catering companies to benefit from their culinary expertise and operational efficiencies. Outsourcing also enables airlines to adhere to stringent food safety standards while offering innovative meal options. Low-cost and mid-tier carriers are particularly embracing this trend, leveraging outsourcing to enhance cost efficiency and improve the overall passenger experience.
North America in-flight catering services market is set to generate USD 6 billion by 2034, with the U.S. leading the region. Rising passenger traffic and an increasing demand for personalized meal options are key growth drivers. Airlines in the U.S. are curating menus that cater to diverse dietary needs while emphasizing sustainability through eco-friendly packaging and locally sourced ingredients. Premium meal offerings, particularly for long-haul and business class passengers, are a significant focus area. The integration of technology into meal customization and ordering processes further enhances the appeal and convenience of in-flight dining, cementing the region’s leadership in the market.
The market is segmented by food type, including meals, bakery and confectionery, beverages, and others. The meal segment dominated in 2024, representing 44% of the market share. Airlines are prioritizing meal diversity and customization to meet a wide range of passenger preferences. From hot and cold main courses on long-haul flights to plant-based, organic, and certified halal or kosher meals, airlines are focusing on delivering a premium dining experience. This shift toward healthier and inclusive options reflects broader consumer trends, where passengers are increasingly seeking meals that balance taste, nutrition, and dietary requirements.
In terms of source, the in-flight catering services market is categorized into in-house and outsourced services. Outsourced catering is emerging as the fastest-growing segment, with a projected CAGR of 8.2% during the forecast period. Airlines are opting to partner with specialized catering companies to benefit from their culinary expertise and operational efficiencies. Outsourcing also enables airlines to adhere to stringent food safety standards while offering innovative meal options. Low-cost and mid-tier carriers are particularly embracing this trend, leveraging outsourcing to enhance cost efficiency and improve the overall passenger experience.
North America in-flight catering services market is set to generate USD 6 billion by 2034, with the U.S. leading the region. Rising passenger traffic and an increasing demand for personalized meal options are key growth drivers. Airlines in the U.S. are curating menus that cater to diverse dietary needs while emphasizing sustainability through eco-friendly packaging and locally sourced ingredients. Premium meal offerings, particularly for long-haul and business class passengers, are a significant focus area. The integration of technology into meal customization and ordering processes further enhances the appeal and convenience of in-flight dining, cementing the region’s leadership in the market.
CHAPTER 1 METHODOLOGY & SCOPE
1.1 Market scope & definitions
1.2 Base estimates & calculations
1.3 Forecast calculations
1.4 Data sources
1.4.1 Primary
1.4.2 Secondary
1.4.2.1 Paid sources
1.4.2.2 Public sources
CHAPTER 2 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
2.1 Industry synopsis, 2021-2034
CHAPTER 3 INDUSTRY INSIGHTS
3.1 Industry ecosystem analysis
3.1.1 Factor affecting the value chain
3.1.2 Profit margin analysis
3.1.3 Disruptions
3.1.4 Future outlook
3.1.5 Manufacturers
3.1.6 Distributors
3.2 Supplier landscape
3.3 Profit margin analysis
3.4 Key news & initiatives
3.5 Regulatory landscape
3.6 Impact forces
3.6.1 Growth drivers
3.6.1.1 Growing demand for premium air travel services
3.6.1.2 Rising adoption of pre-order meal systems
3.6.1.3 Adoption of health-conscious and sustainable meal options
3.6.1.4 Rising passenger numbers and air traffic volume
3.6.1.5 Expanding long-haul and international flights
3.6.2 Industry pitfalls & challenges
3.6.2.1 Increasing operational expenses in catering services
3.6.2.2 Complex regulatory requirements and food safety standards
3.7 Growth potential analysis
3.8 Porter’s analysis
3.9 PESTEL analysis
CHAPTER 4 COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE, 2024
4.1 Introduction
4.2 Company market share analysis
4.3 Competitive positioning matrix
4.4 Strategic outlook matrix
CHAPTER 5 MARKET ESTIMATES & FORECAST, BY FOOD TYPE, 2021-2034 (USD MILLION)
5.1 Key trends
5.2 Meals
5.3 Bakery and confectionary
5.4 Beverages
5.5 Others
CHAPTER 6 MARKET ESTIMATES & FORECAST, BY FLIGHT TYPE, 2021-2034 (USD MILLION)
6.1 Key trends
6.2 Full-service carriers
6.3 Low-cost carriers
6.4 Other flight types
CHAPTER 7 MARKET ESTIMATES & FORECAST, BY CATERING TYPE, 2021-2034 (USD MILLION)
7.1 Key trends
7.2 Retail on board
7.3 Classic catering
CHAPTER 8 MARKET ESTIMATES & FORECAST, BY SOURCE, 2021-2034 (USD MILLION)
8.1 Key trends
8.2 In-House
8.3 Outsource
CHAPTER 9 MARKET ESTIMATES & FORECAST, BY AIRCRAFT SEATING CLASS, 2021-2034 (USD MILLION)
9.1 Key trends
9.2 Economy class
9.3 Premium economy
9.4 Business class
9.5 First-class
CHAPTER 10 MARKET ESTIMATES & FORECAST, BY FLIGHT DURATION, 2021-2034 (USD MILLION)
10.1 Key trends
10.2 Long haul
10.3 Short haul
CHAPTER 11 MARKET ESTIMATES & FORECAST, BY REGION, 2021-2034 (USD MILLION)
11.1 Key trends
11.2 North America
11.2.1 U.S.
11.2.2 Canada
11.3 Europe
11.3.1 UK
11.3.2 Germany
11.3.3 France
11.3.4 Italy
11.3.5 Spain
11.3.6 Russia
11.4 Asia Pacific
11.4.1 China
11.4.2 India
11.4.3 Japan
11.4.4 South Korea
11.4.5 Australia
11.5 Latin America
11.5.1 Brazil
11.5.2 Mexico
11.6 MEA
11.6.1 South Africa
11.6.2 Saudi Arabia
11.6.3 UAE
CHAPTER 12 COMPANY PROFILES
12.1 Air Fayre
12.2 ANA Catering Service Co. Ltd.
12.3 Cathay Pacific Catering Services Ltd.
12.4 CATRION
12.5 Dnata
12.6 DO & CO
12.7 Emirates Flight Catering
12.8 Gate Gourmet (Gategroup)
12.9 Goddard Catering Group
12.10 KLM Catering Services
12.11 LSG Group
12.12 Newrest Catering
12.13 Royal Holdings
12.14 SATS Ltd
1.1 Market scope & definitions
1.2 Base estimates & calculations
1.3 Forecast calculations
1.4 Data sources
1.4.1 Primary
1.4.2 Secondary
1.4.2.1 Paid sources
1.4.2.2 Public sources
CHAPTER 2 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
2.1 Industry synopsis, 2021-2034
CHAPTER 3 INDUSTRY INSIGHTS
3.1 Industry ecosystem analysis
3.1.1 Factor affecting the value chain
3.1.2 Profit margin analysis
3.1.3 Disruptions
3.1.4 Future outlook
3.1.5 Manufacturers
3.1.6 Distributors
3.2 Supplier landscape
3.3 Profit margin analysis
3.4 Key news & initiatives
3.5 Regulatory landscape
3.6 Impact forces
3.6.1 Growth drivers
3.6.1.1 Growing demand for premium air travel services
3.6.1.2 Rising adoption of pre-order meal systems
3.6.1.3 Adoption of health-conscious and sustainable meal options
3.6.1.4 Rising passenger numbers and air traffic volume
3.6.1.5 Expanding long-haul and international flights
3.6.2 Industry pitfalls & challenges
3.6.2.1 Increasing operational expenses in catering services
3.6.2.2 Complex regulatory requirements and food safety standards
3.7 Growth potential analysis
3.8 Porter’s analysis
3.9 PESTEL analysis
CHAPTER 4 COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE, 2024
4.1 Introduction
4.2 Company market share analysis
4.3 Competitive positioning matrix
4.4 Strategic outlook matrix
CHAPTER 5 MARKET ESTIMATES & FORECAST, BY FOOD TYPE, 2021-2034 (USD MILLION)
5.1 Key trends
5.2 Meals
5.3 Bakery and confectionary
5.4 Beverages
5.5 Others
CHAPTER 6 MARKET ESTIMATES & FORECAST, BY FLIGHT TYPE, 2021-2034 (USD MILLION)
6.1 Key trends
6.2 Full-service carriers
6.3 Low-cost carriers
6.4 Other flight types
CHAPTER 7 MARKET ESTIMATES & FORECAST, BY CATERING TYPE, 2021-2034 (USD MILLION)
7.1 Key trends
7.2 Retail on board
7.3 Classic catering
CHAPTER 8 MARKET ESTIMATES & FORECAST, BY SOURCE, 2021-2034 (USD MILLION)
8.1 Key trends
8.2 In-House
8.3 Outsource
CHAPTER 9 MARKET ESTIMATES & FORECAST, BY AIRCRAFT SEATING CLASS, 2021-2034 (USD MILLION)
9.1 Key trends
9.2 Economy class
9.3 Premium economy
9.4 Business class
9.5 First-class
CHAPTER 10 MARKET ESTIMATES & FORECAST, BY FLIGHT DURATION, 2021-2034 (USD MILLION)
10.1 Key trends
10.2 Long haul
10.3 Short haul
CHAPTER 11 MARKET ESTIMATES & FORECAST, BY REGION, 2021-2034 (USD MILLION)
11.1 Key trends
11.2 North America
11.2.1 U.S.
11.2.2 Canada
11.3 Europe
11.3.1 UK
11.3.2 Germany
11.3.3 France
11.3.4 Italy
11.3.5 Spain
11.3.6 Russia
11.4 Asia Pacific
11.4.1 China
11.4.2 India
11.4.3 Japan
11.4.4 South Korea
11.4.5 Australia
11.5 Latin America
11.5.1 Brazil
11.5.2 Mexico
11.6 MEA
11.6.1 South Africa
11.6.2 Saudi Arabia
11.6.3 UAE
CHAPTER 12 COMPANY PROFILES
12.1 Air Fayre
12.2 ANA Catering Service Co. Ltd.
12.3 Cathay Pacific Catering Services Ltd.
12.4 CATRION
12.5 Dnata
12.6 DO & CO
12.7 Emirates Flight Catering
12.8 Gate Gourmet (Gategroup)
12.9 Goddard Catering Group
12.10 KLM Catering Services
12.11 LSG Group
12.12 Newrest Catering
12.13 Royal Holdings
12.14 SATS Ltd
