The global in-flight catering services market size is expected to reach USD 27.62 billion by 2030, registering a CAGR of 5.9% during the forecast period, according to a new report by Grand View Research, Inc. In-flight catering services are expected to grow rapidly due to the rise in the number of passengers flying. Despite slower economic growth in certain nations, after the COVID-19 pandemic, people have started flying in both domestic and international flights cautiously, which is projected to grow over time, encouraging market expansion. Growth in passenger demand for healthy and nutritious food products in-flight and their willingness to pay a premium for high-quality, healthy food are expected to fuel market growth during the forecast period. Additionally, airlines worldwide offer their customers more options for customizing their meals and a wider variety of food options.
The proliferation of in-flight food management and the development of automation have made it possible for airlines and caterers to work together to provide a high-quality customer experience at a low price. Furthermore, due to growing complexities of the in-flight catering market, effective automation tools are making food-making processes and systems more efficient. For instance, in April 2022, SATS Ltd. announced an investment of 150 million Singapore dollars, approximately USD 110.1 million, for food production automation. SATS food hub synergized meal preparation capability and automation to strengthen operations and enhance the production efficiency.
Furthermore, leading global airlines are regularly employing well-known wine experts and chefs as part of their marketing efforts. Airlines are increasingly outsourcing various processes in the value chain of in-flight catering to third-party caterers. A recent trend of outsourcing is gradually surfacing in developed markets where companies have started to outsource their food-making processes. Rising competition among airlines to attract and retain passengers, new scheduled aircraft deliveries, increasing demand for quality food onboard, and innovation in the menu are some other factors fueling growth of the market.
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Asia Pacific is predicted to register the highest CAGR over the forecast period owing to the increase in disposable incomes of individuals in developing nations
By F&B type, the meal segment held the largest revenue share in 2022 owing to rising demand for nutritious and healthy meals and customers' willingness to pay a moderately higher price for such meals
The premium economy class segment is anticipated to grow at a rate of 9.2% from 2023 to 2030. The segment is projected to gain traction due to the emerging demand for high-quality, hot, and tailor-made meals in the business class.
Grand View Research has segmented the global in-flight catering services market based on flight type, airlines, airline class, F&B type, and region:
In-flight Catering Services Flight Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)
Full Service Carrier
Low Cost Carrier
Other
In-flight Catering Services Airlines Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)
Large Airlines
Medium Airlines
Small Airlines
In-flight Catering Services Airline Class Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)
Economy
Premium Economy
Business
First Class
In-flight Catering Services F&B Type Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)
Meal
Bakery & Confectionery
Beverages
Others
In-flight Catering Services Regional Outlook (Revenue, USD Million, 2018 - 2030)
North America
U.S.
Canada
Europe
U.K.
Germany
Asia Pacific
China
Japan
India
Australia
South Korea
Latin America
Brazil
Mexico
Middle East & Africa
Saudi Arabia
South Africa
UAE
List of Key Players in the In-flight Catering Services Market
ANA Catering Services Co. Ltd.
DNATA
DO & CO.
Emirates Flight Catering
Flying Food Group, LLC
Gate Group (Gate gourmet)
LSG Lufthansa Service Holdings AG
Newrest International Group
SATS Ltd.
Servair SA
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