In-Flight Catering services are meal services provided to passengers on board, where the type of food offered differs from country to country comprising local cuisine.
According to MarkNtel Advisors, the Global In-Flight Catering Services Market is projected to grow at a CAGR of around 3.65% during the forecast period, i.e., 2021-26. The market growth primarily attributes to the burgeoning number of long haul & non-stop flights, coupled with the surging passenger demand for onboard catering services.
In addition, the growing trend of distinguishing airlines by setting reasonable meal prices & enhancing the overall flight service also drives the market through 2026. Moreover, with a mounting focus on customer retention, numerous airlines are coming up with new strategies through their food menus to enhance their profit margins & attain steady revenue generation.
Furthermore, increasing disposable income & lifestyle changes boosting the demand for air travel for leisure & business and the rapidly growing air traffic, especially across Asia-Pacific, are other crucial aspects likely to augment the market growth during 2021-26.
| Report Coverage | Details |
|---|---|
| Study Period | Historical Data: 2016-19 |
| Base Year: 2020 | |
| Forecast Period: 2021-26 | |
| CAGR (2021-2026) | 3.65% |
| Regions Covered | North America: USA, Canada, Mexico |
| Europe: Germany, UK, France, Italy, Russia | |
| Asia-Pacific: China, India, Japan, Australia | |
| South America: Brazil, and Argentina | |
| Middle East & Africa: UAE, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Kuwait | |
| Key Companies Profiled | Gate Gourmet, Emirates Flight Catering, Flying Food Groups, Cathay Pacific Catering Services, Sky Chef, Dnata, and IGS Catering Services |
| Unit Denominations | USD Million/Billion |
Covid-19 Severely Impacted the Global In-Flight Catering Services Market
The Covid-19 pandemic had a decelerating impact on most industries, where the Global In-Flight Catering Services Market was no exception. With the imposition of strict movement restrictions & lockdowns by governments of different countries worldwide to combat the spread of the virus, a majority of flights got suspended, which, in turn, hindered the market growth.
It led the entire aviation sector & associated industries to face massive revenue losses and brought them into survival mode. Of all regions, Asia-Pacific & Europe observed the worst decline in international passenger traffic & revenues.
However, with the gradual upliftment of restrictions, the market is gradually recovering. The recommencement of flights & airline operations abiding by the regulations of the new normal is facilitating the recovery and creating growth opportunities for the market players.
Market Segmentation
Based on the Flight Type, the Global In-Flight Catering Services Market segments into:
Of them all, the demand for In-Flight Catering Services in Low-Cost Carriers (LCC) is projected to observe considerable growth in the forecast period. It owes to the consumer preferences for low-fare & non-stop flights, particularly among frequent flyers, which would uplift the demand for onboard meals. Moreover, numerous LCCs operating on international borders having significant demand for onboard local & international meals is also fueling the need for in-flight catering services.
Besides, the growing passenger expectations for hygienic food in flight, coupled with the rising health awareness compelling market players to plan & mold their strategies accordingly, shall also contribute to the demand for LCC flights and, in turn, boost the market in the coming years.
Meals to Remain at the Leading Position in the Global In-Flight Catering Services Market
The rapid adoption of ready-to-eat meals by passengers and massive investments by numerous market players to provide diverse food are the prime aspects supporting the leading position of Meals over the forecast years, further states MarkNtel Advisors in their research report, “Global In-Flight Catering Services Market Analysis, 2021.”
Regional Landscape
Asia-Pacific to Dominate the Global In-Flight Catering Services Market with its Vast Culinary
The market growth in Asia-Pacific attributes primarily to the enhanced living standards triggering aspirational traveling, coupled with the mounting emphasis on customer-centric food menus, thereby enabling the market players to invest substantially to improve the overall in-flight catering services.
Moreover, the increasing number of airline operators across the region and the growing middle-class population shall also create substantial growth opportunities for the in-flight catering service providers.
Furthermore, rapid urbanization across countries like India with the entry of domestic airlines on inter-continental routes is expected to increase the competition and compel caterers to be more innovative, thereby driving the regional market during 2021-26.
Market Dynamics:
Key Drivers
The growing emphasis of airlines on providing quality onboard food & services and the versatility in cultural dining adding to the comfort & interest of passengers is the prime aspect expected to drive the market during 2021-26.
Possible Restraints
The stringent regulations on online catering to ensure the safety of food & beverages served onboard might restrain the market growth in the coming years. Additionally, the Covid-19 disruptions on the supply chain have reduced the market growth pace. Hence, it's a long way for the market to regain its peak pace.
Competitive Landscape
According to MarkNtel Advisors, the leading players in the Global In-Flight Catering Services Market include Gate Gourmet, Emirates Flight Catering, Flying Food Groups, Cathay Pacific Catering Services, Sky Chef, Dnata, and IGS Catering Services.
Key Questions Answered in the Market Research Report:
Frequently Asked Questions
A. The Global In-Flight Catering Services Market is projected to grow at a CAGR of around 3.65% in the forecast period of 2021-26.
A. Based on Food Type, Meals are expected to maintain their leading position in the Global In-Flight Catering Services Market during the forecast period.
A. The growing focus of airlines on providing quality food & services onboard and the versatility in cultural dining for the comfort & interest of passengers are the prime aspects anticipated to drive the Global In-Flight Catering Services Market in the forecast period.
A. After the upliftment of lockdown, the recommencement of flights & airline operations abiding by the new norms has enabled the market recovery. Hence, with substantial investments by the industry leaders, the market shall thrive well and generate lucrative growth opportunities in the forecast years.
