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The global in-flight catering services market was valued at USD 10.9 billion in 2024 and is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 7.8% from 2025 to 2034.
The growing demand for premium air travel services has led to a surge in investments aimed at enhancing in-flight dining experiences, as passengers increasingly seek high-quality and personalized catering options. For instance, the Noida International Airport (NIA) recently signed a concession agreement with Tata group's TajSATS to establish a state-of-the-art in-flight kitchen facility.
This partnership underscores the industry's commitment to elevating meal services in air travel. Under the agreement, TajSATS will operate the facility on a design, finance, build, operate, and transfer (DBFOT) model for a 37-year term. The facility will cater to both passenger and crew meal services, manage in-flight catering equipment, and oversee the loading and unloading of meals. This initiative highlights the aviation industry's dedication to meeting the evolving needs of its customers.
Report Attribute | Details |
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Base Year: | 2024 |
In-flight Catering Services Market Size in 2024: | USD 10.9 Billion |
Forecast Period: | 2025 - 2034 |
Forecast Period 2025 - 2034 CAGR: | 7.8% |
2034 Value Projection: | USD 22.9 Billion |
Historical Data for: | 2021 - 2024 |
No. of Pages: | 210 |
Tables, Charts & Figures: | 290 |
Segments covered: | Food type, flight type, catering type, source, aircraft seating class, flight duration |
Growth Drivers: |
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Pitfalls & Challenges: |
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Airlines are reshaping in-flight catering by increasingly adopting pre-order meal systems, prioritizing passenger convenience and personalization. These systems empower travelers to choose their meals ahead of time, accommodating dietary preferences, cultural needs, and health-conscious decisions. This proactive approach not only curtails food waste but also boosts operational efficiency and passenger satisfaction by ensuring meal availability and customization. Technological advancements, particularly mobile apps and online platforms are facilitating this seamless pre-ordering process. Furthermore, by minimizing unused meals, this shift not only aligns with sustainability goals but also emerges as a cost-effective, eco-friendly solution. With air travel on the rebound and expanding, airlines are leveraging pre-order meal systems as a strategic tool to enhance customer experience and optimize catering operations.