Introduction: Navigating the Future of In-flight Catering Services
In-flight catering is experiencing a period of great change. It is being transformed by technological innovation, changing regulations, and growing customer demands for quality and sustainability. The players are many and varied, and they include the traditional catering companies, the new IT and AI companies. The traditional caterers are adding a local touch to their menus, while the IT companies are using AI and automation to optimize the supply chain and reduce waste. The AI companies are using IoT and biometrics to personalize the passenger experience. In 2024–25, Asia–Pacific and the Middle East will be the regions with the most growth, and the most opportunities for the strategic deployment of green and digital solutions.
Competitive Positioning
Full-Suite Integrators
These vendors provide comprehensive in-flight catering solutions, managing all aspects from meal preparation to logistics.
| Vendor | Competitive Edge | Solution Focus | Regional Focus |
|---|
| SATS |
Strong operational efficiency |
End-to-end catering services |
Asia-Pacific |
| Servair |
Diverse culinary offerings |
Catering and logistics |
Europe, Africa |
| Emirates Flight Catering |
High-quality gourmet meals |
Luxury catering services |
Middle East |
| Gate Gourmet |
Global supply chain expertise |
Catering and provisioning |
Worldwide |
Specialized Technology Vendors
These vendors focus on innovative technology solutions that enhance the efficiency and quality of in-flight catering.
| Vendor | Competitive Edge | Solution Focus | Regional Focus |
|---|
| Air Culinaire |
Customizable meal options |
Bespoke catering solutions |
North America, Europe |
| Do & Co |
Culinary creativity and design |
Gourmet catering services |
Global |
Infrastructure & Equipment Providers
These vendors supply the necessary equipment and infrastructure to support in-flight catering operations.
| Vendor | Competitive Edge | Solution Focus | Regional Focus |
|---|
| dnata |
Integrated service offerings |
Catering and ground handling |
Middle East, Asia |
| Compass Group |
Extensive service network |
Food service management |
Global |
| Goddard Catering |
Local market expertise |
Catering services |
UK, Europe |
| Egypt Air In-Flight Services |
Cultural culinary offerings |
In-flight catering |
Middle East, Africa |
Emerging Players & Regional Champions
- Sky Gourmet, a Swiss company, is a supplier of fine meals and exclusive catering for first-class and business-class airliners. Recently it signed a contract with a major European carrier to provide exclusive on-board meals. Sky Gourmet is a serious competitor to the established catering suppliers, with its emphasis on luxury and personalisation.
- Do & Co (Austria) is renowned for its unique culinary concepts and collaborations with celebrity chefs. Recently, the company has expanded its Asian operations with a new restaurant in Hong Kong, complementing established brands by offering a range of unique regional cuisines and a high-end service.
- Gate Gourmet (Global): Providing a wide range of catering services, Gate Gourmet has launched a zero-waste programme for its North American operations, thus challenging the industry by prioritising environmental responsibility.
- The Flying Food Group (Flying Foods) is a company that specializes in supplying a variety of food to meet special dietary needs. They have recently teamed up with several low-cost carriers to enhance their in-flight offerings, thereby complementing established vendors in the low-cost carrier market.
Regional Trends: In 2022, the trend in the field of on-board catering was towards more sustainable and healthier diets. The new players were using more and more technology to personalize the meal and keep track of dietary preferences. The regional champions were using local sourcing and local cuisine to enhance the passenger experience. Competition was growing, with new players offering a host of new solutions and a more personal service.
Collaborations & M&A Movements
- Gate Gourmet and LSG Sky Chefs entered into a partnership to enhance their service offerings and streamline operations, aiming to increase market share in the competitive in-flight catering sector.
- Dnata acquired the catering operations of the UK-based company Alpha Flight Group to expand its footprint in the European market and strengthen its competitive positioning against major players.
- Newrest and Air France formed a collaboration to develop sustainable catering solutions, responding to increasing regulatory pressures for eco-friendly practices in the aviation industry.
Competitive Summary Table
| Capability | Leading Players | Remarks |
|---|
| Sustainability |
Gate Gourmet, LSG Sky Chefs |
Gate Gourmet has implemented a zero-waste policy in several locations, significantly reducing food waste. LSG Sky Chefs has introduced eco-friendly packaging and sourcing local ingredients, enhancing their sustainability profile. |
| Passenger Experience |
Do & Co, Flying Food Group |
Do & Co is known for its high-quality gourmet meals and personalized service, enhancing passenger satisfaction. Flying Food Group has focused on diverse menu options catering to various dietary needs, improving overall passenger experience. |
| AI-Powered Ops Management |
SATS Ltd, Air Chef |
SATS Ltd has integrated AI to optimize inventory management and reduce food spoilage, leading to cost savings. Air Chef utilizes AI for menu planning based on passenger preferences, improving operational efficiency. |
| Biometric Self-Boarding |
AirAsia, Qantas |
AirAsia has adopted biometric self-boarding technology to streamline the boarding process, reducing wait times. Qantas has implemented similar technology, enhancing the overall travel experience for passengers. |
| Border Control |
Lufthansa, British Airways |
Lufthansa has partnered with border control agencies to facilitate smoother customs processes for international flights. British Airways has implemented advanced screening technologies to expedite passenger processing at airports. |
Conclusion: Navigating the In-flight Catering Landscape
The 2022 in-flight catering services market is characterized by intense competition and significant fragmentation, with a number of players, both old and new, vying for market share. Regional trends are causing the market to shift towards localized and culturally appropriate meals, and this has forced suppliers to adapt. Older players are able to leverage their established networks and expertise, while new entrants are focusing on innovation and agility to tap into niches. Strategically, suppliers must invest in capabilities such as artificial intelligence (AI) to deliver a more personal service, automation to achieve greater operational efficiency, and sustainable practices to meet consumer demands. The suppliers that are able to integrate these capabilities will likely emerge as the leaders in this changing landscape.
