Airline food services enhance the travel experience by providing enjoyable and memorable meals to passengers during their journey on commercial flights. These meals are carefully prepared by specialized catering services and are typically served using trolleys. Advanced technology is utilized in large flight kitchens to optimize operations, including conveyor belts for packaging meals, automated plastic wrapping, cutlery washing equipment, and a rail system for transporting trolleys. Ensuring high standards of hygiene and safety is a top priority in in-flight catering facilities, with some kitchens equipped with on-site food analysis laboratories to guarantee compliance with food standards.
Middle East and Africa In-Flight Catering Services Market Driving Factors and Challenges
When disposable income rises, individuals have more money available for saving or spending, resulting in increased demand. Consumer spending is a crucial driver of demand, as it stimulates profitability and job creation for companies. Furthermore, the evolving lifestyles of consumers have led to a growing demand for high-quality, premium healthy food even during air travel. Customization of meals and beverages to meet individual needs is a trending practice in the food industry. Convenience food has gained significant popularity due to its time-saving and effortless meal preparation benefits, as busy individuals prefer ready-to-eat options. The consumption patterns of consumers have shifted towards convenience foods due to urbanization and increased health consciousness. This changing consumer behaviour has contributed to the substantial growth of convenient food globally.
There are a number of barriers that the Middle East and Africa in-flight catering services market must overcome in order to expand and function. To protect passengers' wellbeing, in-flight catering services must adhere to rigid quality and safety regulations. Implementation, training, and maintaining uniform standards across numerous locations can be difficult when adhering to rules and certifications like Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP).
To accommodate varying passenger tastes, dietary limitations, and cultural considerations, airlines frequently need to create customised menus. For in-flight catering services, maintaining a high level of quality and cost control while offering a variety of menu alternatives can be difficult.
Impact of COVID-19 on Middle East and Africa In-Flight Catering Services Market
The market for in-flight catering services in the Middle East and Africa has been significantly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The demand for in-flight food services has significantly decreased as a result of the pervasive travel restrictions, decreased flight operations, and fall in passenger numbers. Numerous food facilities have temporarily shut down as a result of airport closures and aircraft cancellations, placing financial hardship on the sector. Additionally, the strict health and safety laws put in place to stop the virus' spread have driven up operational expenses for catering businesses. The market has further been challenged by the unpredictability of travel and shifting consumer preferences for safer food options.
Middle East and Africa In-Flight Catering Services Market Key Players:
The market study provides market data by competitive landscape, revenue analysis, market segments and detailed analysis of key market players such as; AeroChef, ANA CATERING SERVICE CO.,LTD., Brahim's Holdings, Dnata, DO & CO Aktiengesellschaft, EGYPTAIR IN-FLIGHT SERVICES, Emirates Flight Catering, Flying Food Group., gategroup, Newrest, SATS Ltd., Saudi Airlines Catering.
Middle East and Africa In-Flight Catering Services Market Segmentation:
By Food Type: Based on the Food Type, Middle East and Africa In-Flight Catering Services Market is segmented as; Bakery, Beverages, Confectionary, Convenience Food, Meals.
By Flight Category: Based on the Flight Category, Middle East and Africa In-Flight Catering Services Market is segmented as; Full-Service Carriers, Low-Cost Carriers.
By Aircraft Seating Class: Based on the Aircraft Seating Class, Middle East and Africa In-Flight Catering Services Market is segmented as; Business Class, Economy Class, First Class.
By Catering Type: Based on the Catering Type, Middle East and Africa In-Flight Catering Services Market is segmented as; Classic Catering, Retail On Board.
By Flight Type: Based on the Flight Type, Middle East and Africa In-Flight Catering Services Market is segmented as; Domestic, International.
By Region: This research also includes data for Kuwait, Oman, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, U.A.E and Rest of Middle East and Africa.
This study also encompasses various drivers and restraining factors of this market for the forecast period. Various growth opportunities are also discussed in the report.