ITCA Education Committee - Student Fact Sheet

ITCA Education Committee - Student Fact Sheet: "Inflight Catering - Student Fact Sheet
Inflight Catering is a global industry with an annual turnover in excess of US$14 billion. Of this figure approximately 30% is generated in Europe, 35% in the Asia/Pacific region, and 26% in North America, with the balance in the rest of the world
Over the next 3-5 years the airline industry is predicting annual passenger growth rates of c. 4%-5%. International scheduled passenger journeys currently exceed 550m per annum and domestic scheduled numbers are over 1,260m annually.
Recent years have seen significant structural shifts in the industry, with pressure on the catering spend for economy class passengers being counter balanced by increased quality and service levels for high fare customers. Overall, analysts expect the Inflight Catering industry to grow in turnover by 2%-3% per annum over the next five years.
There are approximately 600 flight kitchens worldwide. The average kitchen prepares between 6,000 and 7,000 meals every day, and an average of 150 people per unit are employed. However there are a number of large kitchens, employing over 1,000 people and producing in excess of 9 million meals per year.
The industry comprises airline catering divisions, specialist inflight caterers and supplier companies providing food, beverages and equipment. Most airlines in the western world do not have their own flight kitchens; instead they contract with travel catering companies to provide their needs.
These specialist caterers are consolidating, with the two largest global players - LSG Sky Chef and Gate Gourmet - now holding just over half the worldwide market. Regional and niche caterers account for about another 25%, with the remainder being handled by small local companies. The latter two caterer groups include many airlines - espec"