Airline Food Packaging Market Size, Share and Industry Analysis By Material (Plastic, Paper & Paperboard, Aluminium, and Others), By Packaging Type (Flexible and Rigid), By Product Type (Trays, Films & Wraps, Containers & Boxes, Bags & Pouches, and Others), By Application (Ready-to-eat Meals, Dairy Products, Bakery & Confectionery, Meat & Seafood, and Others), and Regional Forecast, 2024-2032

Airline food packaging is a specialized industry due to the unique requirements for packaging. The demand for innovative packaging solutions has been increasing with more flexible and sustainable options, which is increasing the growth of the airline food packaging market. People worldwide are interested in convenience food due to its longer shelf life, easy portability, and ready-to-eat features. The rising demand for ready-to-eat snacks, ready-to-eat meals, and other food items is anticipated to boost the airline food packaging market growth. Escalating demand for easy-to-use and convenient packaging solutions such as resalable options is likely to fuel the airline food packaging market.

• For instance, in July 2020, HK Express launched a range of sustainable inflight meal boxes and cups. The products are made from bamboo and kraft paper for meal boxes. Bamboo requires zero chemical fertilizers, pesticides, or irrigation to cultivate.

Increasing the quality of food offered by aircraft service providers is another factor anticipated to fuel the market growth. The launch of new airlines across various countries and the increased number of passengers traveling by air and emerging airlines will further boost the growth of the airline food packaging market.

The stringent regulation by the government toward the use of plastic for packaging is anticipated to restrain the market growth. The ban on single-use plastics is creating challenges for packaging in Europe and other regions. The fluctuating raw material prices in the food packaging sector limit the growth of the airline food packaging market.

The COVID-19 pandemic impacted the airline food packaging market negatively, as the uncertainty of the situation resulted in the decline of the market. The airline sector witnessed a decrease in the use of airline services, which had a negative impact on the airline food packaging market. However, the demand for airline food packaging will increase during the forecast period given the resumption of industry operations during the post-pandemic period.

KEY INSIGHTS

The report covers the following key insights:

• Recent Advancements in the Airline Food Packaging Market


• Key Industry Trends


• Regulatory Landscape for the Airline Food Packaging Market


• Key Industry Developments (Mergers, Acquisitions, and Partnerships)


• Impact of COVID-19 on the Market

SEGMENTATION

ANALYSIS BY MATERIAL

Based on material, the market is segmented into plastic, paper & paperboard, aluminum, and others. The plastic segment holds the largest share of the airline food packaging market. Plastic packaging products are lightweight, functional, and versatile. The packaging material helps enhance the shelf life of food products. The introduction of new products and technology is boosting the segment growth.

ANALYSIS BY PACKAGING TYPE

Based on packaging type, the market is segmented into flexible and rigid. The flexible packaging segment holds the largest share of the airline food packaging market. Flexible packaging offers thin, compact, and light packaging solutions. In addition, it provides superior performance and convenience, which are key factors driving the segment.

ANALYSIS BY PRODUCT TYPE

Based on product type, the market is segmented into trays, films & wraps, containers & boxes, bags & pouches, and others. The trays segment holds the largest share of the airline food packaging market. Trays are suitable for using a wide range of temperatures, from heating to deep freezing, while maintaining dimensional stability. The products are well sealed to avoid food spillage and keep the meal safe during transportation.

ANALYSIS BY APPLICATION

Based on application, the market is segmented into ready-to-eat meals, dairy products, bakery & confectionery, meat & seafood, and others. The bakery & confectionery segment holds the largest share in the airline food packaging market. Bakery & confectionery products are packed with high moisture barrier packaging that extends the shelf life. The attractive packaging of bakery & confectionary products boosts the growth of the market.

REGIONAL ANALYSIS

The global airline food packaging market has been studied across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa. Asia Pacific is the leading region of the global airline food packaging market. The rising emphasis on customer-centric food is driving the region as most airlines are adding new items to their menus to provide better quality food to the customers. With the increasing air travel in the region, the induction of new destinations creates opportunities for the Asia Pacific region.

North America holds the second-largest share of the global airline food packaging market. The increasing consumption of healthy food is driving the regional growth. Food products such as chicken, yogurt, and fresh fruits have seen a surge in flight catering in the region.

Europe is anticipated to record rapid growth during the forecast period owing to varying lifestyles. The rising number of airline passengers and nonstop flights is fuelling the market growth. The growth of businesses and tourism is further expected to boost the market in this region. Latin America is expected to have stable growth as the increased number of passenger traffic and aircraft delivery is expected to boost the airline food packaging market in the region. The Middle East & Africa market is anticipated to grow moderately due to the changing lifestyle of many individuals demanding premium healthy food while flying. The consumer preference for convenience food, which saves time and effort in meal preparation, is driving the regional airline food packaging market.

KEY PLAYERS COVERED

The report includes the profiles of key players such as Econo-Pak, Bordex Packaging, Avio Pack Co. Ltd., Hulamin, Form Plastics, Lovell Industries, KM Packaging Services Ltd., Sowinpak, Monty's Bakehouse, and Taixing Group.

KEY INDUSTRY DEVELOPMENTS

• In February 2023, American Airlines Cargo announced its change to BioNatur Plastic, launched by M&G Packaging, for use in cargo operations. BioNatur Plastic is made with a 1% load of organic, food-safe proprietary additive that allows anaerobic bacteria to digest that plastic in landfills.


• In May 2022, deSter, a leading supplier of creative food packaging and service ware concepts for aviation and food service industries, announced a partnership with Etihad Airways to realize a new economy-class dining concept that is fully circular. New reusable tableware will be deployed on board Etihad aircraft with unique economy-class soft furnishings.


• In May 2019, Qantas launched the world’s first zero-waste flight using BioPak’s compostable products. Passengers can enjoy their meal service using eco-friendly food packaging and cutlery. Qantas also partnered with an industrial composting facility to collect their compostable products.