Report

Global aircraft galley market is projected to witness a CAGR of 6.08% during the forecast period 2025-2032, growing from USD 4.11 billion in 2024 to USD 6.59 billion in 2032. The aircraft galley market is changing with advancements in design, materials, and technology to increase efficiency on board, catering processes, and the overall passenger experience. Airlines are moving toward lightweight, modular galley-style systems that will assist with space efficiency, use operating space in a more efficient way, and optimize efficiency. The push towards smart galley designs, with automated food preparation and identifying real-time inventory of food stored on board is becoming more popular as airlines are trying to be more efficient with food preparation and trying to minimize food waste. Sustainability also plays a key role in the current and future market, with manufacturers developing more eco-friendly materials and energy-efficient appliances to comply with the requirements under increasing environmental regulations. When we think of the increase in air travel, the galley and products within will continue to improve to enhance efficiency and overall passenger experience and satisfaction.
For instance, in July 2024, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the Aviation Sustainability Forum (ASF) teamed up to create a standard Cabin Waste Composition Audit (CWCA) that aims to improve aviation waste management. The ASF Cabin Waste Composition Auditing Platform was to be launched in September 2024. Initial pilot studies at Singapore's Changi Airport spanned 25 flights and indicated that the industry produced more than 3.6 million metric tons of cabin waste per year, with 65% of that being food and beverage waste, and 18% being unused meals. This exercise was meant to improve sustainability efforts and create better strategies to reduce waste in aviation.
Smart Connectivity Enhances Aircraft Galley Efficiency
Smart connectivity is leading the way to market gain in terms of efficiency and improving passenger service in aircraft galley systems. Most airlines adopt wireless-enabled inserts for their galleys that are consumed by food preparation, inventory management, and maintenance diagnostics. Wireless systems that are introduced into the galleys allow airlines to minimize downtime and operational costs associated with delayed service. There have also been many innovations made regarding airline galley equipment that are now monitored in real time regarding performance so that passengers' service can be unimpaired by equipment issues. Returns to air travel have underscored the potential innovations for smart connectivity-based solutions to optimize the capacity for catering services that make all galleys incredibly relevant to current demand and the long-term future of air travel and sustainability initiatives.
For example, in June 2023, Collins Aerospace (Raytheon Technologies Corp.) introduced a cost-effective wireless connectivity solution for airplane galley inserts, optimizing inflight food and beverage preparation. This innovation enhances operational efficiency, reduces maintenance costs, and improves passenger service by enabling real-time data transmission from galley appliances to maintenance operations.
AI Revolution Fuels the Aircraft Galley Market Growth
The AI revolution is reshaping the aircraft galley market, promoting efficiency, automation, and better passenger service. More airlines are implementing AI-powered galley systems that ultimately promote food preparation, inventory management, and maintenance diagnostics, resulting in lower operational costs and improved measures of workflow. A leading example of this evolution is Collins Aerospace's (Raytheon Technologies Corp.) galley.ai, an AI-based solution to improve the efficiency of cabin crew members through a physical and digital ecosystem. The solution uses smart sensors and AI models built from standard crew level procedures to track behaviors, distinguish one item from another, and identify maintenance issues. By simplifying the pre-flight inventory checks, facilitating better real-time tracking, and generating automated alerts for spills or equipment damage, galley.ai cuts down on needless workflows that allow crew members to focus on what really matters. The advancement of aviation technology serves to make AI-powered galley solutions fundamental for onboarding catering operations and enhancing the overall passenger experience.
Modular Aircraft Galleys Propel Market Growth
As airlines work to emphasize efficiency, flexibility, and space in cabin design, modular aircraft galleys are on the rise. Modular galleys offer customizable solutions that allow airlines to react and adjust cabin layouts depending on operational needs and passenger preferences. Additionally, these modular galleys improve maintenance, limiting aircraft downtimes and reducing operational costs, while facilitating better onboard catering. Lightweight materials and advanced smart connectivity systems are already forming new platforms in modular galleys and other functional and compliant solutions that comply with aviation regulations as they change. As demand for commercial air travel increases, modular galleys will be a necessity for onboarding service optimization and improved passenger experience.
For instance, in May 2025, J&C AERO designed a modular under-bin storage unit that increases catering and storage capacity without requiring major cabin modifications. The unit mounts directly onto existing seat tracks and supports various use cases, including galley trolleys, meal boxes, crew, and emergency equipment, as well as passenger belongings.
North America Dominates the Aircraft Galley Market
The aircraft galley market in North America is being pushed forward by strong aviation infrastructure conditions, developments in technology, and a growing demand for air travel. The North American region is capitalizing on major aerospace manufacturers investing heavily in lightweight, modular galley systems that not only improve efficiencies but the passenger experience onboard too. It is also interesting to note that regulatory standards and sustainability initiatives are having an influence on market trends as innovations in smart galley solutions and environmentally friendly materials are being developed. The airlines are pursuing operational efficiencies, and North America is holding on and becoming a very established player in the aircraft galley market.
For instance, in August 2022, Knight Aerospace (KA), one of the world's leading manufacturers and distributors of air transportation products, is proud to announce the delivery of two of its Next-Generation Air Transportable Galley Lavatories (NG-ATGL) to the Royal Australian Air Force (RAAF). The NG-ATGL units will ultimately replace all existing ATGL units of the RAAF cargo fleet, bringing the military unit significant cost savings and operational efficiencies.
Impact of U.S. Tariffs on Global Aircraft Galley Market
- Increased Manufacturing Costs: Tariffs on steel, aluminum, and aerospace components result in additional costs to produce galley systems and equipment.
- Supply Chain Issues: Manufacturers will need to look for new suppliers which will result in longer delivery times and inefficiencies in operation.
- Challenges for North American Companies: Aerospace companies relying on global partnerships cannot continue to do so when producing at a low cost.
- Uncertainty in Investment: Companies are reconsidering their supply chain structure to resolve the risks from the instability in trade policies.
Key Players Landscape and Outlook
The aircraft galley market is changing rapidly - modular concepts, lightweight materials, and smart connectivity are all being pursued to make aircraft meals more efficient and improve passenger experience. Industry stakeholders are also working to modify their existing galley solutions by developing customizable options that consider space usage and key impacts on aviation safety.
Technology such as artificial intelligence-based inventory management, Internet of Things-enabled appliances along with space-efficient designs and materials define the future of galley formulations that improve everyone's workflow while maintaining serviceability and lower maintenance costs. Sustainability will drive further interest in the market as more environmentally friendly materials and equipment, or energy-efficient galley equipment is included in connected galleys that are compliant with global environmental regulations.
Overall, the market demand for next-generation galley solutions that improve catering service efficiency and support changing airline service models continues to increase. Air travel continues to ramp up in demand; industry stakeholders are bolstering further investment in more means of galley systems to meet passenger expectations and operational requirements.
In August 2024, Diehl Stiftung & Co. KG launched its second Customer Collaboration Space in Hamburg, following the success of its Seattle location. This initiative strengthens customer engagement and innovation, fostering early-stage development with industry partners. The Hamburg space features dynamic areas for prototyping and collaborative workshops, enhancing aviation solutions. This expansion reinforces Diehl's commitment to technological leadership and customer-focused innovation in the aerospace sector.