The multi-billion dollar inflight catering sector will have its own dedicated focus at the annual food industry event, the SIAL Middle East 2014 exhibition, with the newly rebranded On-board Catering event taking place from November 24 to 26, at the Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre, Abu Dhabi, UAE.

The global inflight catering industry is expected to be worth an estimated $19 billion by 2018 and GCC based carriers accounting for a significant portion of that figure, the opportunities for travel catering related service providers to partner with the region’s high profile airlines will be a major draw at this year’s event, said organisers.

“The GCC is leading the world when it comes to aviation sector expansion and innovation, and with passenger volumes continuing to rise, supported by regional carrier fleet expansion and ambitious network programmes, this is fuelling ever-increasing demand for on-board catering services,” said Mohammed Jalal Al Rayssi, director of communication and community service division at Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority (ADFCA) and chairman of the SIAL Middle East organising committee.

According to the International Air Transport Association (Iata) statistics, the Middle East’s airlines are forecast to carry up to 400 million passengers on their scheduled services by 2020 versus 144 million passengers in 2012. By 2015, Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Doha international airports will have a combined annual capacity of 190 million passengers.

Joanne Cook, managing director, SIAL Middle East, said: “Airlines spend a reported average of between 2-3 per cent of total budget expenditure on catering but with the low cost carrier model approaching on-board food and beverage from a different revenue perspective, there is active debate in the industry on the commercialisation of inflight catering and the value of balancing passenger expectations with complementary core services.”

By 2020, Emirates, Etihad and another leading airline in the region jointly will have the capacity to handle nearly 200 million passengers, a four-fold increase on current capacity, and IATA reports that air passenger growth in the UAE will grow by an estimated 5.6 per cent by 2034 with the Middle East as a whole growing by 4.9 per cent.

Cook added: “With high profile industry players continuing to fast track innovation with a range of products offering On-board Catering provides a targeted platform for the industry to explore new opportunities in this high value sector.”

“This year’s event will also feature a dedicated Airlines VIP Lounge, reserved for the exclusive use of our airline visitors, representing more than 50 airlines in the region, and many of which are part of our hosted buyer programme,” she added.

Passenger numbers growth and accelerated global network plans are also supporting inflight catering service demand. Etihad Airways saw passenger numbers grow 30 per cent to reach 3.9 million between July and September this year and with six new routes set to be launched in the first half of 2015, the carrier will have a network of 110 existing or announced destinations.

Emirates airlines is forecasting 70 million passengers per annum by 2020, up from its current figure of 40 million, with 140 global destinations operational by the end of this year; as well as year-on-year growth of 10 additional routes.

The three-day event will also include the 33rd edition of the prestigious Mercury Awards, the travel catering industry’s most respected accolade, the winners of which will be announced at a gala awards ceremony on November 24.

Held under the patronage of Sheikh Mansour Bin Zayed Al Nahyan Deputy Prime Minister of the UAE, Minister of Presidential Affairs and chairman of Abu Dhabi Food Control Authority (ADFCA), SIAL Middle East 2014 will also include the inaugural co-located Middle East Pack exhibition.

Other regular features include the popular La Cuisine by SIAL international chef competition and the SIAL Innovation Area, which is a showcase for the world’s most innovative food and beverage products, including winners from the global competitions from events in China, Brazil, Canada, Paris and the Philippines. – TradeArabia News Service