Research by Mordor Intelligence estimates that the global inflight catering market is projected to be worth £12.41 billion (US$16.46 billion) in 2026, up from £11.61 billion (US$15.4 billion) in 2025, and is expected to grow at a compound annual rate of 7.03% through to 2031.
RX, the organiser of World Travel Catering & Onboard Services Expo (WTCE), says that the WTCE 2027 event will reflect key areas that are shaping that growth, including sustainability, operational efficiency, onboard retail and passenger experience. The show will take place at Hamburg Messe from 6 – 8 April 2027, bringing airline, rail and travel catering buyers together with suppliers of inflight catering, onboard retail and passenger comfort products.
WTCE 2027 will again span three halls, with Gategroup and its family of brands, including deSter and Gategourmet, returning to a dedicated hall. The 2026 event was attended by more than 4,500 visitors and over 300 exhibitors, 90 of which were new to the show. According to RX, the 2027 show is set to build on those numbers with over 200 companies already confirmed as exhibitors.
What’s in store at WTCE 2027?
In addition to the Gategroup brands, SATS and Dnata will also represent the major global caterers, joined by Foodcase International and Cuisine Solutions. Devion will promote its catering technology and supply chain offer. Kaelis will showcase onboard retail solutions, while Formia, Kimirica Hunter, Linstol and Buzz Products will bring amenities and passenger comfort products to the show floor. Bottega and Intervine will be among the drinks exhibitors.
The Discovery Zone, Drinks Zone and New Exhibitor Village will return to WTCE in larger formats, giving buyers a straightforward way to explore more products and meet new suppliers in less time.
New ways to explore the show floor
Recent WTCE shows have featured themed ‘trails’ through the exhibition halls that visitors can follow to discover relevant products and services. For 2027, new product trails will include the Nutrition and Healthy Eating Trail, the Upper Cabins Trail and the Economy Trail, alongside the returning Steps to Sustainability trail, to help visitors find relevant products quickly.
Grouped around key areas relevant to the onboard experience, each route will lead buyers from stand to stand, highlighting suppliers working in sustainability, operational efficiency, onboard retail and passenger experience.
The trails are being curated by an expanded line up of WTCE ambassadors for 2027, and exhibitors can still apply to be included in the route.
Ideas for the onboard market
The free-to-attend Taste of Travel Theatre, sponsored by En Route International, will return with a programme of talks, demonstrations and tastings centred on the commercial and operational questions facing onboard teams in 2027.
The programme will bring together airlines, caterers, suppliers and retail specialists, offering practical ideas from across the air and rail sectors.
New experts join the Journey Circle
WTCE’s Journey Circle is being expanded for 2027, with Cam Woodward of Qantas, Hari Ghotra and Shiada Drysdale of Virgin Atlantic, Þórunn Björg Guðmundsdóttir of Icelandair, and Yann Bayeul of Eurostar being the newest members.
They join the founding members of the Journey Circle: Simone Walli of Austrian Airlines, Samson Arega of Ethiopian Airlines, Tobias Ögren of Sunclass Airlines, and Louise Leaupepe of Riyadh Air.
Bringing together senior figures from across airline catering, onboard service and passenger experience, the Journey Circle gives WTCE a link to the people making decisions about what passengers eat, drink and experience during their journey.
Its members contribute to the show’s programme and ensure that the conversations held at WTCE reflect the realities facing airlines and rail operators, as well as the ideas and products that could improve future experiences onboard.
Shona Thomson, event manager of WTCE 2027 said: “Reaching the fifteenth edition of WTCE is an important milestone for the show and for the community it serves, and it reflects the continued need for a place where the people responsible for catering, retail and passenger comfort can meet the suppliers, products and ideas helping to move the onboard experience forward.
“The event gives the industry a chance to take a wider view of what is changing across the onboard market. Buyers can see and test new launches, speak directly to the companies behind them, and come away with a clearer idea of what could work for their own catering, aircraft and rail services.”
WTCE will again be co-located with Aircraft Interiors Expo (AIX), and a single badge gives visitors access to both shows. The Passenger Experience Conference (PEC) takes place on Monday 5th April 2027, featuring keynotes and panels for airline professionals.
For more information on World Travel Catering & Onboard Services Expo 2027, visit: https://www.worldtravelcateringexpo.com/en-gb.html
