Inflight catering and onboard hospitality are under pressure to deliver better comfort, sustainability and ancillary revenue. Over three days in Hamburg buyers and suppliers converge to test products and agree commercial terms that affect passenger experience across airlines and rail operators.
Practical information for the 2026 edition
World Travel Catering & Onboard Services Expo 2026 runs from 14 to 16 April 2026 at Messe Hamburg, Messeplatz 1, 20357 Hamburg, Germany. Opening hours are 09:00 to 17:00 on each day. The show is co-located with Aircraft Interiors Expo and shares access arrangements.
Sectors and types of exhibitors
Exhibitors cover onboard catering, packaging, galley equipment and passenger comfort products. The roster includes food producers, amenity kit manufacturers, packaging specialists and suppliers of automated loading or cart solutions. The mix reflects both long-established foodservice brands and technology suppliers focused on lighter materials and process efficiency.
Programme highlights and buyer formats
Activities include the Taste of Travel Theatre, a VIP buyer programme for airline and rail procurement teams, and conference content around passenger experience. Exhibitors have options to present live sampling, product demonstrations and buyer meetings within the exhibition footprint. The co-location with Aircraft Interiors Expo extends exposure to cabin-focused decision makers.
Key figures for scale and reach
The event lists 4000 attendees and 320 exhibitors. Organisers also reference over 870 senior buyers from airlines, onboard caterers and rail operators among the visiting audience, reflecting a concentrated buyer profile for onboard procurement.
Commercial prospecting tactics for suppliers
Targeting matters. Map buyer types by operator class and procurement remit before the show and prepare physical samples tailored to cabin logistics and weight constraints. Prepare short technical briefs that show savings in weight, loading time or waste reduction, since these metrics drive procurement decisions. Use the exhibitor portal to schedule meetings and secure time in VIP buyer slots to ensure conversations are productive.
Closing note and link to official resources
Sustainability and ancillary revenue generation remain recurring themes across stands and sessions. For registration details, exhibitor lists and the full programme visit the official site at https://www.worldtravelcateringexpo.com
