October 2024 | 476 words | 2-minute read
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Serving millions of travellers 35,000 feet in the sky, while operating 24x7 and maintaining unwavering quality standards, is no mean feat. For TajSATS, this is an everyday ask, which it has been delivering on seamlessly for the last 46 years, through its sprawling, efficient kitchens that operate like well-oiled machines.
A partnership between Indian Hotels Company (IHCL) and SATS Limited, TajSATS is the leading airline catering player in the Indian market, driven by its focus on delivering innovative food solutions. It is this focus that has set it on course to lead the growth of IHCL’s new businesses, helping their share more than double to 25% over the next few years from 11% in December 2023.
In fact, the airline catering giant was a significant contributor to IHCL’s net profit growth of 18 per cent in Q3 FY24, contributing around Rs 233 crore in revenue for the quarter — a remarkable 34 per cent growth compared to the same period last year. And it is set to continue on that trajectory, according to Puneet Chhatwal, MD & CEO, IHCL. “TajSATS has continued its record performance with industry-leading revenues, industry-leading margins, and market share in the segment, and is well-poised to cross ₹1,000 crore in revenue in the next financial year,” he said earlier this year.
TajSATS is growing its footprint across the country, with a new facility in Gurgaon, micro kitchens in South India, and potential expansion in Bhubaneswar and Varanasi. The company has strategically remodelled and re-engineered capacities, avoiding substantial capital investments, with its Delhi hub (TajSATS largest, the others being Mumbai, Chennai, Bengaluru, Kolkata, Goa and Amritsar) expanding capacity 3X with practically nil capex. TajSATS is also counting on the expected doubling of airports (from 75 to 150) to further its long-term growth prospects.
Growth by numbers
- 54mn+ meals crafted annually
- 150k+ meals delivered on-board daily
- 40+ domestic and international airlines served
- 370k+ flights catered in a year
The burgeoning international segment and increased flight frequencies especially, are expected to amplify demand for catering services, giving TajSATS opportunities to showcase a range of cuisines, from Indian to Japanese, and Western to Italian. Additionally, the company is constantly upgrading in line with culinary trends, adding plant-based options plant-based options, gluten-free and sourdough breads, sugar-free desserts, and gourmet ingredients and international flavours, which are indicative of the shift towards a more adventurous palate. According to Manish Gupta, CEO, TajSATS, the company is now extending this expertise to provide support for Air India’s new product development. “Over the past two years, we have provided extensive support, including contributions to R&D, menu design, quality discussions and collaborating with chefs for product development,” he said.
Through it’s focus on culinary innovation, high standards of food safety and quality, and operational excellence, TajSATS’ ambition and potential for growth are soaring.
