Mainline Aviation Expands Footprint with Launch of Nashville In-Flight Dining Hub
Mainline Aviation, a leading provider of premium in-flight dining solutions, has officially opened a new facility in Nashville, Tennessee. This marks a significant milestone for the Georgia-based company as it broadens its geographic footprint and deepens its long-standing partnership with one of the largest U.S.-based airlines. With this strategic move, Mainline Aviation not only brings enhanced catering services to domestic flights operating out of Nashville International Airport (BNA), but also sets its sights on entering the international airline provisioning market before the end of the year.
“This is a major milestone that marks a significant moment in our evolution for Mainline Aviation,” said Steve Lenderman, Chief Executive Officer of Mainline Aviation. “This expansion speaks to our dedication toward innovation and operational excellence. In addition to adding new job opportunities to the greater Nashville area, we are also looking forward to supporting this new community and its various causes, as we have in our hometown of Atlanta.”
A Strategic Leap into the Tennessee Market
The opening of the Nashville facility represents more than just a physical expansion. It is a strategic investment that aligns with broader trends in the aviation industry, including a resurgence in post-pandemic air travel and growing expectations among passengers for high-quality onboard experiences. With Nashville International Airport experiencing record passenger volumes and undergoing an ambitious multi-billion-dollar expansion under its BNA Vision initiative, Mainline Aviation’s move comes at a pivotal moment.
Located just minutes from BNA, the new facility was repurposed from an existing restaurant building and transformed into a state-of-the-art airline catering and provisioning center. This adaptive reuse of infrastructure allowed the company to accelerate its go-to-market timeline while maintaining a commitment to sustainable development practices. The site now houses a full-service food manufacturing operation, complete with specialized storage areas, quality control labs, and logistics bays to efficiently service aircraft provisioning needs.
Creating Jobs and Community Value
The facility’s launch has already generated approximately 20 new jobs in the Nashville area, including roles in culinary operations, logistics, quality assurance, and customer service. As Mainline Aviation secures additional contracts with airline partners, the company anticipates significant headcount growth in the months ahead. This is expected to bring both direct and indirect economic benefits to the local economy, aligning with the company’s philosophy of contributing meaningfully to every community in which it operates.
“We don’t just set up shop—we become part of the community,” Lenderman emphasized. “In Atlanta, we’ve supported local causes ranging from food security to education initiatives. We’re committed to doing the same in Nashville by forming partnerships with local nonprofits, participating in community events, and ensuring that our team reflects the vibrant diversity of this city.”
Meeting Growing Demand for Elevated In-Flight Dining
Mainline Aviation has built a reputation for delivering high-quality, chef-inspired meals to major airline clients. The company’s offerings range from gourmet frozen entrees for long-haul premium cabins to hearty, comfort-focused meals for domestic economy travelers. Its flexible production capabilities also cater to charter flights, business aviation clients, and special event charters.
A key differentiator for Mainline Aviation is its “farm-to-tray” culinary model. The company works closely with local farms and regional suppliers to source fresh ingredients that meet high standards of sustainability and traceability. Meals are crafted under the guidance of award-winning executive chefs who blend culinary creativity with a deep understanding of aviation logistics—a discipline that requires precision, consistency, and adherence to strict safety protocols.
“Our Nashville facility is strategically positioned to meet the needs of airline partners and enable continued growth with our best-in-class service and offerings,” said Lenderman. “We look forward to growing with other airline partners in the near future as both Nashville and the Nashville airport continue to expand and attract visitors from both the U.S. as well as many international locations.”
Plans for International Expansion
While the initial focus of the new facility is on supporting domestic flights, Mainline Aviation has its sights set on a broader international provisioning strategy. With airlines increasingly seeking seamless, high-quality catering solutions across both short- and long-haul routes, the company sees Nashville as a launchpad for servicing global carriers and international passengers.
Lenderman confirmed that the company is actively in discussions with international airlines and anticipates onboarding at least one international carrier by the end of 2025. This aligns with ongoing developments at Nashville International Airport, which is adding new international gates, customs processing facilities, and direct overseas routes.
“Nashville is emerging as a key node in the U.S. aviation network, particularly for transatlantic and Latin American travel,” Lenderman noted. “By investing early and building strong operational capabilities now, we are positioning ourselves as a go-to partner for airlines looking for reliable, high-quality provisioning in this growing market.”
A Safety-First Culture and Operational Excellence
Operational excellence and safety are central to Mainline Aviation’s value proposition. The company employs rigorous quality assurance processes at every stage of the production cycle, from ingredient sourcing and preparation to packaging, storage, and final delivery to aircraft galleys. All meals are prepared in FDA-approved and USDA-inspected facilities, with adherence to the highest food safety and hygiene standards.
Staff undergo regular training in both culinary techniques and aviation-specific compliance protocols. In addition, Mainline Aviation leverages advanced software systems to track inventory, monitor food temperatures in real time, and ensure on-time delivery to tight airline turnaround schedules.
“As our industry becomes more complex, we’ve invested heavily in technology and training to ensure that every meal we deliver is safe, fresh, and delicious,” said Lenderman. “Our customers trust us not just for the quality of our food but for our dependability and attention to detail.” Innovation, Partnerships, and Sustainability
Looking to the future, Mainline Aviation plans to continue its expansion strategy with a focus on innovation, strategic partnerships, and sustainable growth. The company is exploring new culinary formats, including plant-based and allergen-friendly options, to meet the evolving dietary needs of modern travelers. There is also a strong focus on reducing food waste and optimizing packaging to minimize environmental impact.
Additionally, the company is actively pursuing technology integrations to provide airline clients with greater transparency and customization, such as real-time inventory tracking, menu planning tools, and predictive analytics to forecast meal demand based on passenger loads and flight routes.
“Our goal is not just to grow, but to lead,” Lenderman concluded. “Whether it’s through culinary innovation, operational efficiency, or community engagement, we are building a company that’s ready to shape the future of in-flight dining.