Mainline Aviation takes flight with rapid growth and premium partnerships
This is a special feature from the September 2025 IFSA Global EXPO issue of PAX International, on page 23.
Mainline Foods delivers chef-inspired meals, snacks and packaging solutions that add value for airline partners
Mainline Aviation debuted at IFSA last year and has quickly taken flight. The Atlanta-based company offers world-class flight services for major airlines and is on an exciting path toward growth. The company is more than an airline caterer; it also owns food manufacturer Mainline Foods which allows it to showcase chef-inspired offerings to airline partners. It features high-quality products and focuses on providing clients with meals, snacks and packaging solutions that are comforting and enjoyable for passengers while delivering value for airlines.
This summer, PAX International caught up with Mainline Aviation CEO Steve Lenderman to learn more about the company’s major moves since IFSA 2024.
From “newcomer” to major player
Mainline Aviation entered the inflight services industry through Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Although the airline sector is notoriously difficult to break into, the company dove straight in at the world’s busiest airport by passenger traffic and secured a key partnership with Delta Air Lines.
Lenderman says it has been a busy year. The company recently expanded to Nashville, Tennessee with an operations facility near Nashville International Airport. Growth also includes airline partnerships with American Airlines and Virgin Atlantic, while continuing to support Delta Air Lines. And, additional partnerships are being explored as part of Mainline Aviation’s expansion plans, he says.
Mainline Aviation CEO Steve Lenderman
The Pasta Mami advantage
Mainline Aviation strives to elevate inflight dining and selects partners that support its vision for crafting exceptional experiences. The company recently transformed its longtime partnership with Pasta Mami, an iconic Atlanta-based pasta manufacturer that previously supplied products for Mainline’s parent company Goldbergs Group. Goldbergs Group acquired the pasta facility and folded it into its portfolio, expanding capabilities to bring this premium pasta to airlines.
“Pasta is a well-liked and frequently chosen item for every airline. It is comforting and easy to customize,” says Steve Lenderman, CEO of Mainline Aviation. “We have a long history with Pasta Mami and a deep appreciation for their artisanal products that have supplied various restaurants across metro Atlanta, Georgia. We are delighted to scale these high-quality products for airlines.”
Mainline currently offers an assortment of Pasta Mami dishes, including two flavors of cannelloni and a rotating menu of raviolis such as spinach artichoke and striped ravioli. The company continually explores ways to expand menu offerings with meals that passengers crave and enjoy.
Strategic airline launches
As a privately held company, Mainline Aviation is nimble in its expansion, facing less red tape and bureaucracy than many caterers, Lenderman shares. The company culture is centered on growth, with the entire organization rallying together to achieve it quickly. This has been critical to the company’s rapid expansion, which most recently included partnerships with Scandinavian Airlines and Virgin Atlantic.
Lenderman also credits growth to strategic hiring, bringing on leaders and team members who support shared visions.
“Our people are the backbone of our company and contribute greatly to our success,” explains Lenderman. “As a collective, we aim for goals and support each other along the way so we can achieve big things together. We do all of this while providing service from the heart, which has long been part of our culture.”
A major differentiator for Mainline Aviation is its ability to track national food trends through Mainline Foods, which supplies major retailers. The insights are applied to benefit airline partners, leveraging the company’s culinary expertise and research and development capabilities to deliver innovative offerings.
Looking ahead to IFSA
Mainline Aviation continues to grow and develop customized products and solutions. The organization explores unique offerings that set its airline partners apart, including packaging and logistics designed to align with sustainability goals.
“We want to be a value engineer for our airline partners and provide them with solutions that reflect the standards and visions of each unique organization,” Lenderman tells PAX. “We are excited to be at this year’s IFSA and showcase how we are ready to take our Southeastern company and expand it to more markets.”
The road ahead
Mainline Aviation opened its Nashville facility within just three months, a reflection of its agility. From tackling one of the busiest airports in the world to expanding operations with comprehensive services, the company has proven its ability to meet the needs of airlines. Supported by strong financial resources, it reacts quickly to partner demands while operating with flexibility and transparency.
With a strong record of execution and a long runway for growth, Mainline Aviation continues to meet the needs of its clients in the air, on the ground and everywhere its services are required.
