According to reports, United Airlines is exploring options for outsourcing its inflight catering to a third party. The airline sent a request for proposals today for both kitchen operations and its menu selections. We’ve looked at outsourcing in more detail. Like many airlines, the last year has been difficult for United. It might seem counterintuitive to think that outsourcing saves money; after all, why pay someone else to do something you’re already doing? But in the long run, outsourcing catering can have huge financial benefits. And United needs to save money where it can.