Air Freight Market Size, Share, Industry Trends, Growth Drivers, Opportunities, Key Players Analysis, Regional Outlook and Forecast Report (2025–2032)

Global Air Freight Market size was valued at USD 332.03 Billion in 2024 and the total Global Air Freight Market is expected to grow by 5.8% from 2025 to 2032, reaching nearly USD 521.27 Billion.
Air Freight Market Overview:
Air freight is the process of transporting goods and cargo by aircraft. It is usually used to deliver long distance, time-sensitive, high-value or perishable items. Air Freight Market has been growing by increasing cross-border trading, e-commerce expansion. For instance, global sales of e-commerce exceeded the USD 6.3 trillion in 2024, which rises the demand for express air cargo facilities. Asia Pacific dominated the air freight market in 2024, because of the strong production hubs, high cross-border trade volume and rapid e-commerce growth in countries such as China, Japan and India. Top key players in the Air Freight Market such DHL Global Forwarding, FedEx Corporation, United Parcel Service (UPS), DB Schenker, and Kuehne + Nagel. In March 2025, DHL Global Forwarding (Germany) introduced "Xcelerate", a fast-track airport-to-airport service that assurances priority capacity and rapid transit time, targets time-sensitive shipments. Air Freight Market's end users include sectors such as e-commerce, pharmaceuticals, electronics, automotive and manufacturing, which rely on sharp, reliable transportation for high-value and time-sensitive goods.

The report covers the Air Freight Market dynamics and structure by analyzing the market segments and projecting the Air Freight Market size. Clear representation of competitive analysis of key players is provided by type, financial position, service portfolio, growth strategies, and regional presence in the Air Freight Market.To know about the Research Methodology :- Request Free Sample Report
Global Air Freight Market Dynamics
Increasing International Trade and Globalization to Drive the Air Freight Market Growth
The usage of air cargo is increasing majorly because businesses are expanding their reach across borders. This is because of the high demand for rapid and efficient transportation of goods, especially high-value products. Air freight offers unparalleled speed, which allows goods to be transported quickly across continents and oceans that enables businesses to meet deadlines and customer demands. Air freight benefits luxury goods, electronics and high-value products by offering security and speed.

These items having a high-profit margin justifies the additional costs of air transportation. Many industries operate on a global scale, along with supply chains spanning multiple countries for which air freight provides a seamless way to connect different stages of production and distribution across the world. In times of supply chain disruptions such as natural disasters or geopolitical tensions, air freight plays a crucial role to keep goods flowing when traditional transportation modes are hindered. Therefore, increasing international trade and globalization are majorly driving the Air freight Market growth.
Alternative Transportation Modes to restrain the Air Freight Market Growth
High air freight costs impact profit margins for businesses, especially when shipping large volumes or low-cost items. This results in companies exploring cost-saving measures such as optimizing inventory management by using slower but cheaper transportation alternatives. it is also a barrier for businesses in emerging markets willing to export their products. This limits economic growth and development. It also leads to trade imbalances, as countries that depend majorly on air Imports face higher costs and reduced competitiveness in the global Air Freight Market.

Alternative transportation modes are more efficient and cost-effective, which creates create competitive pressure on the air freight industry. To reduce costs, businesses choose sea or rail transport for certain shipments, especially for heavy or non-time-sensitive goods. Improvements in sea and rail transportation infrastructure are opening up new trade routes and enhancing connectivity, which is providing more options for businesses to choose from. This is expected to hamper the market growth during the forecast period.
Global Transport by Freight Mode in 2022 (%)
Future of the Air Freight Industry
The future seems promising for the air freight market. It is expected to grow rapidly in the future. By 2030, many facility operations are expected to become automated. Robotic systems, autonomous vehicles and drones are meant to boost productivity and quality of air freight services. The growing e-commerce industry is creating various opportunities for market growth in the future, which will majorly benefit the customers, shippers and logistics agencies. Many logistics companies are setting carbon reduction goals to become environmentally friendly by utilizing more technology and finding the ideal balance between profit generation and environmental protection in light of the overall environmental impact of aviation.

The favorable PMI (purchasing manager’s index) and the soaring manufacturing provide an opportunity for the aviation sector to grow. To increase air cargo capacity, passenger fleets are converted into cargo jets. As of 2022, 737 passenger planes have been converted into cargo jets to meet the increasing demands of e-commerce companies like Amazon. Businesses are increasingly distributing more and more goods using air cargo. Supply chain diversification is the major trend that is expected to change the face of the industry.
Air Freight Market Regional Insights
Asia Pacific Air Freight Market dominated the global market in 2024. The region is home to the fastest-growing economies, including China and India. Rapid industrialization, manufacturing expansion and export-oriented growth is resulting in an increase in demand for air freight services. The regional e-commerce market is growing rapidly, which is increasing the demand for fast and efficient air freight services to fulfill online orders and meet consumer expectations for timely delivery. The increasing The aim of the “New Narita Airport” concept, proposed by the Narita International Airport Company (NAA) in Japan is to transform the airport and its cargo area into a unified and efficient facility. The plan includes the completion of the construction of a new runway by March 2030, followed by the integration of the current passenger terminals and cargo areas into a single airport.

North American Air Freight Market is expected to grow at a high rate during the forecast period. In the region, airports such as Memphis International Airport (FedEx hub) and Los Angeles International Airport play crucial roles in air freight operations. The growing e-commerce along with high-tech manufacturing and innovation is majorly contributing to the regional market growth. In 2022, air cargo volume reduced after a major boost in air cargo shipping in 2020 and 2021. Overall air cargo traffic decreased by 3.9 percent due to a reduction in international freight volume of 2.6 percent while domestic freight decreased by 4.5 percent as compared to 2021.



Airport Name
Total Metric Tonnes
% Change 


Memphis International Airport
4,042,679
-9.8


Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport
3,462,874
-5.2


Louisville International Airport
3,067,234
0.5


Miami International Airport
2,499,837
-0.8


Los Angeles International Airport
2,489,854
-7.6



Air Freight Market Segment Analysis
Based on Services: The market is divided into Freight, Express, Mail and Other Services. The Express segment has grown immensely and is expected to grow at a high rate during the forecast period. The growing e-commerce is a major driver of increasing demand for express air freight services. The online shopping trend is creating a greater need for fast and reliable delivery of goods. To meet production schedules or urgent customer needs, many industries such as automotive, electronics, and healthcare require shipments. The solution for businesses is been provided by the express air freight services to transport goods quickly and efficiently. The Mail segment is also expected to grow at a high rate during the forecast period. The popularity of express mail services offered by post and mail carriers, especially for urgent deliveries of documents and packages.

Based on End-User, the market is divided into Private and Commercial. The Commercial segment held the largest Air Freight Market share in 2024. Air freight is very important for urgent shipments such as perishable goods, pharmaceuticals, and high-value electronics, where timely delivery is crucial. It is mainly valuable for businesses engaged in international trade and global supply chains. The fastest mode of transportation leads to reduced inventory holding costs. Companies restock or replenish more frequently, which helps them to maintain lower inventory levels. Hence, the demand for air freight is expected to increase for commercial purposes in the future.
Air Freight Market: Competitive Landscape
Top key players in Air Freight Market such as DHL Global Forwarding, FedEx Corporation, United Parcel Service (UPS), DB Schenker, and Kuehne + Nagel. supported by their global logistics networks, long-standing industry expertise, and commitment to innovation. These companies are leading participants worldwide, with the industry is focusing on digital changes, sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) adoption, fleet modernization and advanced tracking technologies. DHL, FedEx, UPS, Schenker, and Kuehne + Nagel continue to drive market growth through investments in AI-powered cargo platforms, cold-chain infrastructure, and time-definite delivery solutions.

FedEx Corporation reported revenue of approximately USD 45 billion in 2024, with significant investment in SAF procurement and digital logistics tools to increase efficiency and reduce emissions. The competitive landscape of the Air Freight Industry is developing rapidly, operated by e-commerce expansion, green logistics initiative and automatic goods booking system, with these top players a more responsive, tech-driven and durable air cargo is charged in shaping the ecosystem.
Key Trends in the Air Freight Market:



Trend
Description
Impact


Shift Toward Time-Definite Delivery
Increased demand for guaranteed and fast delivery services, especially in healthcare and e-commerce.
Drives investment in dedicated freighters, priority services, and integrated tracking solutions.


Focus on Sustainable Operations
Strong emphasis on reducing carbon footprint through SAF adoption, carbon offsetting, and fuel savings.
Enhances environmental compliance, brand reputation, and long-term cost-efficiency.


Integration of Digital Booking Platforms
Use of online air cargo booking systems and real-time tracking via AI and IoT technologies.
Simplifies freight management, reduces delays, improves pricing transparency, and customer service.



Recent Devlopments in Air Freight Market:
On May 20, 2025, FedEx (US) announced a partnership with Neste to deliver over 3 million gallons of blended Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF) at Los Angeles International Airport, aiming to significantly cut carbon emissions in its air cargo operations.

On August 14, 2024, DB Schenker (Germany) enhanced its digital air freight capabilities by partnering with cargo.one, expanding its live airline booking access from nine to over 50 carriers via an advanced platform, streamlining capacity sourcing and boosting pricing transparency .

On April 2, 2025, Emirates SkyCargo (UAE) launched “Emirates Courier Express,” a new premium, door-to-door air cargo service, featuring aircraft with custom livery and focused on fast and secure package delivery.

In March 2025, DHL Global Forwarding (Germany) introduced “Xcelerate,” a fast-track airport-to-airport service that guarantees priority capacity and quicker transit times, targeting time-sensitive shipments.

On November 21, 2024, DHL Express (Germany) signed a deal with Shell to supply 25 kilotons of SAF via pipeline to Brussels Airport, an initiative expected to reduce approximately 80,000 tons of CO₂ emissions.
Air Freight Market Scope: Inquire Before Buying



Air Freight Market


Report Coverage
Details


Base Year:
2024
Forecast Period:
2025-2032


Historical Data:
2019 to 2024
Market Size in 2024:
US$ 332.03 Billion.


Forecast Period 2025 to 2032 CAGR:
5.8%
Market Size in 2032:
US$ 521.27 Billion.


 Segments Covered:
by Service
Freight
Express
Mail
Other Services


by Destination
Domestic
International


by End User
Private
Commercial



Air Freight Market, by Region
North America (United States, Canada and Mexico)
Europe (United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, Sweden, Russia, Rest of Europe)
Asia Pacific (China, Japan, South Korea, India, Australia, Malaysia, Thailand, Vietnam, Indonesia, Philippines, Rest of APAC)
Middle East and Africa (South Africa, GCC, Nigeria, Egypt, Turkey, Rest of MEA)
South America (Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, Chile, Peru, Rest of South America)
Air Freight Market key Companies are:
North America:

1. FedEx Corporation (US)
2. United Parcel Service Inc. (UPS) (US)
3. Expeditors International (US)
4. C.H. Robinson (US)
5. American Airlines Cargo (US)
6. MAS Air Cargo (Mexico)

Europe:

7. DHL Global Forwarding (Germany)
8. Kuehne + Nagel (Switzerland)
9. DB Schenker (Germany)
10. DACHSER SE (Germany)
11. Cargolux Airlines International S.A. (Luxembourg)

Asia-Pacific:

12. Nippon Express (Japan)
13. Cathay Pacific Cargo (China – Hong Kong SAR)
14. Korean Air Cargo (South Korea)
15. China Airlines Cargo (Taiwan)
16. ANA Cargo (Japan)

South America:

17. LATAM Cargo (Chile)
18. Avianca Cargo (Colombia)
19. Braspress Transportes Urgentes (Brazil)
20. Linea Aérea Carguera de Colombia (LAC) (Colombia)

Middle East & Africa:

21. Emirates SkyCargo (UAE)
22. Qatar Airways Cargo (Qatar)
23. Etihad Cargo (UAE)
24. Saudia Cargo (Saudi Arabia)
25. Astral Aviation (Kenya)
Frequently Asked Questions:
1] What is the expected CAGR of the Global Air Freight Market during the forecast period?
Ans. During the forecast period, the Global Air Freight Market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.8 percent.

2] What was the Air Freight Market size in 2024?
Ans. 332.03 Bn. was the Air Freight Market size in 2024.

3] What is the expected Air Freight Market size by 2032?
Ans. 521.27 Bn. is the expected Air Freight Market size by 2032.

4] What are the major Air Freight Market segments?
Ans. The market is divided by Blockchain Type, Technology, Contract Type, Enterprise Type and End-User.

5] Which regional Air Freight Market share is expected to grow at a high rate during the forecast period?
Ans. Air Freight Market in North America is expected to increase at a high rate during the forecast period.