Air Cargo Market Size, Share, Growth Analysis, By Type (Air Freight, Air Mail), By Service (Express, Regular), By Destination (Domestic, International), By End User, By Region - Industry Forecast 2024-2031


Report ID: SQMIG20R2033 | Region: Global | Published Date: December, 2024
Pages: 202 |Tables: 68 |Figures: 74

Air Cargo Market Insights

Global Air Cargo Market size was valued at USD 131.09 Billion in 2022 and is poised to grow from USD 138.69 Billion in 2023 to USD 217.74 Billion by 2031, at a CAGR of 5.80% during the forecast period (2024-2031).

The air cargo market is the backbone of global commerce, facilitating the movement of goods and connecting companies worldwide. Air freight has grown exponentially in recent years due to the growing global economy, evolving consumer preferences and technological advances, cross-border trade is the main driver for market growth, which is expected to accelerate in the coming years. The demand for fast and efficient international shipping is strong as global trade grows.  

New features were introduced to the digital air cargo market in April 2023, allowing import control companies to quickly write shipping orders to agents in other countries. Air freight is a technique of transporting goods through specialized cargo plane, considering the efficient and rapid delivery of goods round the world. The speedy increase of e-trade has turn out to be a major driving force inside the market. According to a document launched through the International Air Transport Association (IATA) in March 2021, worldwide e-trade retail income rose 27.6% year-on-year to $4.280 billion due to the tremendous growth of online shopping.

US Air Cargo Market is poised to grow at a sustainable CAGR for the next forecast year.

Market snapshot - 2024-2031

Global Market Size

USD 131.09 Billion

Largest Segment

general cargo

Fastest Growth

general cargo

Growth Rate

5.80% CAGR

Global Air Cargo Market ($ Bn)
Country Share for North America Region (%)

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Air Cargo Market Segmental Analysis

Global Air Cargo Market is segmented by Type, Service, Destination, End User and region. Based on Type, the market is segmented into Air Freight, Air Mail. Based on Service, the market is segmented into Express, Regular. Based on Destination, the market is segmented into Domestic, International. Based on end user, the market is segmented into Retail, Food & Beverages, Pharmaceutical & Healthcare, Consumer Electronics, Automotive, others. Based on region, the market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America and Middle East & Africa.

Air Cargo Market Analysis by Service Type

Forwarding segment dominated the market due to the broad range of services shipper's ship lined the transportation process. This makes it an attractive option for businesses. The skills of the carriers in handling freight operations enable them to design better routes, consolidate freight and negotiate fair prices with the carriers, and that can lead to cost savings for their customers. Freight forwarders act as intermediaries between shippers and carriers, and offer a range of services including the transportation, warehousing, customs clearance and documentation.  
Additionally, the growth of e-commerce and global trade has increased the demand for efficient logistics solutions that can handle rapid movement of goods across the regions. The air cargo industry is expected to register the fastest CAGR from 2024 to 2031, driven by the growing demand for direct and express travel services.

The airlines segment is expected to witness the fastest CAGR from 2024 to 2031, driven by the increasing demand for direct and expedited transportation services. The airlines segment offers unmatched speed and capacity for transportation products, making it an important part of the global supply chain. This development has contributed significantly, as the consumers expect faster delivery times for their online purchases. Airlines with extensive flight schedules and frequent schedules are best suited to meet these expectations by providing the fast and reliable travel. Technological advances in flight design and facilities logistics have increased the capacity and efficiency of air cargo handling services.

Analysis by Destination

The domestic accounted for the most important revenue percentage in 2023. Huge demand for fast and reliable transport services, mainly throughout countrywide borders, drives the growth of this phase. Manufacturers and purchasers have excessive expectancies for same-day or next-day shipping, particularly at some point of the high expenses-sensitive gadgets which includes the electronics and capsules. In developed economies, strong infrastructure including extensive airport networks and advanced logistics continues to support the efficiency of domestic air freight transportation. Besides, the growing trend of e-commerce has increased the need for fast and reliable exports across countries. E-commerce giants and retailers increasingly rely on air travel to meet their customers’ high expectations for fast delivery. Increased urbanization and urbanization of economic activities have contributed to the segment’s dominance. Cities are often manufacturing, warehousing, and distribution centers, making air travel a critical part of the supply chain’s timely delivery.  

The international destinations segment is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR between 2024 and 2031, provided by several important trends and driven by globalization and rising markets. The development of cross-border e-commerce has also played an important role in the expansion of this sector. Consumers across the globe are increasingly purchasing from international retailers, increasing the demand for air cargo. The demand for international air cargo has increased significantly. Companies are expanding across borders, requiring efficient and reliable logistics solutions to support the global supply chain.

Global Air Cargo Market By Service Type (%)

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Air Cargo Market Regional Insights

North America is the dominating region in the global air cargo market, each playing a different role in the growth of the industry. North America, especially the U.S., is the largest and mature market. It is a hub for both domestic and international air freight, driven by strong e-commerce demand and complex logistics policies for Air majors such as FedEx, UPS and DHL have a large operation. North America benefiting from a well-established supply chain, in terms of a combination of logistics and advanced technologies.  

On the other hand, Asia Pacific is growing rapidly and emerging as the fastest growing region in the air cargo market. China, Japan, South Korea, and Southeast Asian countries are mainly contributing to the market. The region’s role its position as a global manufacturing powerhouse, with significant exports, especially electronics, auto parts, clothing and perishables. The rise of e-commerce giants such as Alibaba and the increasing preference for fast delivery options are further accelerating demand for air freight services. Additionally, major airports like Hong Kong International Airport, Incheon International Airport, and Shanghai Pudong International Airport serve as key air cargo hubs, facilitating massive cargo traffic between Asia Pacific.

Global Air Cargo Market By Geography
  • Largest
  • Fastest

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Air Cargo Market Dynamics

Air Cargo Market Drivers

Growing E-commerce Industry 

  • One of the major drivers of the air cargo market is the rapid growth of e-commerce. With online shopping becoming a strong trend across the globe. The demand for fast and efficient delivery solutions, especially for expensive and perishable goods, is increasing. Air freight delivers time faster compared to other modes of transportation and aims to meet customer expectations on- time delivery. It is becoming a preferred product of commercial companies and as a result, aircraft integration of logistics services into the global supply chain has become a key driver for the continued expansion of the e-commerce industry. 

Increasing Global Trade and Industrialization 

  • Another important driver is the growth of global trade, driven by technology and increased globalization. Air cargo plays an important role in facilitating international trade by allowing goods to be transported over short distances. As manufacturing and engineering activities increase, especially in emerging markets, the need for fast and reliable delivery of raw materials and finished products continues to grow.  

Air Cargo Market Restraints 

Increased Operating Costs 

  • One of the major challenges in the air cargo market is the high operating costs associated with aircraft parts. The cost of fuel, aircraft maintenance, handling and airport fees contribute to the overall cost of air freight, making it less competitive compared to other modes of transport for marine or rail freight. The growth of the market is limited. 

Strict Regulatory Environmental Policy 

  • Another important mandate is stricter air cargo regulations, especially with regard to environmental concerns. Governments and regulatory agencies have established stringent emissions and noise pollution regulations, which aircraft manufacturers must comply. This has increased the pressure on industry to adopt green technologies and improve fuel efficiency. Furthermore, customs trade laws in different countries add complexity to the international air cargo business, further increasing operational complexity and costs.

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Air Cargo Market Competitive Landscape

The air cargo market is characterized by fierce competition, with many global and regional players competing for market share. Factors such as service quality, speed of delivery, global network reach, capacity, and innovative solutions that increase operational efficiency determine the competitive landscape. Major players such as FedEx Express, DHL Aviation and UPS Airlines are dominating the global air cargo market, leveraging their extensive networks, advanced logistics capabilities and fleet capabilities.

Air Cargo Market Top Player’s Company Profile

  • FedEx Express 
  • UPS Airlines 
  • Qatar Airways Cargo 
  • Emirates SkyCargo 
  • DHL Aviation 
  • Korean Air Cargo 
  • Cathay Pacific Cargo 
  • Singapore Airlines Cargo 
  • China Airlines Cargo 
  • Cargolux Airlines International 
  • Turkish Cargo 
  • Ethiopian Airlines Cargo 
  • Lufthansa Cargo 
  • Japan Airlines Cargo 
  • ANA Cargo 
  • Atlas Air Worldwide 
  • Polar Air Cargo 
  • Kuehne + Nagel International (Airfreight Division) 
  • Chapman Freeborn Airchartering 
  • dnata Cargo Services

Air Cargo Market Recent Developments

  • In April 2023, global air cargo demand declined by 6.6% compared to April 2022. However, this represents a continued improvement from the double-digit annual contractions of CTKs experienced earlier in 2023.
  • In March 2023, air cargo demand in Africa-Asia was the only route area that registered positive growth compared to a year before.
  • In April 2022, Global air cargo demand declined by 6.6% year-over-year in April, but this represented a continued improvement from the double-digit annual contractions of CTKs experienced earlier.

Air Cargo Key Market Trends

  • Technological Integration and Digitalization: One of the most prominent trends within the air cargo marketplace is the mixing of digital technologies to enhance the performance and transparency. These advancements help lessen errors, streamline operations, and enhance consumer pleasure by using imparting actual-time monitoring statistics.
  • Expansion of Specialized Cargo Services: With the worldwide demand for temperature-managed logistics increasing, airways and load operators are making an investment in specialized services that cater to the precise desires of these sectors, presenting reliable and transport solutions. Another trend shaping the marketplace is the rise of specialized shipment services, specially within the transportation of the prescription drugs, perishables, and exclusive time-sensitive objects.

Air Cargo Market SkyQuest Analysis

SkyQuest’s ABIRAW (Advanced Business Intelligence, Research & Analysis Wing) is our Business Information Services team that Collects, Collates, Correlates, and Analyses the Data collected by means of Primary Exploratory Research backed by robust Secondary Desk research.  

According to SkyQuest analysis, the air cargo market is driven by the rise of e-commerce and the global supply chain, the air cargo market ranks at the forefront of global sales. In turn, the market is witnessing rapid change through the adoption of digital technologies and the expansion of specialized services, setting the stage for future growth, high operating costs and stringent environmental regulations present major challenges.

Report Metric Details
Market size value in 2022 USD 131.09 Billion
Market size value in 2031 USD 217.74 Billion
Growth Rate 5.80%
Base year 2023
Forecast period 2024-2031
Forecast Unit (Value) USD Billion
Segments covered
  • Type
    • Air Freight, Air Mail
  • Service
    • Express, Regular
  • Destination
    • Domestic, International
  • End User
    • Retail, Food & Beverages, Pharmaceutical & Healthcare, Consumer Electronics, Automotive, others
Regions covered North America (US, Canada), Europe (Germany, France, United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Rest of Europe), Asia Pacific (China, India, Japan, Rest of Asia-Pacific), Latin America (Brazil, Rest of Latin America), Middle East & Africa (South Africa, GCC Countries, Rest of MEA)
Companies covered
  • FedEx Express 
  • UPS Airlines 
  • Qatar Airways Cargo 
  • Emirates SkyCargo 
  • DHL Aviation 
  • Korean Air Cargo 
  • Cathay Pacific Cargo 
  • Singapore Airlines Cargo 
  • China Airlines Cargo 
  • Cargolux Airlines International 
  • Turkish Cargo 
  • Ethiopian Airlines Cargo 
  • Lufthansa Cargo 
  • Japan Airlines Cargo 
  • ANA Cargo 
  • Atlas Air Worldwide 
  • Polar Air Cargo 
  • Kuehne + Nagel International (Airfreight Division) 
  • Chapman Freeborn Airchartering 
  • dnata Cargo Services
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Table Of Content

Executive Summary

Market overview

  • Exhibit: Executive Summary – Chart on Market Overview
  • Exhibit: Executive Summary – Data Table on Market Overview
  • Exhibit: Executive Summary – Chart on Air Cargo Market Characteristics
  • Exhibit: Executive Summary – Chart on Market by Geography
  • Exhibit: Executive Summary – Chart on Market Segmentation
  • Exhibit: Executive Summary – Chart on Incremental Growth
  • Exhibit: Executive Summary – Data Table on Incremental Growth
  • Exhibit: Executive Summary – Chart on Vendor Market Positioning

Parent Market Analysis

Market overview

Market size

  • Market Dynamics
    • Exhibit: Impact analysis of DROC, 2021
      • Drivers
      • Opportunities
      • Restraints
      • Challenges
  • SWOT Analysis

KEY MARKET INSIGHTS

  • Technology Analysis
    • (Exhibit: Data Table: Name of technology and details)
  • Pricing Analysis
    • (Exhibit: Data Table: Name of technology and pricing details)
  • Supply Chain Analysis
    • (Exhibit: Detailed Supply Chain Presentation)
  • Value Chain Analysis
    • (Exhibit: Detailed Value Chain Presentation)
  • Ecosystem Of the Market
    • Exhibit: Parent Market Ecosystem Market Analysis
    • Exhibit: Market Characteristics of Parent Market
  • IP Analysis
    • (Exhibit: Data Table: Name of product/technology, patents filed, inventor/company name, acquiring firm)
  • Trade Analysis
    • (Exhibit: Data Table: Import and Export data details)
  • Startup Analysis
    • (Exhibit: Data Table: Emerging startups details)
  • Raw Material Analysis
    • (Exhibit: Data Table: Mapping of key raw materials)
  • Innovation Matrix
    • (Exhibit: Positioning Matrix: Mapping of new and existing technologies)
  • Pipeline product Analysis
    • (Exhibit: Data Table: Name of companies and pipeline products, regional mapping)
  • Macroeconomic Indicators

COVID IMPACT

  • Introduction
  • Impact On Economy—scenario Assessment
    • Exhibit: Data on GDP - Year-over-year growth 2016-2022 (%)
  • Revised Market Size
    • Exhibit: Data Table on Air Cargo Market size and forecast 2021-2027 ($ million)
  • Impact Of COVID On Key Segments
    • Exhibit: Data Table on Segment Market size and forecast 2021-2027 ($ million)
  • COVID Strategies By Company
    • Exhibit: Analysis on key strategies adopted by companies

MARKET DYNAMICS & OUTLOOK

  • Market Dynamics
    • Exhibit: Impact analysis of DROC, 2021
      • Drivers
      • Opportunities
      • Restraints
      • Challenges
  • Regulatory Landscape
    • Exhibit: Data Table on regulation from different region
  • SWOT Analysis
  • Porters Analysis
    • Competitive rivalry
      • Exhibit: Competitive rivalry Impact of key factors, 2021
    • Threat of substitute products
      • Exhibit: Threat of Substitute Products Impact of key factors, 2021
    • Bargaining power of buyers
      • Exhibit: buyers bargaining power Impact of key factors, 2021
    • Threat of new entrants
      • Exhibit: Threat of new entrants Impact of key factors, 2021
    • Bargaining power of suppliers
      • Exhibit: Threat of suppliers bargaining power Impact of key factors, 2021
  • Skyquest special insights on future disruptions
    • Political Impact
    • Economic impact
    • Social Impact
    • Technical Impact
    • Environmental Impact
    • Legal Impact

Market Size by Region

  • Chart on Market share by geography 2021-2027 (%)
  • Data Table on Market share by geography 2021-2027(%)
  • North America
    • Chart on Market share by country 2021-2027 (%)
    • Data Table on Market share by country 2021-2027(%)
    • USA
      • Exhibit: Chart on Market share 2021-2027 (%)
      • Exhibit: Market size and forecast 2021-2027 ($ million)
    • Canada
      • Exhibit: Chart on Market share 2021-2027 (%)
      • Exhibit: Market size and forecast 2021-2027 ($ million)
  • Europe
    • Chart on Market share by country 2021-2027 (%)
    • Data Table on Market share by country 2021-2027(%)
    • Germany
      • Exhibit: Chart on Market share 2021-2027 (%)
      • Exhibit: Market size and forecast 2021-2027 ($ million)
    • Spain
      • Exhibit: Chart on Market share 2021-2027 (%)
      • Exhibit: Market size and forecast 2021-2027 ($ million)
    • France
      • Exhibit: Chart on Market share 2021-2027 (%)
      • Exhibit: Market size and forecast 2021-2027 ($ million)
    • UK
      • Exhibit: Chart on Market share 2021-2027 (%)
      • Exhibit: Market size and forecast 2021-2027 ($ million)
    • Rest of Europe
      • Exhibit: Chart on Market share 2021-2027 (%)
      • Exhibit: Market size and forecast 2021-2027 ($ million)
  • Asia Pacific
    • Chart on Market share by country 2021-2027 (%)
    • Data Table on Market share by country 2021-2027(%)
    • China
      • Exhibit: Chart on Market share 2021-2027 (%)
      • Exhibit: Market size and forecast 2021-2027 ($ million)
    • India
      • Exhibit: Chart on Market share 2021-2027 (%)
      • Exhibit: Market size and forecast 2021-2027 ($ million)
    • Japan
      • Exhibit: Chart on Market share 2021-2027 (%)
      • Exhibit: Market size and forecast 2021-2027 ($ million)
    • South Korea
      • Exhibit: Chart on Market share 2021-2027 (%)
      • Exhibit: Market size and forecast 2021-2027 ($ million)
    • Rest of Asia Pacific
      • Exhibit: Chart on Market share 2021-2027 (%)
      • Exhibit: Market size and forecast 2021-2027 ($ million)
  • Latin America
    • Chart on Market share by country 2021-2027 (%)
    • Data Table on Market share by country 2021-2027(%)
    • Brazil
      • Exhibit: Chart on Market share 2021-2027 (%)
      • Exhibit: Market size and forecast 2021-2027 ($ million)
    • Rest of South America
      • Exhibit: Chart on Market share 2021-2027 (%)
      • Exhibit: Market size and forecast 2021-2027 ($ million)
  • Middle East & Africa (MEA)
    • Chart on Market share by country 2021-2027 (%)
    • Data Table on Market share by country 2021-2027(%)
    • GCC Countries
      • Exhibit: Chart on Market share 2021-2027 (%)
      • Exhibit: Market size and forecast 2021-2027 ($ million)
    • South Africa
      • Exhibit: Chart on Market share 2021-2027 (%)
      • Exhibit: Market size and forecast 2021-2027 ($ million)
    • Rest of MEA
      • Exhibit: Chart on Market share 2021-2027 (%)
      • Exhibit: Market size and forecast 2021-2027 ($ million)

KEY COMPANY PROFILES

  • Competitive Landscape
    • Total number of companies covered
      • Exhibit: companies covered in the report, 2021
    • Top companies market positioning
      • Exhibit: company positioning matrix, 2021
    • Top companies market Share
      • Exhibit: Pie chart analysis on company market share, 2021(%)

Methodology

For the Air Cargo Market, our research methodology involved a mixture of primary and secondary data sources. Key steps involved in the research process are listed below:

1. Information Procurement: This stage involved the procurement of Market data or related information via primary and secondary sources. The various secondary sources used included various company websites, annual reports, trade databases, and paid databases such as Hoover's, Bloomberg Business, Factiva, and Avention. Our team did 45 primary interactions Globally which included several stakeholders such as manufacturers, customers, key opinion leaders, etc. Overall, information procurement was one of the most extensive stages in our research process.

2. Information Analysis: This step involved triangulation of data through bottom-up and top-down approaches to estimate and validate the total size and future estimate of the Air Cargo Market.

3. Report Formulation: The final step entailed the placement of data points in appropriate Market spaces in an attempt to deduce viable conclusions.

4. Validation & Publishing: Validation is the most important step in the process. Validation & re-validation via an intricately designed process helped us finalize data points to be used for final calculations. The final Market estimates and forecasts were then aligned and sent to our panel of industry experts for validation of data. Once the validation was done the report was sent to our Quality Assurance team to ensure adherence to style guides, consistency & design.

Analyst Support

Customization Options

With the given market data, our dedicated team of analysts can offer you the following customization options are available for the Air Cargo Market:

Product Analysis: Product matrix, which offers a detailed comparison of the product portfolio of companies.

Regional Analysis: Further analysis of the Air Cargo Market for additional countries.

Competitive Analysis: Detailed analysis and profiling of additional Market players & comparative analysis of competitive products.

Go to Market Strategy: Find the high-growth channels to invest your marketing efforts and increase your customer base.

Innovation Mapping: Identify racial solutions and innovation, connected to deep ecosystems of innovators, start-ups, academics, and strategic partners.

Category Intelligence: Customized intelligence that is relevant to their supply Markets will enable them to make smarter sourcing decisions and improve their category management.

Public Company Transcript Analysis: To improve the investment performance by generating new alpha and making better-informed decisions.

Social Media Listening: To analyze the conversations and trends happening not just around your brand, but around your industry as a whole, and use those insights to make better Marketing decisions.

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FAQs

Global Air Cargo Market size was valued at USD 131.09 Billion in 2022 and is poised to grow from USD 138.69 Billion in 2023 to USD 217.74 Billion by 2031, at a CAGR of 5.80% during the forecast period (2024-2031).

The air cargo market is characterized by fierce competition, with many global and regional players competing for market share. Factors such as service quality, speed of delivery, global network reach, capacity, and innovative solutions that increase operational efficiency determine the competitive landscape. Major players such as FedEx Express, DHL Aviation and UPS Airlines are dominating the global air cargo market, leveraging their extensive networks, advanced logistics capabilities and fleet capabilities. 'FedEx Express ', 'UPS Airlines ', 'Qatar Airways Cargo ', 'Emirates SkyCargo ', 'DHL Aviation ', 'Korean Air Cargo ', 'Cathay Pacific Cargo ', 'Singapore Airlines Cargo ', 'China Airlines Cargo ', 'Cargolux Airlines International ', 'Turkish Cargo ', 'Ethiopian Airlines Cargo ', 'Lufthansa Cargo ', 'Japan Airlines Cargo ', 'ANA Cargo ', 'Atlas Air Worldwide ', 'Polar Air Cargo ', 'Kuehne + Nagel International (Airfreight Division) ', 'Chapman Freeborn Airchartering ', 'dnata Cargo Services'

One of the major drivers of the air cargo market is the rapid growth of e-commerce. With online shopping becoming a strong trend across the globe. The demand for fast and efficient delivery solutions, especially for expensive and perishable goods, is increasing. Air freight delivers time faster compared to other modes of transportation and aims to meet customer expectations on- time delivery. It is becoming a preferred product of commercial companies and as a result, aircraft integration of logistics services into the global supply chain has become a key driver for the continued expansion of the e-commerce industry. 

Technological Integration and Digitalization: One of the most prominent trends within the air cargo marketplace is the mixing of digital technologies to enhance the performance and transparency. These advancements help lessen errors, streamline operations, and enhance consumer pleasure by using imparting actual-time monitoring statistics.

North America is the dominating region in the global air cargo market, each playing a different role in the growth of the industry. North America, especially the U.S., is the largest and mature market. It is a hub for both domestic and international air freight, driven by strong e-commerce demand and complex logistics policies for Air majors such as FedEx, UPS and DHL have a large operation. North America benefiting from a well-established supply chain, in terms of a combination of logistics and advanced technologies.  

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Air Cargo Market

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