USD 257.8 billion
Air Freight Market Size, Share, and Growth Analysis
Air Freight Market By Service (Freight, Express), By Destination (Domestic, International), By End Use (Private, Commercial), By Region - Industry Forecast 2025-2032
Report ID:
SQMIG20R2018 |
Region:
Global |
Published Date: February, 2025
Pages:
202
|Tables:
60
|Figures:
75
Format -
Air Freight Market Insights
Air Freight Market size was valued at USD 257.8 billion in 2023 and is poised to grow from USD 284.87 billion in 2024 to USD 633.2 billion by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 10.5% during the forecast period (2025-2032).
Rapid expansion of the e-commerce and online shopping industries is projected to be a prime factor driving up the demand for air freight on a global level. An increase in international trade activity and growing globalization are also expected to create new opportunities for air freight companies over the coming years. Advancements in air cargo technologies and the growing number of air cargo aircraft are also expected to aid air freight market development going forward. Increasing preference for same-day deliveries and rising use of air freight for the transportation of perishable items are also expected to uplift the demand for air freight solutions and services on a global level. Growing air travel activity and rising investments in the development of new air cargo solutions are also estimated to benefit market growth in the future. On the contrary, issues of airport congestion, high costs compared to other transportation, and environmental concerns regarding aircraft usage are slated to impede air freight market development potential in the future.
Market snapshot - 2025-2032
Global Market Size
Largest Segment
International Air Freight
Fastest Growth
Domestic Air Freight
Growth Rate
10.5% CAGR
Global Air Freight Market ($ Bn)
Country Share for North America Region (%)
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Air Freight Market Segments Analysis
Global Air Freight Market is segmented by Service, Destination, End Use and region. Based on Service, the market is segmented into Freight, Express, Mail and Other. Based on Destination, the market is segmented into Domestic and International. Based on End Use, the market is segmented into Private, Commercial, Retail and E-commerce, Manufacturing, Healthcare, Automotive, Perishable Goods and Others. Based on region, the market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America and Middle East & Africa.
Analysis by Type
International air freight is projected to account for a prominent chunk of the global air freight market share. Growing international trade activity and rising globalization are key factors promoting market growth via this segment. Increasing emphasis on promoting economic growth in developing countries will also create new opportunities for air freight companies in this segment going forward. The boom in e-commerce activity around the world and the growing popularity of cross-border e-commerce activity are also expected to aid the dominance of this segment across the forecast period and beyond.
On the other hand, the demand for domestic air freight is estimated to increase at a notable pace over the coming years. Growing demand for faster deliveries and a rising number of e-commerce and online retail platforms are expected to help this segment generate new opportunities for air freight providers going forward. Evolving consumer preferences and the rising popularity of same-day deliveries are also expected to play a crucial role in boosting market development through this segment. The increasing affordability of air cargo is also expected to create new opportunities for air freight companies in the future.
Analysis by Service
Airport-to-airport service is estimated to account for a major share of the global air freight market. High efficiency and lower costs of airport-to-airport air freight services is what allows them to hold a dominant stance in the global market. Rising internation trade is expected to be a key factor promoting market growth via this segment as most long distance air freight applications are carried out through the airport-to-airport service. Low costs and easy management are some key benefits of airport-to-airport air freight service over door-to-door service that will help this segment maintain its dominance over the coming years.
Meanwhile, the demand for door-to-door air freight is slated to increase at a robust pace in the future. Rise of e-commerce and dropshipping is estimated to be a major factor driving up the demand for door-to-door air freight around the world. Increasing number of people setting up their own stores on e-commerce platforms are expected to promote the use of door-to-door air freight services in the long run. The growing number of direct to consumer (D2C) brands are also expected to help this segment generate new opportunities for air freight companies in the long run.
Global Air Freight Market By Type
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Air Freight Market Regional Insights
North America is estimated to be the leading market for all air freight companies in the world. The presence of a developed air travel and cargo infrastructure and presence of top e-commerce companies are helping this region maintain its lead in the global air freight market. Moreover, the presence of key aircraft manufacturing companies such as Boeing and Lockheed Martin in the United States cements it as the leading revenue generator for all air freight companies operating in the North American region. Canada is also a lucrative market for air freight providers working in this region. High consumer spending potential and demand for faster deliveries will also promote market growth.
The Asia Pacific region is estimated to emerge as the fastest-growing market for air freight companies around the world. Rising disposable income, changing consumer preferences, and increasing manufacturing activity are some top factors that are expected to create new opportunities for air freight companies in the future. Booming e-commerce activity and rising demand for same-day deliveries are also expected to promote the demand for air freight in this region. China, Japan, and India are slated to be the most opportune markets in the Asia Pacific region through 2031. Rising air travel activity in this region will also help air freight market development going forward.
Global Air Freight Market By Region
- Largest
- Fastest
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Air Freight Market Dynamics
Air Freight Market Drivers
Boom in e-Commerce Activity
- Changing consumer preferences and growing disposable income of people have led an e-commerce boom around the world. As people shop more from these e-commerce platforms, they expect faster deliveries through offerings such as next-day delivery or same-day delivery. Use of air freight for fulfillment of such orders in e-commerce will drive market growth.
Technological Advancements in Air Freight Industry
- Air freight companies are focusing on utilizing advanced technologies to enhance their business operations and stand out from the competition. Use of artificial intelligence, real-time tracking, and automation is making air freight more affordable and efficient thereby also creating new business scope for air freight companies going forward.
Air Freight Market Restraints
Environmental Concerns Regarding Emissions
- Use of traditional aircraft for air freight transportation leads to carbon emissions and in an increasingly sustainable world this becomes a major issue. Imposition of stringent emission mandates and growing demand for sustainable delivery services are expected to hamper the usage of air freight and slow down market growth potential as well.
Issues of Airport Congestion
- Aircraft for air freight usage are often huge and have a massive footprint, which could result in congestion in already crowded airports. Growing number of air travelers could face major inconveniences and delays in their travel due to this increased congestion thereby slowing down the use of air freight in the future.
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Air Freight Market Competitive Landscape
Air freight providers should focus on increasing their capacity whilst keeping the operational costs minimum to maximize their profitability. Investing in the use of sustainable aviation fuel and electric aircraft could pay off big time for air freight companies in the long run. Collaborating and partnering with e-commerce companies could also help widen the business scope for air freight market players in the long run.
Top Players in Air Freight Market
- DHL (Germany)
- FedEx Corporation (US)
- UPS (US)
- C.H. Robinson (US)
- Kuehne + Nagel (Switzerland)
- DB Schenker (Germany)
- Nippon Express (Japan)
- Expeditors International (US)
- Sinotrans (China)
- CEVA Logistics (Switzerland)
- DSV Panalpina (Denmark)
- Agility Logistics (Kuwait)
- Yusen Logistics (Japan)
- Geodis (France)
- Hellmann Worldwide Logistics (Germany)
- XPO Logistics (US)
- Kerry Logistics (Hong Kong)
- Dimerco (Taiwan)
- Bollore Logistics (France)
Air Freight Market Recent Developments
- A new air freight gateway was launched by A.P. Moller – Maersk in May 2024. Located in Miami this new air freight gateway is intended to improve Maersk’s air freight operations in the regions of Asia, Latin America, and the United States as well. The new facility will also improve air freight routing scope for Maersk’s customers in the future.
- DP World Logistics, a company focusing on enhancing global trade launched its international air freight service in June 2024. The company welcomed its first charter flight in Peru under this new launch. This was part of the company’s efforts to expand its operations and business scope on a global level whilst maintaining international standards.
- MSC Air Cargo, air freight company from Switzerland launched its first commercial flight in July 2024. The flight originated with the Milan Malpensa Airport and travelled to Hong Kong International Airport. The company is focusing on expanding its fleet capabilities by adding new aircraft such as the new Boeing 777-200 freighter (I-MSCA).
Air Freight Key Market Trends
- Use of Sustainable Aviation Fuel: Air freight companies can focus on utilization of sustainable aviation fuel in their aircraft to comply with modern emission mandates and promote sustainability. Investing in the development and use of electric aircraft can also help air freight companies expand their business in an eco-friendly way in the long run.
- Cargo-only Airlines: Air freight companies can focus on the development and launch of new cargo-only airlines to expand their business scope. Creating specialized fleets for cargo transport to meet the growing demand for fast and reliable deliveries will help in developing special cargo-only airlines to improve the business scope for all companies involved in the global air freight market.
Air Freight 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.
As per SkyQuest analysis, growing demand for faster deliveries and increasing international trade activities are projected to bolster air freight market growth in the future. On the contrary, issues of airport congestion and environmental concerns regarding aircraft emissions are forecasted to slow down market development. North America is estimated to spearhead the global air freight demand outlook owing to the presence of key air freight companies and e-commerce companies. Use of sustainable aviation fuel and electric aircraft is projected to be a major trend for all air freight providers in long run.
| Report Metric | Details |
|---|---|
| Market size value in 2023 | USD 257.8 billion |
| Market size value in 2032 | USD 633.2 billion |
| Growth Rate | 10.5% |
| Base year | 2024 |
| Forecast period | 2025-2032 |
| Forecast Unit (Value) | USD Billion |
| Segments covered |
|
| 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 |
|
| Customization scope | Free report customization with purchase. Customization includes:-
|
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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 Freight 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
- Exhibit: Impact analysis of DROC, 2021
- 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 Freight 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
- Exhibit: Impact analysis of DROC, 2021
- 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
- Competitive rivalry
- 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(%)
- Total number of companies covered
Methodology
For the Air Freight 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 Freight 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 Freight Market:
Product Analysis: Product matrix, which offers a detailed comparison of the product portfolio of companies.
Regional Analysis: Further analysis of the Air Freight 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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