Top Air Freight Companies

The rapid expansion of global e-commerce has become the strongest catalyst for air freight growth. As customers expect same-day or next-day delivery for international and high-value purchases, retailers are compelled to prioritize air transport for speed and reliability. This demand intensifies during peak seasons, prompting companies to maintain larger inventories in international hubs and rely on air cargo to restock quickly. Additionally, cross-border online shopping pushes logistics providers to develop express shipping solutions, enhance last-mile integration, and upgrade digital tracking. These evolving expectations create a direct cause-and-effect cycle where rising online sales continuously elevate air freight dependence and capacity requirements.

Industry Overview

According to SkyQuest Technology “Global Air Freight Market” By Service (Freight, Express), By Destination (Domestic and International), By End Use, By Region - Industry Forecast 2025-2032,” Global air freight market is projected to grow at a CAGR of over 10.5% by 2032, on account of urgent need for automating quantified data. The increasing global movement of pharmaceuticals, vaccines, biologics, and perishable foods has made temperature-controlled logistics a critical factor in air freight market growth. These products are highly sensitive to temperature fluctuations, creating a pressing need for rapid, reliable, and compliant transportation.

Top 10 Global Air Freight Companies

1. FedEx Express

FedEx Express is a global leader in air freight and express transportation, known for its fast, reliable delivery networks that support time-critical shipments worldwide. Founded in 1971 and headquartered in Memphis, it operates one of the world’s largest all-cargo air fleets, serving over 220 countries and territories. The company specializes in international priority shipping, e-commerce fulfillment, temperature-controlled logistics, and sophisticated tracking solutions. As global trade and online retail accelerate, FedEx continues to expand its air cargo capabilities, investing in fleet modernization, digital platforms, and specialized healthcare logistics to meet rising global demand.

2. UPS Airlines

UPS Airlines is a major force in the global air freight market, operating one of the world’s largest cargo fleets from its Louisville headquarters. Established in 1988 as the air division of UPS, it supports rapid, reliable overnight and international shipping across more than 220 countries and territories. The carrier specializes in express parcel delivery, freight forwarding, healthcare logistics, and temperature-controlled transport, strengthened by advanced tracking and integrated ground–air networks. As global e-commerce and medical supply chains expand, UPS Airlines continues investing in fleet modernization, automation, and specialized cold-chain capabilities to meet rising global demand.

3. Emirates SkyCargo

Emirates SkyCargo is a leading global air freight carrier, renowned for its extensive international network and high cargo-handling standards. Established in 1985 and based in Dubai, it connects markets across six continents through its modern wide-body aircraft fleet. The company specializes in temperature-controlled logistics, perishables, pharmaceuticals, and heavy or oversized cargo, supported by advanced cold-chain infrastructure at Dubai’s cargo hubs. As global trade, e-commerce, and healthcare logistics continue to expand, Emirates SkyCargo strengthens its position by investing in digital tracking, specialized handling solutions, and expanded capacity to meet rising global supply chain demands.

4. Atlas Air

Atlas Air is a prominent global air freight operator specializing in ACMI leasing, charter services, and express network support for major cargo carriers worldwide. Founded in 1992 and headquartered in Purchase, New York, the company operates one of the world’s largest fleets of Boeing 747 freighters, enabling high-capacity, long-haul cargo transport. Atlas Air plays a critical role in e-commerce, military logistics, and time-sensitive global supply chains by providing aircraft, crew, maintenance, and insurance solutions. As demand for flexible air cargo capacity grows, the company continues to invest in fleet expansion, operational efficiency, and advanced logistics partnerships.

5. Cargolux

Cargolux is one of the world’s leading all-cargo airlines, known for its extensive global freighter network and expertise in handling complex, high-value shipments. Founded in 1970 and headquartered in Sandweiler, Luxembourg, it operates a modern fleet of Boeing 747 freighters serving major trade lanes across the Americas, Europe, Asia, and Africa. The company specializes in heavy and oversized cargo, perishables, pharmaceuticals, live animals, and time-critical shipments, supported by advanced cold-chain and handling capabilities. As global trade and specialized logistics grow, Cargolux continues to strengthen its operations, digital platforms, and fleet efficiency to meet rising air freight demand.

6. Kuehne + Nagel International

Kuehne + Nagel International is a global logistics powerhouse and one of the most influential players in the air freight market, delivering end-to-end supply chain solutions across more than 100 countries. Established in 1890 and headquartered in Schindellegi, Switzerland, the company offers comprehensive air freight forwarding, contract logistics, customs brokerage, and specialized cold-chain services for pharmaceuticals and high-value goods. Its strong digital platform, KN Login, enhances shipment visibility and optimization. As global trade, e-commerce, and temperature-sensitive logistics accelerate, Kuehne + Nagel continues expanding capacity, sustainability initiatives, and advanced supply chain technologies.

7. DHL Global Forwarding

DHL Global Forwarding is a leading force in international air freight forwarding, offering comprehensive logistics solutions across more than 220 countries and territories. Formed in 2006 and headquartered in Bonn, Germany, it specializes in air cargo management, customs brokerage, temperature-controlled logistics, and industrial project shipments. The company is known for its strong digital platforms, including advanced tracking and supply chain visibility tools, which enhance efficiency and reliability. As global e-commerce, healthcare logistics, and cross-border trade continue to expand, DHL Global Forwarding invests heavily in sustainable aviation initiatives, capacity growth, and specialized handling capabilities to meet evolving global demand.

8. AeroLogic

AeroLogic is a dedicated cargo airline formed in 2007 as a joint venture between DHL Express and Lufthansa Cargo, strategically headquartered in Schkeuditz near Leipzig Airport, one of Europe’s major freight hubs. Operating a modern fleet of Boeing 777 freighters, the company focuses on express, time-critical, and e-commerce-driven air cargo, seamlessly integrating both partners’ global networks. Its operations emphasize speed, reliability, and efficient long-haul connectivity across key trade routes in Asia, Europe, and the Americas. As demand for rapid cross-border logistics grows, AeroLogic continues enhancing fleet utilization, route optimization, and digital capabilities to support expanding global freight flows.

9. Qatar Airways Cargo

Qatar Airways Cargo is a leading global air freight carrier recognized for its expansive network, high service quality, and modern freighter capabilities. Established in 1993 and headquartered in Doha, the division operates one of the world’s youngest wide-body cargo fleets, connecting major trade hubs across Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Americas. The company specializes in pharmaceuticals, perishables, live animals, e-commerce logistics, and oversized cargo, supported by its advanced cold-chain system, QR Pharma. As global trade and healthcare logistics expand, Qatar Airways Cargo continues to invest in digitalization, cargo-handling innovation, and sustainable aviation solutions to meet rising market demands.

10. Korean Air Cargo

Korean Air Cargo is a major global air freight carrier known for its extensive trans-Pacific and intra-Asia network, strong operational reliability, and diversified cargo capabilities. Founded in 1969 and headquartered in Seoul, it operates a modern fleet of Boeing freighters that support the transport of pharmaceuticals, perishables, electronics, automotive parts, and oversized industrial cargo. The airline’s advanced cold-chain systems and specialized handling services ensure quality and compliance for sensitive shipments. As global manufacturing, e-commerce, and cross-border trade continue to grow, Korean Air Cargo strengthens its position through fleet modernization, digital logistics platforms, and strategic network expansion.

Other Leading Global Air Freight Companies

• China Southern Airlines Cargo
• China Airlines Cargo
• Lufthansa Cargo
• Turkish Cargo
• CEVA Logistics
• Expeditors International
• DB Schenker
• Nippon Express
• Bolloré Logistics
• Hellmann Worldwide Logistics

Conclusion

The global air freight market is undergoing accelerated expansion as e-commerce growth, temperature-sensitive logistics, and rising cross-border trade reshape industry priorities. Companies increasingly rely on fast, reliable air cargo to meet customer expectations for speed and to maintain resilient supply chains. The growing movement of pharmaceuticals, perishables, and high-value goods further strengthens demand for advanced cold-chain capabilities. Leading players—including FedEx Express, UPS Airlines, Emirates SkyCargo, Atlas Air, and Cargolux—are investing heavily in fleet modernization, digitalization, and specialized handling solutions. As automation and data-driven logistics continue to evolve, air freight is positioned to remain a critical pillar of global commerce.