According to Cognitive Market Research, the global Air Freight market size will be USD 68154.2 million in 2024. It will expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.60% from 2024 to 2031.

North America held the major market share for more than 40% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 27261.68 million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.8% from 2024 to 2031.
Europe accounted for a market share of over 30% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 20446.26 million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.1% from 2024 to 2031.
Asia Pacific held a market share of around 23% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 15675.47 million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.6% from 2024 to 2031.
Latin America had a market share of more than 5% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 3407.71 million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.0% from 2024 to 2031.
Middle East and Africa had a market share of around 2% of the global revenue and was estimated at a market size of USD 1363.08 million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.3% from 2024 to 2031.
The Freight held the highest Air Freight market revenue share in 2024.

Market Dynamics of Air Freight Market

Key Drivers for Air Freight Market

Consolidated Air Freight Service is Growing in Popularity to Propel Market Growth

Air freight service businesses offer four different delivery options. There are four options: charter, standard, postponed, and consolidated. Consolidated air freight service offers users a cost-effective means of transportation with cheaper pricing and reliable timetables, allowing them to plan their supply chains perfectly. Clients who select the Consolidated air freight option can combine their shipment with a variety of other commodities to form a complete load. Consolidated air freight becomes an extremely cost-effective method of transporting goods by plane. Furthermore, consolidated shipments help transportation service providers and airlines since flying an airplane with a full cargo load is less expensive than flying an aircraft with a partial cargo load. Consolidated air freight is the most cost-effective means to move goods quickly and safely, and its growing popularity is expected to propel the worldwide market forward throughout the forecast period.

Shipments are Delivered Faster to Propel Market Growth

Cargo planes are the fastest means of transportation for delivering commodities. While other modes of transportation, such as shipping, rail, and road transport, can take days or weeks to deliver items, air transport can do so in hours. Because there are more tiny items to unload than cargo ships, customs clearance is quick, and no local warehousing is required. Furthermore, air freight is the safest mode of transportation among the others because things delivered by air require less handling, and airport safety requirements are strictly followed. The risk of theft and harm to the package has decreased. Furthermore, due to the short period of the shipment, air freight insurance prices are usually low. Because of these considerations, air freight is an excellent and required mode of cargo transportation.

Restraint Factor for the Air Freight Market

High Price Associated with Air Freight Solution to Hinder Market Growth

Weight and volume are the most important factors in calculating the cost of air freight transportation. Air carriers typically charge according to volumetric or actual weight, whichever is more expensive. Aside from that, air freight pricing is likely to include costs such as fuel surcharges, terminal handling taxes, security surcharges, and airport transfers. Furthermore, the price covers air cargo services such as cargo insurance, pickup and delivery, customs brokerage, and accessorial fees for door-to-door delivery. Furthermore, fluctuations in aviation fuel costs affect air freight operations. The high cost of air freight delivery is likely to limit worldwide market growth throughout the projection period.

Impact of Covid-19 on the Air Freight Market

The COVID-19 epidemic had a huge impact on the airline freight market. Initially, the drop in passenger flights limited cargo capacity, resulting in increased freight costs. However, the rise of e-commerce and the urgent need for medical suppli...

The United States (US) Air Freight Transport Market Report is Segmented by Service (Forwarding, Airlines, Mail, and Other Services), by Destination (Domestic, International), and by Carrier Type (Belly Cargo, Freighter). The Report Offers Market Size and Forecasts U. S. Air Transport Market in Value (USD) for all the Above Segments.

The global air freight market size reached USD 319.4 Billion in 2024. Looking forward, IMARC Group expects the market to reach USD 492.7 Billion by 2033, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 4.9% during 2025-2033. The market is primarily driven by the escalating demand for fast and efficient transportation of goods across borders, the expanding e-commerce sector, the increasing import and export of goods across countries globally, and the continuous technological advancements.

Latin America's Air Freight Carrier Industry Report is Segmented by Services (transport, Forwarding, and Other Services), Destination (domestic and International), Carrier Type (belly Cargo and Freighter), and Geography (Brazil, Mexico, Argentina, Colombia, and the Rest of Latin America). The Report Offers Market Size and Forecasts for the Latin American Air Freight Market in Value (USD) for all the Above Segments.

The market value of the air cargo industry worldwide is projected to amount to almost 197 billion U.S. dollars in 2022, a year-on-year decrease of around 10.8 percent. After three years of a downward trend, the air freight market is expected to recover and reach approximately 210.3 billion U.S. dollars by 2027.

the Nigerian Air Freight Market Report is Segmented by Service (forwarding, Airlines, Mail, and Other Services), Destination (domestic and International), Carrier Type (belly Cargo and Freighter), and Geography (Asia-Pacific, North America, Europe, the Middle East and Africa, and Latin America). the Market Size and Forecasts for the Nigerian Air Freight Market are Provided in Terms of Value (USD) for all the Above Segments.

The United States air freight market size reached USD 61.5 Billion in 2024. Looking forward, IMARC Group expects the market to reach USD 91.8 Billion by 2033, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 4.10% during 2025-2033. The growing application in the pharmaceutical and medical sector, wide availability of fast-shipping solutions, and rising adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) and the internet of things (IoT) represent some of the key factors driving the market.

IMARC Group provides an analysis of the key trends in each sub-segment of the United States air freight market report, along with forecasts at the country and regional level from 2025-2033. Our report has categorized the market based on service, destination and end user.

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Air Freight Services Market Size 2025-2029

The air freight services market size is forecast to increase by USD 64.6 billion at a CAGR of 4.9% between 2024 and 2029.

The market is experiencing significant growth, driven primarily by the increase in cross-border e-commerce activities. The increasing trend of online shopping and the subsequent rise in international deliveries have led to a substantial increase in demand for air freight services. Additionally, the adoption of advanced technologies such as blockchain is revolutionizing the industry by enhancing security, transparency, and efficiency. However, the high cost of availing air freight services remains a significant challenge for market growth. Despite this, companies can capitalize on the opportunities presented by this market by offering competitive pricing, focusing on niche markets, and implementing technology solutions to streamline operations and reduce costs. Overall, the market offers substantial growth potential for investors and businesses seeking to capitalize on the increasing demand for fast and reliable international delivery solutions.

What will be the Size of the Market during the forecast period?

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The market, a significant segment of the global logistics industry, continues to evolve with advancements in technology and increasing demand for efficient and expedited shipping solutions. Key trends shaping the market include the integration of cool-chain systems for temperature-sensitive goods, the adoption of robotics, automation, and artificial intelligence (AI) for enhanced aircraft operations, and the utilization of big data, deep learning, Internet of Things (IoT), augmented reality, and virtual reality for optimized freight management and tracking. 
The air cargo industry's growth is driven by the need for high-speed shipments, particularly in sectors such as electronics, pharmaceuticals, and perishables. Freighter flights are increasingly popular for time-sensitive and large-volume consignments, contributing to the market's expansion. Overall, the air freight industry remains a dynamic and innovative sector, continually adapting to meet the evolving needs of global trade.

How is this Industry segmented?

The industry research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD billion' for the period 2025-2029, as well as historical data from 2019-2023 for the following segments.

Type

  International
  Domestic


End-user

  Manufacturing
  Retail
  Others


Product Type

  General cargo
  Perishable cargo
  Dangerous cargo
  High-value cargo


Geography

  APAC

    Australia
    China
    India
    Japan
    South Korea


  North America

    US
    Canada


  Europe

    France
    Germany
    UK


  Middle East and Africa



  South America

By Type Insights

The international segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period. Air freight services have gained significant importance in the logistics industry due to the increasing globalization of trade and the e-commerce boom. Companies expanding their global reach require efficient and reliable air freight services to transport goods between continents. Technological advances and logistics management systems have enhanced the efficiency and dependability of international air freight services, offering real-time tracking, automated customs clearing processes, and improved route planning. These advancements have reduced transit times and increased overall service quality, making air freight the preferred choice for time-sensitive cargo. The rise of online shopping and cross-border e-commerce has further fueled the demand for international air cargo services, necessitating fast delivery of goods to customers worldwide.

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The international segment was valued at USD 126.20 billion in 2019 and showed a gradual increase during the forecast period.

Regional Analysis

APAC is estimated to contribute 44% to the growth of the global market during the forecast period.Technavio's analysts have elaborately explained the regional trends and drivers that shape the market during the forecast period.

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The market in Asia Pacific (APAC) is experiencing significant growth due to the increase in cross-border e-commerce, particularly in countries like China, India, and Japan. The e-commerce sector's expansion is driven by the convenience and speed it offers, which has been further accelerated by the pandemic. This trend is expected to boost the growth of the regional the market. According to the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines, the number of foreign passengers transported by APAC airlines increased by 49.4% in January 2024

In 2022, the air freight market in the Middle East and Africa (MEA) region was valued at around 12.5 billion U.S. dollars. It was forecast to exceed 14.8 billion U.S by 2027, with a CAGR of 3.51 percent.

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Air Freight Market Size 2024-2028

The air freight market size is forecast to increase by USD 68.02 billion at a CAGR of 6.82% between 2023 and 2028. The market is experiencing significant growth due to several key trends and drivers. The expanding e-commerce sector is a major contributor, as the demand for fast and reliable delivery of goods, particularly time-sensitive and high-value items, continues to rise. Import and export activities also remain a significant factor, with international trade continuing to be a key driver for air freight. Perishable goods and other temperature-controlled shipments require air freight for their quick transportation, ensuring freshness and quality. Cargo networks are increasingly digitalizing, offering real-time tracking and improved supply chain visibility. Blockchain technology and artificial intelligence are also being adopted to enhance security, transparency, and efficiency in air freight operations. Despite these advancements, the high cost of air freight services remains a challenge for some businesses, requiring continued innovation and optimization to remain competitive.

Market Analysis

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The market is experiencing significant growth, driven by the e-commerce sector's increasing demand for import and export activities. Time-sensitive shipments of perishable goods and high-value products are the primary drivers of this growth. Cargo networks have responded by offering real-time tracking, digitalization, and advanced technologies such as blockchain, artificial intelligence, and IoT to ensure secure and efficient international trades. Expedited air cargo and express shipments have become essential for businesses dealing with time-sensitive cargo, particularly in industries like healthcare, where vaccinations and other perishable items require high-speed shipments. Customizable interfaces, cool chain technology, robots, and automated systems are revolutionizing the air transport services industry.

Big data, deep learning, and real-time analytics are also transforming the way cargo is managed and monitored. In the e commerce sector, the demand for time-sensitive shipments of high value products is driving innovations in real-time tracking and same day service, particularly in the healthcare industries where high speed shipments are crucial for maintaining trade balance and meeting urgent delivery needs. Aircraft are being upgraded with advanced technologies to accommodate the growing demand for air freight services. Overall, the market is poised for continued growth, with a focus on innovation and efficiency.

Market Segmentation

The market research report provides comprehensive data (region-wise segment analysis), with forecasts and estimates in 'USD billion' for the period 2024-2028, as well as historical data from 2018-2022 for the following segments.

End-user

  Commercial
  Private


Type

  International
  Domestic


Geography

  APAC

    China
    Japan


  North America

    US


  Europe

    Germany
    France


  Middle East and Africa



  South America

By End-user Insights

The commercial segment is estimated to witness significant growth during the forecast period. The market is experiencing significant growth due to the increasing demand for cross-border shopping of various goods, particularly high-value items such as medical equipment, consumer electronics, automotive products, and perishable food items. Digital technologies have revolutionized the air cargo sector, enabling advanced tracking systems, automation, and operational efficiency in freight services, both domestically and internationally. The availability of same-day delivery options further enhances the appeal of air freight for businesses and consumers. Despite the economic production scales in countries like Japan and China leading to decreasing consumer electronics prices, the frequency of purchases remains high due to their affordability.

Perishable goods, such as food and medical devices, require quick and controlled transportation to maintain their physical and chemical composition until sale and consumption, making airfreight forwarding a preferred mode of transportation.

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The commercial segment was valued at USD 113.54 billion in 2018 and showed a gradual increase during the forecast period.

Regional Insights

APAC is estimated to contribute 35% to the growth of the global market during the forecast period. Technavio's analysts have elaborately explained the regional trends and drivers that shape the market during the forecast period.

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The market in the Asia Pacific (APAC) region is experiencing significant growth due to the tide in cross-border shopping and same day delivery demands. The retail and elec

The global air freight forwarding market is projected to reach a value of $110.91 million by 2033, growing at a CAGR of 4.00% during the forecast period. The growth of the market is attributed to the increasing demand for air freight services for the transportation of time-sensitive and valuable goods, the growth of e-commerce, and the expansion of global trade. Key drivers for the growth of the air freight forwarding market include:

Increasing demand for air freight services for the transportation of time-sensitive and valuable goods: Air freight services are preferred for the transportation of time-sensitive and valuable goods, such as electronics, pharmaceuticals, and perishable goods, as they provide faster transit times and better security than other modes of transportation. Growth of e-commerce: The growth of e-commerce has led to an increase in the demand for air freight services, as e-commerce retailers rely on air freight to quickly deliver goods to their customers. Expansion of global trade: The expansion of global trade has led to an increase in the demand for air freight services, as businesses need to transport goods quickly and efficiently across borders.

Key trends in the air freight forwarding market include:

Increasing use of technology: Air freight forwarders are increasingly using technology to improve their efficiency and customer service. For example, many air freight forwarders now offer online tracking and tracing services, which allow customers to track the status of their shipments in real-time. Growing focus on sustainability: Air freight forwarders are increasingly focused on sustainability, as they seek to reduce their environmental impact. For example, many air freight forwarders are now using fuel-efficient aircraft and adopting sustainable practices in their operations. Recent developments include: August 2023: National Airlines (NASDAQ: NATUAL), a division of national air cargo group, Inc., and Etihad Cargo (MENA, a.k.a. Etihad Cargo), a dynamic Middle East-based freight carrier, has entered into an Interline Agreement for the successful implementation of the International Civil Aviation Regulations 23rd (ICAIR23) program for the U.S. Postal Service. This interline agreement establishes a unique partnership between National Airlines, which has decades of experience in international freight transportation, and Etihad Cargo, which has a global commercial network., April 2022: DHL Supply Chain (a freight and logistics company) launched a strategic partnership with ReverseLogix (one of the leading cloud-based platforms to automate end-to-end reverse logistics for e-commerce brands). The decision came when DHL Supply Chain continued to see impressive growth for its e-commerce business, which saw a 15% annual growth rate over the 2021 peak season. It is coupled with total national retail returns climbing 78% to more than USD 761 billion. According to data issued by the National Retail Federation, this growth level was commensurate with substantial returns volume growth from 2020 to 2021., March 2022: Cargojet's recent bet on more aircraft led it to secure an expanded agreement with DHL Express. The pair announced a five-year cooperation agreement, with an option for another two years, for ACMI, CMI, charter, and dry leases. Canada's Cargojet already uses 12 aircraft for DHL, which is adding five 767Fs in 2022 and next to handle 'expected cargo volume.' DHL expanded its capacity in the Americas by 18% in the 2021 peak season and launched a weekly service from Vietnam to the US. Also, Cargojet recently signed purchase and conversion agreements for six more 777s, making eight more by 2026.. Key drivers for this market are: Increase in the demand for the Air Cargo Capacity, The Rise of E-commerce. Potential restraints include: Cargo Restrictions. Notable trends are: The increase in E-Commerce is driving the Market.

This statistic shows the size of the air freight market worldwide in 2020 and 2021 and gives a forecast through 2026. In 2022, the air freight market is expected to exceed 87 million metric tons.

The report covers Global Air Freight Forwarder Market Share and is segmented by service (airlines, mail, and other services), destination (domestic and international), Geography (North America, Europe , Asia-Pacific , Middle East & Africa , South America). The report offers the market sizes and forecasts for the Air Freight Forwarding Market in value (USD) for all the above segments.

South East Asia air freight market size is projected to exhibit a growth rate (CAGR) of 6.00% during 2024-2032. The evolving needs of businesses, e-commerce growth, and the imperative for efficient and timely logistics solutions are some of the key factors driving the market growth.

IMARC Group provides an analysis of the key trends in each segment of the market, along with forecasts at the regional and country levels for 2024-2032. Our report has categorized the market based on service, destination, and end user.

The Air Freight Market is projected to grow at 6.9% CAGR, reaching $68.27 Billion by 2029. Where is the industry heading next? Get the sample report now!

In 2021, the air freight market in the Asia-Pacific region was valued at approximately 66.45 billion U.S. dollars. The market value was forecast to decrease to just below 60 billion dollars in 2024 and 2025, before reaching an estimated 62.5 billion dollars in 2027.

According to Cognitive Market Research, the global Air cargo Market size will be USD 186241.5 million in 2025. It will expand at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.00% from 2025 to 2033.

North America held the major market share for more than 40% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 74496.60 million in 2025 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.2% from 2025 to 2033.
Europe accounted for a market share of over 30% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 55872.45 million.
Asia Pacific held a market share of around 23% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 42835.55 million in 2025 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.0% from 2025 to 2033.
Latin America had a market share of more than 5% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 9312.08 million in 2025 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.4% from 2025 to 2033.
Middle East and Africa had a market share of around 2% of the global revenue and was estimated at a market size of USD 3724.83 million in 2025 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.7% from 2025 to 2033.
The belly cargo category led the Air cargo Market.

Market Dynamics of Air cargo Market

Key Drivers for Air cargo Market

Growing Industrialization and International Trade to Boost Market Growth

Growing industrialization and international trade are major factors propelling the air cargo market since they raise demand for quick, effective cross-regional freight transit. Businesses depend on air cargo to move high-value, time-sensitive commodities efficiently as international trade grows, such as electronics, auto parts, medications, and perishable goods. Rapid and dependable transportation of machinery, raw materials, and completed goods has become increasingly important as a result of increased industrialization, particularly in emerging countries. Air cargo facilitates the expansion of industrial and distribution networks and allows for just-in-time delivery. The international movement of goods has also been made easier by trade agreements and better infrastructure, opening up new markets for air freight services. The need for effective, specialized air cargo solutions will only increase as industries grow and supply chains become more globalized, guaranteeing air freight's vital role in contemporary logistics and business.

Advantages of Air Travel to Drive Market Growth

One of the quickest forms of transportation is air cargo delivery. It takes too long to deliver goods using other means of transportation including the road, rail, and water. In contrast to air transportation, which delivers the goods in a matter of hours, they typically take weeks or days. The expansion of the air freight market is anticipated to be driven by these advantages. Compared to cargo ships, there is less inventory of products available for unloading. It is among the safest and fastest ways to go around. It requires less local warehousing and clears considerably more quickly.

Restraint Factor for the Air cargo Market

Rising operational costs, will Limit Market Growth

The market for air cargo is severely constrained by rising operational costs, which are mostly caused by increased labor, maintenance, and fuel prices. Fuel, a significant operating expense, is subject to unpredictable fluctuations that have an immediate effect on profitability. Air freight operators also have to pay more for security, airport fees, and regulatory compliance. Capital expenditures are further increased by the requirement for updated infrastructure and modernized fleets. Customers may see price increases as a result of carriers' effort to strike a balance between profitability and competitive pricing due to these growing costs.

Market Trends in Air cargo Market

Innovative Air Freight Technologies to Support Market Growth

The incorporation of new and advanced technologies in the air freight business is expected to contribute to the growth of the worldwide air cargo market. By implementing more sophisticated interfaces and doing away with outdated mainframe systems, the air freight industry is embracing changing technologies. modernization of air freight through the use of new technologies like analytics, artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning. Fast shipping and logistical solutions should be made possible by this. Numerous procedures are anticipated to be ...

Japan air freight market size reached USD 18.9 Billion in 2024. Looking forward, IMARC Group expects the market to reach USD 29.3 Billion by 2033, exhibiting a growth rate (CAGR) of 4.85% during 2025-2033. The rapid growth of e-commerce that has led to increased demand for fast and efficient delivery of goods to meet the expectations of quick and reliable shipping for their customers, is driving the market.

IMARC Group provides an analysis of the key trends in each segment of the market, along with forecasts at the country level for 2025-2033. Our report has categorized the market based on service, destination, and end user.

The market value of the air cargo industry in North America is projected to amount to 75 billion U.S. dollars in 2022, a year-on-year decrease of around 14.2 percent. After three years of a downward trend, the North-American air freight market is expected to recover and reach approximately 84.4 billion U.S. dollars by 2027.

In 2021, the air freight transport market in the United Kingdom dropped to 937.3 million British pounds. As air passenger traffic in the region decreased, airlines have shifted to providing cargo flights for the transportation of medical supplies.