Market Overview

The global air freight market was valued at USD 335.2 Billion in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 506.2 Billion by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 4.70% during the forecast period 2026-2034. Asia Pacific led the market in 2025 with a 39.5% share. Market growth is driven by the rising demand for fast and efficient cross-border transportation, expanding e-commerce, increased import/export activities, and continuous technological advancements. For more details, visit the Air Freight Market.

Study Assumption Years

• Base Year: Not provided in source
• Historical Year/Period: Not provided in source
• Forecast Year/Period: Not provided in source

Air Freight Market Key Takeaways

• Current Market Size: Not provided in source
• CAGR: Not provided in source
• Forecast Period: Not provided in source
• Asia Pacific held the largest market share at 39.5% in 2025.
• Freight service accounted for approximately 74.1% of the market share in 2025.
• International destination segment led with around 85.1% market share in 2025.
• Commercial end users dominated with a share of around 88.5% in 2025.
• The market is fueled by rapid growth of e-commerce, increasing globalization, and rising demand for timely deliveries, especially in pharmaceuticals and perishables.
• Technological advancements such as automation and digital tracking have enhanced operational efficiency and reliability.

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Market Growth Factors

The air freight market is significantly driven by the rapid expansion of the e-commerce sector, which demands faster delivery of goods worldwide. With e-commerce accounting for 16% of total air cargo activity, it is expected to grow from USD 3.5 Trillion in 2022 to USD 7 Trillion by 2025. This growth pressures logistics providers to deliver time-sensitive products like electronics, pharmaceuticals, and fashion goods swiftly. According to the Association of Asia Pacific Airlines (AAPA), air cargo plays a crucial role in transporting critical medical supplies, and forecasts predict global e-commerce could reach USD 4.4 Trillion by 2026. Additionally, 80% of global e-commerce shipments utilize air transport, supporting faster and more secure international deliveries.

Increasing international trade is another key driver bolstering air freight demand. Companies worldwide procure parts, materials, and finished goods requiring fast, reliable transportation across borders. Shipment of high-value and perishable items such as luxury goods, fresh food, flowers, electronics, and pharmaceuticals fuels market expansion. For instance, Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport recorded a 101% increase in cross-border e-commerce cargo from January to July 2023, handling 93,000 tons during this period. This trend has encouraged the development and use of special economic zones, free trade zones, and bonded warehouses to support growing logistics demands.

Technological advancements such as AI, IoT, and digital platforms contribute to enhancing air freight efficiency and transparency. AI optimizes cargo handling, route planning, predictive maintenance, and demand forecasting, while digital cargo platforms reduce delays by allowing real-time scheduling and booking as seen with Lufthansa Cargo's e-booking system and FedEx’s sustainability platform tracking CO₂ emissions. Moreover, ongoing innovation in sustainable aviation solutions positively influences the air freight market outlook, aligning with environmental priorities.

Market Segmentation

Analysis by Service:

• Freight: Holds about 74.1% market share in 2025; provides efficient, reliable, and cost-effective international and domestic goods transportation with proper handling of sensitive cargo. Example: Cargojet's agreement expansion with DHL Express.
• Express
• Mail
• Others

Analysis by Destination:

• Domestic
• International: Leads with 85.1% share in 2025; essential for connectivity and speed between countries and continents. Major carriers are expanding door-to-door delivery to compete with e-commerce giants.

Analysis by End User:

• Private
• Commercial: Dominates with 88.5% share in 2025; commercial users include manufacturers, retailers, wholesalers; e-commerce shipments accounted for 18% of air cargo and are expected to increase.

Regional Insights

Asia Pacific dominated the air freight market, accounting for over 39.5% share in 2025. Growth is supported by significant infrastructure investments and modernization efforts, including government initiatives to convert passenger aircraft to freighters to boost capacity. The region’s strategic position as a manufacturing hub and the ongoing introduction of new wide-body freighters by Airbus and Boeing meet strong cargo demand, enhancing the region's market leadership.

Recent Developments & News

• February 2025: Nippon Express partnered with Nikon Corporation to supply SAF-enabled air freight services, providing CO2 reduction certificates.
• February 2025: JAS acquired International Airfreight Associates B.V., enhancing its international network and perishable goods capabilities.
• January 2025: Freightos partnered with Norwegian Cargo to enable real-time digital booking through WebCargo.
• January 2025: Finnair Cargo joined Unisys’ Cargo Portal Services platform to improve multi-carrier booking access.
• December 2024: China Airlines integrated IBS Software’s iCargo solution for enhanced freight administration.
• May 2024: Maersk opened a 90,000 sq. ft. air freight gateway in Miami to boost cargo flow from Europe and Asia to Latin America.

Key Players

• American Airlines Inc.
• ANA Cargo Inc.
• Bolloré Logistics
• Cargolux Airlines International S.A.
• Delta Air Lines Inc.
• Deutsche Bahn AG
• Deutsche Post AG
• DSV A/S
• Expeditors International of Washington Inc.
• FedEx Corporation
• Hellmann Worldwide Logistics SE & Co. KG
• Kuehne + Nagel International AG
• Nippon Express Co. Ltd.
• Qatar Airways
• United Parcel Service Inc.

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