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 2026-2034. Driven by fast and efficient transportation demand and expanding e-commerce, the market sees Asia Pacific leading with a 39.5% share in 2025. Continuous technological advancements, globalization, and increased import-export activities further propel growth.

Study Assumption Years

• Base Year: 2025
• Historical Year/Period: 2020-2025
• Forecast Year/Period: 2026-2034

Air Freight Market Key Takeaways

• Current Market Size: USD 335.2 Billion in 2025
• CAGR: 4.70%
• Forecast Period: 2026-2034
• Asia Pacific held the largest market share of 39.5% in 2025, leading the global air freight market.
• Freight service dominated the market with a 74.1% revenue share in 2025.
• International air freight was the most significant destination segment with 85.1% market share in 2025.
• Commercial end users contributed about 88.5% of the market share in 2025, driven by manufacturers and retailers.
• The United States accounted for 84.10% of North America's air freight market in 2025, reflecting strong regional demand.

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Market Growth Factors

The air freight market is booming, largely thanks to the rapid growth of e-commerce, which is driving the demand for quicker deliveries. By 2029, the number of e-commerce users in India is projected to hit 501.6 million, with user penetration climbing from 22.1% in 2024 to 34.0%. The average revenue per user (ARPU) is expected to reach INR 14,121. The Government e-Marketplace (GeM) reported a gross merchandise value of USD 201.1 billion for 2022-23, highlighting the increasing volume of goods that need fast transport. Coupled with globalization and the rise of cross-border trade, these factors are ramping up the need for efficient air cargo services around the world.

On the tech front, advancements are significantly boosting operational efficiency and reliability in the air freight industry. The use of automation, digital tracking, AI, and the Internet of Things (IoT) is enhancing everything from cargo handling to route planning, predictive maintenance, and demand forecasting. For example, FedEx has rolled out FedEx Sustainability Insights, a cloud platform that tracks CO2 emissions, while Lufthansa Cargo is investing in e-booking systems. These technological innovations are also meeting the growing consumer demand for speedy delivery, especially in time-sensitive sectors like pharmaceuticals and perishables.

The surge in international trade is providing a strong backbone for the growth of the air freight market. The increasing shipments of perishable and high-value goods—ranging from luxury items to fresh food, electronics, and pharmaceuticals—are driving this demand. Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport, for instance, saw a staggering 101% growth in cross-border e-commerce cargo from January to July 2023 compared to the previous year. Air freight’s speed and flexibility are also bolstering supply chain resilience, allowing industries to keep their inventory levels in check and adopt just-in-time delivery models. Additionally, multi-modal networks and digital cargo visibility tools are helping to mitigate risks from geopolitical tensions, pandemics, and natural disasters, further solidifying the strategic importance of air freight.

Market Segmentation

By Service:

• Freight: Freight accounted for the highest market share of 74.1% in 2025. It is prized for efficient, reliable, and cost-effective international and domestic goods transportation, ensuring proper handling of hazardous or fragile cargo.
• Express: Not provided in source.
• Mail: Not provided in source.
• Others: Not provided in source.

By Destination:

• Domestic: Not provided in source.
• International: Leading destination segment with 85.1% market share in 2025. It facilitates rapid connectivity between continents for high-value, time-critical goods, supporting growing door-to-door delivery services by carriers like Emirates and Lufthansa.

By End User:

• Private: Not provided in source.
• Commercial: Commanded 88.5% market share in 2025. Commercial users include manufacturers, retailers, and wholesalers relying on air freight for efficient logistics, especially with e-commerce shipments predicted to grow.

Regional Insights

Asia Pacific dominates the air freight market with a commanding 39.5% market share in 2025. This leadership stems from substantial government and industry investments to modernize airport infrastructure and expand networks. Examples include passenger aircraft conversions to freighters to meet regional demand. Additionally, strong cargo demand has prompted manufacturers like Airbus and Boeing to release new wide-body freighter aircraft, reinforcing the region's pivotal role in global air freight.

Recent Developments & News

In February 2025, Nippon Express forged a partnership with Nikon Corporation to supply SAF-enabled air freight services, providing CO2 reduction certificates. The same month, JAS acquired International Airfreight Associates B.V. to bolster its international logistics network. January 2025 saw Freightos partner with Norwegian Cargo to integrate digital booking into its WebCargo platform. Finnair Cargo joined Unisys's Cargo Portal Services for enhanced operational efficiency. In December 2024, China Airlines implemented IBS Software's iCargo system, advancing digitalization. In May 2024, Maersk opened a 90,000-square-foot air freight gateway in Miami to enhance cargo flows between Europe, Asia, and 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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