"The Global Air Cargo Market was valued at USD 64.98 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 106.17 billion by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 5.61%."
The air cargo market plays a vital role in global trade by facilitating the rapid transportation of goods across continents. It is a crucial enabler of international supply chains, supporting industries such as electronics, pharmaceuticals, automotive, perishables, and e-commerce. Air cargo offers unmatched speed and reliability compared to other transportation modes, making it the preferred choice for high-value and time-sensitive shipments. The sector benefits from continuous advancements in aircraft capacity, logistics infrastructure, and digital solutions, which are streamlining operations and enhancing efficiency. With globalization and growing cross-border commerce, air freight remains a cornerstone of international trade and a key contributor to economic development.
The market is undergoing significant transformation driven by digitalization, sustainability initiatives, and evolving customer expectations. Airlines and logistics companies are increasingly investing in green technologies, fuel-efficient aircraft, and smart cargo handling systems to meet regulatory requirements and reduce carbon footprints. Additionally, the rising prominence of e-commerce and express delivery services is pushing operators to expand capacity and adopt automation for faster and more secure cargo movement. Regional hubs are strengthening their infrastructure to serve as gateways for trade flows, while alliances and strategic partnerships are reshaping competitive dynamics. This evolving landscape positions the air cargo market for sustained growth while addressing challenges of cost optimization, regulatory compliance, and technological adaptation.
Trade Intelligence air cargo market
| Global Large powered aircraft >15,000 kg (excl. helicopters, dirigibles & drones) , Imports, USD million, 2020-24 | |||||
|
| 2020 | 2021 | 2022 | 2023 | 2024 |
| World | 66,239 | 65,280 | 75,113 | 99,233 | 1,01,324 |
| Ireland | 15,331 | 16,966 | 17,340 | 20,437 | 17,760 |
| United States of America | 10,227 | 8,990 | 8,067 | 8,977 | 12,523 |
| India | 1,114 | 396 | 2,725 | 10,522 | 11,351 |
| China | 6,731 | 9,936 | 8,151 | 8,051 | 8,871 |
| United Kingdom | 3,784 | 1,663 | 2,539 | 7,415 | 6,581 |
| Source: OGAnalysis, International Trade Centre (ITC) | |||||
- Ireland , United States of America , India , China and United Kingdom are the top five countries importing 56.3% of global Large powered aircraft >15,000 kg (excl. helicopters, dirigibles & drones) in 2024
- Global Large powered aircraft >15,000 kg (excl. helicopters, dirigibles & drones) Imports increased by 53% between 2020 and 2024
- Ireland accounts for 17.5% of global Large powered aircraft >15,000 kg (excl. helicopters, dirigibles & drones) trade in 2024
- United States of America accounts for 12.4% of global Large powered aircraft >15,000 kg (excl. helicopters, dirigibles & drones) trade in 2024
- India accounts for 11.2% of global Large powered aircraft >15,000 kg (excl. helicopters, dirigibles & drones) trade in 2024
| Global Large powered aircraft >15,000 kg (excl. helicopters, dirigibles & drones) Export Prices, USD/Ton, 2020-24 |
| |
| Source: OGAnalysis, International Trade Centre (ITC) |
Regional Insights
North America Air Cargo Market
Market dynamics are defined by resilient e-commerce flows, high-value pharma and tech exports, and the normalization of belly capacity on transatlantic and domestic networks. Lucrative opportunities include freighter-to-passenger belly synergies on hub-and-spoke routes, conversion freighters serving secondary gateways, certified cold-chain corridors for biologics, and cross-border express lanes linking the U.S., Mexico, and Canada. Latest trends feature digital cargo operations (e-AWB, dynamic pricing, real-time tracking), sustainability pilots using SAF and ground-handling electrification, and nearshoring-driven inventory repositioning that favors time-definite air. The forecast points to steady growth as retailers adopt omni-fulfillment models and healthcare logistics scales specialized temperature-controlled capacity. Recent developments include airport upgrades to pharma-ready facilities, expanded weekend sortation windows for peak parcels, and multimodal offerings that stitch air with expedited trucking for faster door-to-door reliability.
Asia Pacific Air Cargo Market
Asia Pacific is anchored by export-led manufacturing and dense cross-border e-commerce, with market dynamics shaped by long-haul intercontinental lanes and fast-growing intra-Asia networks. Lucrative opportunities arise in express and deferred services from manufacturing clusters, perishables and seafood cold chains into Northeast Asia and the Middle East, and cross-border B2C parcels moving via regional gateways. Latest trends include ramp-up of conversion freighters, smart customs pre-clearance, IoT-enabled visibility, and airport “smart cargo” zones that automate build-up/break-down. The forecast indicates outperformance versus other regions as electronics, fashion, and healthcare exports remain strong and belly capacity continues to recover on key corridors. Recent developments center on secondary city hubs attracting freighter rotations, expanded bonded e-commerce warehouses near airports, and integrated rail-air solutions improving transit times on inland-to-port legs.
Europe Air Cargo Market
Europe’s market dynamics reflect high-value industrial and pharmaceutical flows, stringent sustainability requirements, and complex cross-border operations within the single market and adjacent regions. Lucrative opportunities include premium time-definite services on transatlantic and Asia lanes, certified pharma corridors with GDP compliance, and intermodal strategies that pair air with road and rail for emissions reduction. Latest trends emphasize SAF adoption pathways, cargo community systems for data sharing, slot optimization at constrained hubs, and temperature-controlled expansions at key gateways. The forecast suggests stable, premium growth as shippers prioritize reliability, compliance, and verifiable carbon accounting within procurement. Recent developments feature capacity realignments from congested hubs to regional cargo airports, upgraded perishables handling for agrifood imports, and broader rollout of digitized milestones that improve ETA accuracy, claims prevention, and supply-chain resilience.
Key Market Insights
- The air cargo market has become a central pillar of international trade, supporting fast and reliable transportation of high-value and time-sensitive goods. It facilitates the smooth flow of supply chains across industries such as pharmaceuticals, electronics, automotive, and fresh produce, ensuring global commerce remains uninterrupted.
- E-commerce growth has emerged as one of the strongest drivers of air cargo demand, with retailers and logistics firms increasingly relying on air freight for last-mile delivery and cross-border shipments. This trend is pushing companies to enhance automation, digitization, and capacity expansion strategies.
- Pharmaceutical and healthcare sectors represent a significant opportunity, especially for temperature-sensitive and time-critical goods like vaccines and biologics. Specialized air cargo solutions such as cold chain logistics are witnessing increased investment to maintain quality and compliance standards.
- Sustainability is reshaping the industry, with airlines and logistics providers investing in fuel-efficient aircraft, biofuels, and carbon offset programs. Green initiatives are not only meeting regulatory mandates but also appealing to eco-conscious customers, strengthening the market’s long-term growth potential.
- Technological innovations such as blockchain, AI-driven route optimization, and cargo tracking systems are improving transparency, reducing operational costs, and enhancing customer experience. Real-time data and predictive analytics are now integral to cargo operations and supply chain resilience.
- Strategic alliances and partnerships between airlines, logistics companies, and e-commerce platforms are shaping the competitive landscape. Collaborative models help optimize capacity utilization, expand global reach, and deliver integrated services, creating synergies across value chains.
- Regional hubs in Asia, Europe, and North America are strengthening their air cargo infrastructure, with airports investing in automation, digital cargo handling, and dedicated cargo terminals. These hubs act as gateways for growing international trade flows.
- Geopolitical uncertainties, trade policy shifts, and fuel price volatility remain challenges influencing air cargo profitability and operational planning. Companies are adopting flexible business models and diversified trade routes to mitigate risks and ensure continuity.
- Express and courier services are expanding as demand for same-day and next-day deliveries continues to rise. The market for express cargo is experiencing heightened competition, with players investing in technology and infrastructure to meet rising customer expectations.
- The future outlook for the air cargo market is highly promising, with sustained growth driven by globalization, cross-border trade, and technology adoption. Despite challenges, ongoing investments in infrastructure, sustainability, and innovation ensure long-term resilience and profitability.
Report Scope
| Parameter | air cargo market scope Detail |
| Base Year | 2024 |
| Estimated Year | 2025 |
| Forecast Period | 2026-2032 |
| Market Size-Units | USD billion/Million |
| Market Splits Covered | By Type ,By Service ,By Destination ,By End-User |
| Countries Covered | North America (USA, Canada, Mexico) |
| Analysis Covered | Latest Trends, Driving Factors, Challenges, Trade Analysis, Price Analysis, Supply-Chain Analysis, Competitive Landscape, Company Strategies |
| Customization | 10% free customization (up to 10 analyst hours) to modify segments, geographies, and companies analyzed |
| Post-Sale Support | 4 analyst hours, available up to 4 weeks |
| Delivery Format | The Latest Updated PDF and Excel Data file |
Air Cargo Market Segments Covered In The Report
By Type
- Air Mail
- Air Freight
By Service
- Express
- Regular
By Destination
- Domestic
- International
By End-User
- Consumer Electronics
- Retail
- Third Party Logistics
- Food And Beverages
- Pharmaceuticals And Healthcare
- Other End Users
By Geography
- North America (USA, Canada, Mexico)
- Europe (Germany, UK, France, Spain, Italy, Rest of Europe)
- Asia-Pacific (China, India, Japan, Australia, Vietnam, Rest of APAC)
- The Middle East and Africa (Middle East, Africa)
- South and Central America (Brazil, Argentina, Rest of SCA)
Key Market Players
Amazon.com Inc., China Railway Corporation, UPS Airlines, United Parcel Service Inc., Deutsche Post AG, FedEx Corporation, A.P. Møller-Mærsk A/S, United States Postal Service, American Airlines, Delta Airlines, United Airlines, Kuehne + Nagel International AG, The Emirates Group, Indian Railways, JSC Russian Railways, International Consolidated Airlines Group SA, Qatar Airways Company QCSC, LATAM Airlines, Japan Airlines Co. Ltd., Cathay Pacific Airways Limited, Cargolux Airlines International SA, China Airlines Ltd., Cargill Incorporated, Aeromexico Cargo, Gol Airlines, Azul Airlines, Magma Aviation Limited, China Airlines Cargo, South African Airways Cargo, Thai Airways Cargo
Recent Industry Developments
- August 2025 – Aerospace startup Grid Aero debuted the Lifter-Lite cargo drone, designed to fly thousands of miles with substantial payload capacity—offering a solution for remote or contested logistics and backed by a U.S. Air Force contract.
- July 2025 – China's regulator granted conditional approval for ANA Holdings to acquire Nippon Cargo Airlines, with safeguards to maintain competitive cargo ground handling at Tokyo-Narita and Osaka-Kansai airports, paving the way for expanded international operations.
- June 2025 – Delta Air Lines expanded its cargo strategy with "DeliverDirect," using unused belly space on passenger flights to offer tech-integrated, door-to-door e-commerce delivery via its SmartKargo platform, achieving lower-cost and high punctuality performance.
- June 2025 – AirZeta (formerly Air Incheon) took over Asiana Cargo operations, rebranding and absorbing a large freighter fleet to expand its international cargo network across Asia.
Available Customizations
The standard syndicate report is designed to serve the common interests of Air Cargo Market players across the value chain and include selective data and analysis from entire research findings as per the scope and price of the publication.
However, to precisely match the specific research requirements of individual clients, we offer several customization options to include the data and analysis of interest in the final deliverable.
Some of the customization requests are as mentioned below :
Segmentation of choice – Our clients can seek customization to modify/add a market division for types/applications/end-uses/processes of their choice.
Air Cargo Pricing and Margins Across the Supply Chain, Air Cargo Price Analysis / International Trade Data / Import-Export Analysis
Supply Chain Analysis, Supply–Demand Gap Analysis, PESTLE Analysis, Macro-Economic Analysis, and other Air Cargo market analytics
Processing and manufacturing requirements, Patent Analysis, Technology Trends, and Product Innovations
Further, the client can seek customization to break down geographies as per their requirements for specific countries/country groups such as South East Asia, Central Asia, Emerging and Developing Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Benelux, Emerging and Developing Europe, Nordic countries, North Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa, Caribbean, The Middle East and North Africa (MENA), Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) or any other.
Capital Requirements, Income Projections, Profit Forecasts, and other parameters to prepare a detailed project report to present to Banks/Investment Agencies.
Customization of up to 10% of the content can be done without any additional charges.
Note: Latest developments will be updated in the report and delivered within 2 to 3 working days.
1. Table of Contents
1.1 List of Tables
1.2 List of Figures
2. Air Cargo Market Latest Trends, Drivers and Challenges, 2024 - 2034
2.1 Air Cargo Market Overview
2.2 Market Strategies of Leading Air Cargo Companies
2.3 Air Cargo Market Insights, 2024 - 2034
2.3.1 Leading Air Cargo Types, 2024 - 2034
2.3.2 Leading Air Cargo End-User industries, 2024 - 2034
2.3.3 Fast-Growing countries for Air Cargo sales, 2024 - 2034
2.4 Air Cargo Market Drivers and Restraints
2.4.1 Air Cargo Demand Drivers to 2034
2.4.2 Air Cargo Challenges to 2034
2.5 Air Cargo Market- Five Forces Analysis
2.5.1 Air Cargo Industry Attractiveness Index, 2024
2.5.2 Threat of New Entrants
2.5.3 Bargaining Power of Suppliers
2.5.4 Bargaining Power of Buyers
2.5.5 Intensity of Competitive Rivalry
2.5.6 Threat of Substitutes
3. Global Air Cargo Market Value, Market Share, and Forecast to 2034
3.1 Global Air Cargo Market Overview, 2024
3.2 Global Air Cargo Market Revenue and Forecast, 2024 - 2034 (US$ billion)
3.3 Global Air Cargo Market Size and Share Outlook By Type, 2024 - 2034
3.4 Global Air Cargo Market Size and Share Outlook By Service, 2024 - 2034
3.5 Global Air Cargo Market Size and Share Outlook By Destination, 2024 – 2034
3.6 Global Air Cargo Market Size and Share Outlook By End-User, 2024 - 2034
3.7 Global Air Cargo Market Size and Share Outlook by Region, 2024 - 2034
4. Asia Pacific Air Cargo Market Value, Market Share and Forecast to 2034
4.1 Asia Pacific Air Cargo Market Overview, 2024
4.2 Asia Pacific Air Cargo Market Revenue and Forecast, 2024 - 2034 (US$ billion)
4.3 Asia Pacific Air Cargo Market Size and Share Outlook By Type, 2024 - 2034
4.4 Asia Pacific Air Cargo Market Size and Share Outlook By Service, 2024 - 2034
4.5 Asia Pacific Air Cargo Market Size and Share Outlook By Destination, 2024 – 2034
4.6 Asia Pacific Air Cargo Market Size and Share Outlook By End-User, 2024 - 2034
4.7 Asia Pacific Air Cargo Market Size and Share Outlook by Country, 2024 - 2034
5. Europe Air Cargo Market Value, Market Share, and Forecast to 2034
5.1 Europe Air Cargo Market Overview, 2024
5.2 Europe Air Cargo Market Revenue and Forecast, 2024 - 2034 (US$ billion)
5.3 Europe Air Cargo Market Size and Share Outlook By Type, 2024 - 2034
5.4 Europe Air Cargo Market Size and Share Outlook By Service, 2024 - 2034
5.5 Europe Air Cargo Market Size and Share Outlook By Destination, 2024 – 2034
5.6 Europe Air Cargo Market Size and Share Outlook By End-User, 2024 - 2034
5.7 Europe Air Cargo Market Size and Share Outlook by Country, 2024 - 2034
6. North America Air Cargo Market Value, Market Share and Forecast to 2034
6.1 North America Air Cargo Market Overview, 2024
6.2 North America Air Cargo Market Revenue and Forecast, 2024 - 2034 (US$ billion)
6.3 North America Air Cargo Market Size and Share Outlook By Type, 2024 - 2034
6.4 North America Air Cargo Market Size and Share Outlook By Service, 2024 - 2034
6.5 North America Air Cargo Market Size and Share Outlook By Destination, 2024 – 2034
6.6 North America Air Cargo Market Size and Share Outlook By End-User, 2024 - 2034
6.7 North America Air Cargo Market Size and Share Outlook by Country, 2024 - 2034
7. South and Central America Air Cargo Market Value, Market Share and Forecast to 2034
7.1 South and Central America Air Cargo Market Overview, 2024
7.2 South and Central America Air Cargo Market Revenue and Forecast, 2024 - 2034 (US$ billion)
7.3 South and Central America Air Cargo Market Size and Share Outlook By Type, 2024 - 2034
7.4 South and Central America Air Cargo Market Size and Share Outlook By Service, 2024 - 2034
7.5 South and Central America Air Cargo Market Size and Share Outlook By Destination, 2024 – 2034
7.6 South and Central America Air Cargo Market Size and Share Outlook By End-User, 2024 - 2034
7.7 South and Central America Air Cargo Market Size and Share Outlook by Country, 2024 - 2034
8. Middle East Africa Air Cargo Market Value, Market Share and Forecast to 2034
8.1 Middle East Africa Air Cargo Market Overview, 2024
8.2 Middle East and Africa Air Cargo Market Revenue and Forecast, 2024 - 2034 (US$ billion)
8.3 Middle East Africa Air Cargo Market Size and Share Outlook By Type, 2024 - 2034
8.4 Middle East Africa Air Cargo Market Size and Share Outlook By Service, 2024 - 2034
8.5 Middle East Africa Air Cargo Market Size and Share Outlook By Destination, 2024 – 2034
8.6 Middle East Africa Air Cargo Market Size and Share Outlook By End-User, 2024 - 2034
8.7 Middle East Africa Air Cargo Market Size and Share Outlook by Country, 2024 - 2034
9. Air Cargo Market Structure
9.1 Key Players
9.2 Air Cargo Companies - Key Strategies and Financial Analysis
9.2.1 Snapshot
9.2.3 Business Description
9.2.4 Products and Services
9.2.5 Financial Analysis
10. Air Cargo Industry Recent Developments
11 Appendix
11.1 Publisher Expertise
11.2 Research Methodology
11.3 Annual Subscription Plans
11.4 Contact Information
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FAQ's
The Global Air Cargo Market is estimated to generate USD 64.98 billion in revenue in 2025.
The Global Air Cargo Market is expected to grow at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 5.61% during the forecast period from 2025 to 2034.
The Air Cargo Market is estimated to reach USD 106.17 billion by 2034.
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