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)
Europe (Germany, UK, France, Spain, Italy, Rest of Europe)
Asia-Pacific (China, India, Japan, Australia, Rest of APAC)
The Middle East and Africa (Middle East, Africa)
South and Central America (Brazil, Argentina, Rest of SCA)
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