Market Overview

The global air freight market size 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 the rapid expansion of e-commerce, increasing international trade, and technological advancements, the market is dominated by the Asia Pacific region, which held a 39.5% share in 2025. The market benefits from rising demand for fast and efficient cross-border goods transportation and innovations in sustainable aviation solutions.

Study Assumption Years

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

Air Freight Market Key Takeaways

• Market Size in 2025: USD 335.2 Billion
• CAGR (2026-2034): 4.70%
• Forecast Period: 2026-2034
• Asia Pacific held the largest market share at 39.5% in 2025.
• Freight service generated the highest revenue with a share of approximately 74.1% in 2025.
• International air freight accounted for around 85.1% of the market share in 2025.
• Commercial end users dominated with a market share of about 88.5% in 2025.
• Rising cross-border e-commerce and increasing demand for quick deliveries are major growth drivers.

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Market Growth Factors

The global air freight market is largely fueled by the booming e-commerce sector, which has created a growing need for speedy and dependable transportation of goods across borders. For instance, it's projected that the number of e-commerce users in India will soar to 501.6 million by 2029, with an average revenue per user estimated at INR 14,121. The Government e-Marketplace reported a staggering gross merchandise value of USD 201.1 billion in 2022-23, showcasing how the increasing volume of e-commerce is driving up air freight demand. 

Moreover, the rise of globalization and cross-border trade is playing a significant role in the growth of air cargo. Take the United States, for example, where exports of intellectual property are nearing USD 130 billion, and global payments tied to intellectual property surpass USD 1 trillion each year. These trends are boosting cargo movement, especially for high-value and time-sensitive items like electronics, pharmaceuticals, and perishables.

Technological advancements are also key players in this growth story. Innovations like automation, digital tracking, AI, and IoT are enhancing operational efficiency and cargo visibility. Companies such as Lufthansa Cargo and FedEx are leading the charge by investing in digital platforms and sustainability tracking tools to streamline logistics. These technologies are meeting the rising consumer demand for faster deliveries, including same-day or next-day shipping, which is further propelling the air freight market forward.

Market Segmentation

By Service:

• Freight: Dominant segment with 74.1% share in 2025, valued for efficient and reliable goods transportation. Cargojet's expanded agreements with DHL Express exemplify growth via added aircraft and routes.
• Express: Included in segmentation but specific market share or commentary is not provided.
• Mail: Included in segmentation but specific market share or commentary is not provided.
• Others: Included but no detailed data available.

By Destination:

• International: Leading segment with 85.1% share in 2025, critical for connectivity across continents and movement of high-value and perishable goods. Airlines like Emirates and Lufthansa have launched services targeting door-to-door delivery competing with major e-commerce players.
• Domestic: Included in segmentation with no specific data provided.

By End User:

• Commercial: Major end user segment with 88.5% market share in 2025, primarily comprising manufacturers, retailers, and wholesalers leveraging air freight for efficient goods transportation. E-commerce shipments represented 18% of air cargo, expected to grow with digitalization advancements.
• Private: Included but no specific data provided.

Regional Insights

Asia Pacific dominates the air freight market, accounting for over 39.5% share in 2025. This leadership is supported by substantial investments in airport infrastructure modernization, government encouragement for converting passenger aircraft for freight, and increasing regional trade agreements such as RCEP facilitating efficient cross-border logistics. The region is a key manufacturing hub with rising adoption of cold chain logistics, projected to reach USD 496.9 Billion by 2033, boosting air freight demand.

Recent Developments & News

• In February 2025, Nippon Express Co. Ltd. partnered with Nikon Corporation to provide SAF-enabled air freight transport and CO2 reduction certificates.
• February 2025 saw JAS acquire International Airfreight Associates B.V. to strengthen international shipping and access to time-sensitive market segments.
• In January 2025, Freightos partnered with Dutch GSA Euro Cargo Aviation and Norwegian Cargo to add digital booking capabilities to its platform.
• Finnair Cargo joined Unisys Cargo Portal Services in January 2025, enhancing multi-carrier booking efficiency.
• December 2024 witnessed Taiwan's China Airlines integrate IBS Software's iCargo for advanced digital freight management.
• Maersk opened a 90,000-square-foot air freight gateway in Miami in May 2024, facilitating enhanced 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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