Air Freight Market Size (2024 - 2029)

The air cargo market is projected to experience significant growth over the forecast period, with its market size expanding steadily. Despite facing challenges such as geopolitical tensions and capacity constraints, the industry has shown resilience and adaptability, particularly during the pandemic. The market's expansion is supported by innovations and strategic responses from airlines, although they continue to navigate pressures from the macroeconomic environment and limited refinery capacities.

Market Size of Air Freight Industry

Air Freight Market (2024 - 2029)
Study Period 2019 - 2029
Market Size (2024) USD 151.22 Billion
Market Size (2029) USD 201.57 Billion
CAGR (2024 - 2029) 5.92 %
Fastest Growing Market Middle-East and Africa
Largest Market Asia-Pacific

Major Players

Air Freight Market Major Players

*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order

Air Freight Market Analysis

The Air Freight Market size is estimated at USD 151.22 billion in 2024, and is expected to reach USD 201.57 billion by 2029, at a CAGR of 5.92% during the forecast period (2024-2029).

The air cargo industry faced considerable challenges in 2022, mainly due to the ongoing dispute between Russia and Ukraine, significantly reducing the volume of dedicated air cargo originating in Russia.

According to the International Air Transport Association, in July 2023, the air cargo industry experienced a 20.7% increase from the previous month, maintaining steady growth since February 2023. However, compared to July 2022, the industry's cargo tonne kilometers (CTKs) decreased by 0.8%, placing it 0.3% below the July 2022 level and 3.7% lower than the pre-crisis level in 2019.

Airlines demonstrated remarkable innovation and agility throughout the historical shock of the pandemic, displaying resilience during this period. The financial profitability of airlines is within reach of the industry at large despite continued pressure on cost evolution from the macroeconomic environment. Unlike other sectors, the substantial gap between jet fuel and oil prices limits airlines' ability to benefit from potential oil price declines. There was a persistent problem until 2023 due to the limited capacity of refineries. Tight labor markets direct to higher wages and unsustainable pricing power within the downstream aviation value chain were likely to persist in 2023.

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Air Freight Industry Segmentation

Air freight transport refers to transporting goods by air from one place to another. These services are commonly used for shipments of goods that require quick and effective delivery, particularly over long distances or internationally. Compared to different modes of transport, such as sea or land, air freight has a reputation for speed and reliability.

A detailed analysis of the air cargo market, covering current trends, limitations, and technological advancements, along with comprehensive information on various segments and industry competition, is covered in the report. The impact of COVID-19 has also been incorporated and considered during the study.

The global air freight market is segmented by service (forwarding, airlines, and mail), destination (domestic and international), carrier type (belly cargo and freighter), and geography (Asia-Pacific, North America, Europe, Middle East and Africa, and Latin America). The report offers market size and forecasts for all the above segments in value (USD).

By Service
Forwarding
Airlines
Mail
By Destination
Domestic
International
By Carrier Type
Belly Cargo
Freighter
By Geography
Asia-Pacific
China
Japan
India
South Korea
Rest of Asia-Pacific
North America
United States
Canada
Europe
United Kingdom
Germany
France
Russia
Rest of Europe
Middle East and Africa
Saudi Arabia
United Arab Emirates
Qatar
South Africa
Rest of Middle East and Africa
Latin America
Brazil
Mexico
Argentina
Colombia
Rest of Latin America
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Air Freight Market Size Summary

The air cargo industry serves as a critical component of global trade, enabling the swift movement of goods and connecting businesses across the globe. Recent years have seen significant growth in this sector, driven by the expansion of the global economy, shifting consumer preferences, and advancements in technology. The rise in cross-border trade is a key factor propelling market expansion, with increasing demand for efficient international shipping solutions. Despite challenges such as geopolitical tensions and economic pressures, the industry has shown resilience, with airlines demonstrating innovation and agility in response to these obstacles. The integration of digital platforms and marketplaces has further enhanced operational efficiency, allowing for more streamlined booking processes and improved shipment visibility.

As the e-commerce sector continues to expand, the air cargo industry is well-positioned to support this growth through its extensive global networks and digital initiatives. The sector's ability to offer flexibility, speed, and transparency is crucial as online shopping becomes increasingly prevalent worldwide. Strategic partnerships and technological advancements are expected to play a significant role in shaping the future of air cargo, ensuring that it meets the evolving demands of the market. Despite the moderately fragmented nature of the industry, major players are investing in fuel-efficient solutions and digital capabilities to remain competitive. Regulatory challenges and past disruptions have posed hurdles, but the industry's commitment to innovation and sustainability promises to drive continued growth and adaptation in the coming years.

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Air Freight Market Size - Table of Contents

  1. 1. MARKET INSIGHTS

    1. 1.1 Market Overview

    2. 1.2 Industry Policies and Regulations

    3. 1.3 Technology Snapshot and Digital Trends

    4. 1.4 Value Chain / Supply Chain Analysis

    5. 1.5 Elaboration on Air Freight Rates

    6. 1.6 Spotlight on Heavy Cargo/Project Logistics in the Air Cargo Industry

    7. 1.7 Insights into Key Ground Handling Equipment in Airports

    8. 1.8 Review and Commentary on Standards and Regulations on the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods

    9. 1.9 Brief on Cold Chain Logistics in the Air Cargo Sector

  2. 2. MARKET SEGMENTATION

    1. 2.1 By Service

      1. 2.1.1 Forwarding

      2. 2.1.2 Airlines

      3. 2.1.3 Mail

    2. 2.2 By Destination

      1. 2.2.1 Domestic

      2. 2.2.2 International

    3. 2.3 By Carrier Type

      1. 2.3.1 Belly Cargo

      2. 2.3.2 Freighter

    4. 2.4 By Geography

      1. 2.4.1 Asia-Pacific

        1. 2.4.1.1 China

        2. 2.4.1.2 Japan

        3. 2.4.1.3 India

        4. 2.4.1.4 South Korea

        5. 2.4.1.5 Rest of Asia-Pacific

      2. 2.4.2 North America

        1. 2.4.2.1 United States

        2. 2.4.2.2 Canada

      3. 2.4.3 Europe

        1. 2.4.3.1 United Kingdom

        2. 2.4.3.2 Germany

        3. 2.4.3.3 France

        4. 2.4.3.4 Russia

        5. 2.4.3.5 Rest of Europe

      4. 2.4.4 Middle East and Africa

        1. 2.4.4.1 Saudi Arabia

        2. 2.4.4.2 United Arab Emirates

        3. 2.4.4.3 Qatar

        4. 2.4.4.4 South Africa

        5. 2.4.4.5 Rest of Middle East and Africa

      5. 2.4.5 Latin America

        1. 2.4.5.1 Brazil

        2. 2.4.5.2 Mexico

        3. 2.4.5.3 Argentina

        4. 2.4.5.4 Colombia

        5. 2.4.5.5 Rest of Latin America

Air Freight Market Size FAQs

The Air Freight Market size is expected to reach USD 151.22 billion in 2024 and grow at a CAGR of 5.92% to reach USD 201.57 billion by 2029.

In 2024, the Air Freight Market size is expected to reach USD 151.22 billion.

Air Cargo Market Size & Share Analysis - Growth Trends & Forecasts (2024 - 2029)