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. Asia Pacific dominated the market with a 39.5% share in 2025. Growth is driven by rising demand for fast and efficient cross-border transportation and the expanding e-commerce sector. Increasing global import-export activities and technological advancements further contribute to market expansion. The Air Freight Market remains critical to meeting fast delivery needs across multiple industries.

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% during 2026-2034
• Forecast Period: 2026-2034
• Asia Pacific held the largest market share of 39.5% in 2025.
• Freight service dominated with approximately 74.1% market share in 2025.
• International destination accounted for around 85.1% market share in 2025.
• Commercial end users contributed to approximately 88.5% of market share in 2025.

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Market Growth Factors

The air freight market growth is primarily propelled by the rapid expansion of e-commerce, which demands quicker delivery of goods. In India alone, e-commerce users are projected to reach 501.6 million by 2029, with user penetration increasing from 22.1% in 2024 to 34.0%. The Government e-Marketplace recorded a gross merchandise value of USD 201.1 Billion in fiscal year 2022-23. Globalization and cross-border trade escalation enhance the need for efficient air cargo services, supported by advanced automation and digital tracking technologies that improve operational efficiency and reliability.

Increasing international trade plays a critical role in market growth. Growing procurement of parts, materials, and finished goods across borders and frequent shipments of high-value and perishable goods, such as electronics, pharmaceuticals, luxury items, and fresh food, drive air freight demand. For instance, Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport in China saw a 101% year-on-year rise in cross-border e-commerce cargo shipments between January and July 2023, demonstrating the sector's robust expansion.

The demand for fast-delivery services, including same-day or next-day shipping, is rising sharply. The global e-commerce sector accounts for 16% of total air cargo activity and is expected to grow from USD 3.5 Trillion in 2022 to USD 7 Trillion by 2025. 80% of global e-commerce shipments use air transport, accelerating international purchases and improving supply chain efficiency. Additionally, technological innovations like AI, IoT, and smart tracking tools significantly enhance cargo handling, route planning, predictive maintenance, and emission tracking, further supporting market growth.

Market Segmentation

Analysis by Service:

• Freight: Generated the highest revenue with approximately 74.1% share in 2025. Freight services provide efficient, reliable, and cost-effective transportation domestically and internationally while ensuring proper handling of hazardous or fragile goods.

Analysis by Destination:

• International: Led the market with around 85.1% market share in 2025. It enables the fast movement of goods between continents and countries, supporting high-value and time-critical shipments such as pharmaceuticals and luxury goods.

Analysis by End User:

• Commercial: Held the largest market share of around 88.5% in 2025. Commercial users like manufacturers and retailers extensively utilize air freight to transport goods efficiently, supporting the increasing share of e-commerce shipments in air cargo.

Regional Insights

Asia Pacific dominated the air freight market with a significant share of over 39.5% in 2025. This region benefits from extensive government investments in modernizing airport infrastructure and expanding networks. Countries in the region have encouraged airlines to temporarily modify passenger aircraft to freighter models, enhancing cargo capacity and meeting growing demand. The development of new freighter models by Airbus and Boeing further supports the region's strong cargo demand.

Recent Developments & News

• February 2025: Nippon Express Co. Ltd. partnered with Nikon Corporation for SAF-enabled air freight services, providing CO2 reduction certificates.
• February 2025: JAS acquired International Airfreight Associates B.V., enhancing its international shipping network, especially for perishable products.
• January 2025: Freightos and Norwegian Cargo partnered to integrate digital booking tools, facilitating real-time eBooking.
• January 2025: Finnair Cargo joined the Cargo Portal Services platform to improve booking visibility and operational effectiveness.
• December 2024: China Airlines integrated IBS Software's iCargo solution to digitalize its air freight operations.
• May 2024: Maersk opened a 90,000-square-foot air freight gateway in Miami to boost cargo flow 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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