The global air cargo market serves as a critical enabler of international trade, connecting businesses and consumers across continents with speed, precision, and reliability. As global supply chains become increasingly complex, the role of air freight in ensuring timely delivery of high-value, perishable, and time-sensitive goods continues to expand. The sector has evolved far beyond traditional logistics, embracing digital transformation, automation, and sustainability initiatives to meet the dynamic needs of global commerce. Driven by the resurgence of e-commerce, growth in cross-border trade, and increasing demand for rapid logistics solutions, the air cargo industry is well-positioned to experience sustained growth over the coming decade.

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Market Size and Growth

The global air cargo industry was valued at US$ 141.3 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.1% from 2025 to 2035, reaching an estimated US$ 239.8 billion by 2035. This steady growth reflects rising trade volumes, expansion of the e-commerce sector, and continued reliance on air freight for critical supply chain operations. Additionally, as economies recover from global disruptions and re-establish robust trade routes, air cargo is set to play an increasingly pivotal role in facilitating just-in-time (JIT) logistics. The adoption of advanced cargo management technologies, along with the integration of artificial intelligence and blockchain, is expected to further optimize efficiency and transparency across the global air freight ecosystem.

Market Segmentation

The air cargo market can be segmented by service type, end user, destination, carrier type, and region.

• By Service Type: The industry encompasses freight forwarding, express delivery, and mail transport services. The express segment is witnessing the fastest growth due to the global boom in e-commerce and the increasing demand for same-day or next-day delivery.

• By End User: Key sectors driving demand include pharmaceuticals, electronics, automotive, perishables, and e-commerce. The healthcare and pharmaceutical segments, in particular, are showing heightened reliance on temperature-controlled logistics for the distribution of vaccines, biologics, and other sensitive medical products.

• By Destination: The market is divided into domestic and international segments, with international cargo representing the lion's share due to globalized manufacturing and distribution networks.

• By Carrier Type: The market includes belly cargo (in passenger aircraft) and dedicated freighters, with the latter experiencing renewed investment as airlines expand dedicated cargo fleets to meet surging demand.

Regional Analysis

Asia Pacific continues to dominate the global air cargo market, supported by strong trade flows from manufacturing powerhouses such as China, Japan, and South Korea, along with the region's growing e-commerce exports. North America follows as a key market, driven by major players such as FedEx and UPS, and an expanding network of integrated logistics services. Europe remains a critical hub due to its strategic location, with Germany and the Netherlands serving as major air freight gateways. Emerging markets in the Middle East, led by Emirates SkyCargo, Qatar Airways Cargo, and Etihad Cargo, are establishing themselves as global transshipment centers connecting East and West. Meanwhile, Latin America and Africa are increasingly integrating into global air freight networks, benefiting from rising trade partnerships and improvements in air logistics infrastructure.

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Competitive Landscape

The global air cargo market is highly competitive, featuring a mix of major airlines, logistics service providers, and specialized freight operators. Leading players include All Nippon Airways Co. Ltd (ANA), Atlas Air Cargo, Cargolux, Cathay Pacific Airways Limited, Capricorn Logistics, China Eastern Airlines Corporation Limited, DHL International GmbH (Deutsche Post DHL Group), DSV Panalpina, Emirates SkyCargo, Etihad Cargo, Expeditors International of Washington, Inc., FedEx Corporation, Hellmann Worldwide Logistics, Japan Airlines Co. Ltd., Kuehne+Nagel International AG, Lufthansa Cargo AG, Nippon Express, Singapore Airlines Cargo, United Parcel Service of America, Inc., Zela Aviation (The Air Charter Company), Chapman Freeborn Airchartering, and Qatar Airways Cargo.

These companies are not only expanding their fleet capacity but also embracing digital transformation to enhance customer experience, streamline operations, and improve data-driven decision-making. Simultaneously, many are taking decisive steps toward sustainability, integrating green fuel solutions, improving aircraft fuel efficiency, and aligning with international environmental commitments such as IATA's Fly Net Zero initiative. Strategic alliances, mergers, and acquisitions continue to shape the competitive landscape, enabling companies to expand their global reach and strengthen logistics capabilities.

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