Air Freight Market Report 2025 (Global Edition)

Global Air Freight Market Report 2025 Market Size Split by SERVICE (Freight, Express, Mail, Other Services), by DESTINATION (Domestic, International), by END-USE (Private, Commercial)

Air Freight Market Report Description

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Competitive Landscape of the Air Freight Market

The worldwide air freight market is populated by a wide range of enterprises, including airlines, freight forwarders, logistics providers, and integrators. These businesses compete based on service reliability, network coverage, pricing, and technological capabilities. The market is extremely fragmented, with multiple firms competing for market share. Some specialize in specific regions or specialty markets, whereas others provide broad worldwide solutions. Companies must continuously innovate, form strategic relationships, and invest in infrastructure and modern technology to maintain competitiveness in this dynamic and evolving business.

March 2024: Korean Air has integrated its cargo booking system with DHL Global Forwarding. This is the first time the airline has connected its booking system directly to a freight forwarder, allowing DHL Global Forwarding to book cargo on Korean Air aircraft without having to visit the carrier's platform. The integration improves workflow efficiency by allowing for real-time data sharing between the airline and clients, making it easier to obtain flight schedules and air cargo pricing. (Source: https://www.koreanair.com/kr/en/footer/about-us/newsroom/list/20240326-korean-air-partners-with-dhl-global-forwarding-for-dire) February 2024: Etihad Cargo, Etihad Airways' cargo and logistics division, has entered into a collaborative agreement with Worldwide Flight Services (WFS), a subsidiary of the SATS Group, to provide cargo transportation services at twelve main international airports in North America, Scandinavia, Europe, and India, and Asia-Pacific. (Source: https://www.etihadcargo.com/en/news/etihad-cargo-signs-threeyear-strategic-partnership-with-wfs-covering-12-prime-air-cargo-airports-globally)

Top Companies Market Share in Air Freight Industry: (In no particular order of Rank)

• Bolloré Logistics
• DSV Panalpina
• FedEx
• Expeditors International of Washington
• Inc.
• DB SCHENKER (Deutsche Bahn Group (DB GROUP))
• Deutsche Post AG (DHL GROUP)
• Nippon Express
• United Parcel Service
• Inc. (UPS)
• Hellmann Worldwide Logistics
• Kuehne+Nagel International AG
• Confidential Data
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• Data Hidden

*List of Second Tier Companies, List of Third Tier/ Start-up Companies (Inquire with sales executive) Request Any Company Profile for Preview Purpose OR Data Validation!

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Regional Analysis of the Air Freight Market

Which Region Dominates the Air Freight Market in 2024?

According to Cognitive Market Research, North America led the market in 2024, accounting for almost 40% of worldwide sales. The North American market growth is linked to the robust performance of the US economy and the expansion of airport capacity. The use of air freight for the speedy export and import of time-critical commodities is expected to drive market expansion in the area over the projected period. North America is expected to see a growth in air freight demand due to the increased desire for e-commerce in the local US market.

Which Region is Expanding at the Fastest CAGR?

Asia-Pacific stands out as the fastest-growing region in the Air Freight market due to China, South Korea, Japan, India, and the rest of Asia-Pacific are all part of the region. The increased growth of the e-commerce industry in Asia-Pacific will further accelerate the development of the air freight market throughout the forecast period. China has the majority of the Asia-Pacific air freight market share. Furthermore, rising global demand for automotive and electronics parts is likely to enhance air freight. Furthermore, Japan's strengthening economy, infrastructure development, and increased trade facilitation through accords such as the South Asian Preferential Trade Agreement (SAPTA) all contribute to the expansion of the air freight sector.

 

The current report Scope analyzes Air Freight Market on 5 major region Split (In case you wish to acquire a specific region edition (more granular data) or any country Edition data then please write us on info@cognitivemarketresearch.com

• North America (United States, Canada, Mexico)
• Europe (United Kingdom, France, Germany, Italy, Russia, Spain, Sweden, Denmark, Netherlands, Switzerland, Belgium)
• Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, Korea, India, Australia, Philippines, Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, Rest of APAC)
• South America (Brazil, Argentina, Colombia, Peru, Chile, Rest of South America)
• Middle East and Africa (Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Nigeria, UAE, Egypt, South Africa, GCC Countries, Rest of MEA)

The above graph is for illustrative purposes only.

North America Air Freight

According to Cognitive Market Research, the global Air Freight market size was estimated at USD 68154.2 Million, out of which North America held the major market of more than 40% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 27261.68 million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.8% from 2024 to 2031.

• According to Cognitive Market Research, the US had a major share in the Air Freight market with a market size of USD 21509.47 million in 2024 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 8.6% during the forecast period. The United States economy is one of the largest and most stable in the world. This translates into a high demand for imported and exported goods, which drives air freight activity.
• The Canada Air Freight market had a market share of USD 3271.40 million in 2024 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 9.6% during the forecast period. The Canadian government is investing in airport and cargo facilities to improve efficiency and capacity.
• The Mexico Air Freight market is projected to witness growth at a CAGR of 9.3% during the forecast period, with a market size of USD 2480.81 million in 2024.

Europe Air Freight

According to Cognitive Market Research, the global Air Freight market size was estimated at USD 68154.2 Million, out of which Europe held the market of more than 30% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 20446.26 million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 9.1% from 2024 to 2031.

• The United Kingdom Air Freight market had a market share of USD 3434.97 million in 2024 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 9.9% during the forecast period. The United Kingdom has a well-established and respected regulatory structure for air freight, which ensures cargo safety, security, and efficiency.
• The France Air Freight market is projected to witness growth at a CAGR of 8.3% during the forecast period, with a market size of USD 1881.06 million in 2024.
• According to Cognitive Market Research, the Germany Air Freight market size was valued at USD 4048.36 million in 2024 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 9.3% during the forecast period. Germany is the world leader in manufacturing, particularly automobiles and machines. This thriving industrial sector relies significantly on air freight for the efficient transportation of parts and completed goods.
• The Italy Air Freight market is projected to witness growth at a CAGR of 8.5% during the forecast period, with a market size of USD 1758.38 million in 2024.
• The Russia Air Freight market is projected to witness growth at a CAGR of 8.1% during the forecast period, with a market size of USD 3169.17 million in 2024.
• The Spain Air Freight market is projected to witness growth at a CAGR of 8.2% during the forecast period with a market size of USD 1676.59 million in 2024
• The Luxembourg Air Freight market is projected to witness growth at a CAGR of 9.2% during the forecast period, with a market size of USD 633.83 million in 2024.
• The Portugal Air Freight market is projected to witness growth at a CAGR of 8.9% during the forecast period, with a market size of USD 429.37 million in 2024.
• The Greece Air Freight market is projected to witness growth at a CAGR of 9.4% during the forecast period, with a market size of USD 245.36 million in 2024.
• Rest of Europe's Air Freight market is projected to witness growth at a CAGR of 7.8% during the forecast period, with a market size of USD 3169.17 million in 2024.

Asia Pacific Air Freight

According to Cognitive Market Research, the global Air Freight market size was estimated at USD 68154.2 Million, out of which Asia Pacific held the market of around 23% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 15675.47 million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12.6% from 2024 to 2031.

• According to Cognitive Market Research, the China Air Freight market size was valued at USD 7053.96 million in 2024 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 12.1% during the forecast period. Air Freight sales surged in China due to China being the world's leading manufacturing country. This translates into a vast amount of exports, with air freight accounting for a major part of time-sensitive or high-value commodities such as electronics and clothes.
• The Japan Air Freight market is projected to witness growth at a CAGR of 11.1% during the forecast period, with a market size of USD 2163.21 million in 2024.
• The India Air Freight market had a market share of USD 1881.06 million in 2024 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 14.4% during the forecast period. India's developing economy and expanding international trade position it as a significant driver of growth in the air freight sector, aided by strong manufacturing and rising e-commerce demand.
• The South Korea Air Freight market is projected to witness growth at a CAGR of 11.7% during the forecast period, with a market size of USD 1567.55 million in 2024.
• The Australia Air Freight market is projected to witness growth at a CAGR of 12.3% during the forecast period, with a market size of USD 815.12 million in 2024.
• The South East Asia Air Freight market is projected to witness growth at a CAGR of 13.6% during the forecast period, with a market size of USD 1081.61 million in 2024.
• The Rest of Asia Pacific Air Freight market is projected to witness growth at a CAGR of 12.4% during the forecast period, with a market size of USD 1112.96 million in 2024.

South America Air Freight

According to Cognitive Market Research, the global Air Freight market size was estimated at USD 68154.2 Million, out of which Latin America market of more than 5% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 3407.71 million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.0% from 2024 to 2031.

• According to Cognitive Market Research, the Brazil Air Freight market size was valued at USD 1458.50 million in 2024 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 10.6% during the forecast period. Air Freight sales flourish in Brazil due to Brazil's dynamic economy and strong export sectors, together with rising demand for efficient logistics solutions, positioning the country as a key driver of air freight industry growth.
• Argentina Air Freight market had a market share of USD 572.50 million in 2024 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 10.9% during the forecast period. Argentina's changing economy and increasing trade panorama, together with rising demand for fast transportation solutions, suggest that the country has the potential to boost growth in the air freight industry.
• Colombia Air Freight market is projected to witness growth at a CAGR of 9.8% during the forecast period, with a market size of USD 303.29 million in 2024.
• Peru Air Freight market is projected to witness growth at a CAGR of 10.2% during the forecast period, with a market size of USD 279.43 million in 2024.
• Chile Air Freight market is projected to witness growth at a CAGR of 10.3% during the forecast period, with a market size of USD 245.36 million in 2024.
• The Rest of Latin America Air Freight market is projected to witness growth at a CAGR of 9.1% during the forecast period, with a market size of USD 548.64 million in 2024.

Middle East and Africa Air Freight

According to Cognitive Market Research, the global Air Freight market size was estimated at USD 68154.2 Million, out of which the Middle East and Africa held the major market of around 2% of the global revenue with a market size of USD 1363.08 million in 2024 and will grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 10.3% from 2024 to 2031.

• The GCC Countries Air Freight market is projected to witness growth at a CAGR of 11.1% during the forecast period, with a market size of USD 583.40 million in 2024. Air freight sales have flourished due to the fact that the GCC countries are increasingly focusing on logistics-related innovation. This involves looking into automation, drone deliveries, and advanced freight tracking technologies to improve efficiency and competitiveness.
• The Egypt Air Freight market is projected to witness growth at a CAGR of 10.6% during the forecast period, with a market size of USD 143.12 million in 2024.
• The South Africa Air Freight market is projected to witness growth at a CAGR of 11.3% during the forecast period, with a market size of USD 215.37 million in 2024. Air Freight sales flourish in South Africa due to South Africa's air freight industry can benefit from adopting new technology and techniques to streamline operations, cut costs, and improve service quality. Embracing improvements like digitalization, automation, and sustainable practices will help South African air freight carriers compete more effectively.
• The Turkey Air Freight market is projected to witness growth at a CAGR of 9.8% during the forecast period, with a market size of USD 117.23 million in 2024.
• The Nigeria Air Freight market is projected to witness growth at a CAGR of 9.4% during the forecast period, with a market size of USD 143.12 million in 2024.
• The Rest of the MEA Air Freight market is projected to witness growth at a CAGR of 9.3% during the forecast period, with a market size of USD 160.84 million in 2024.

Air Freight Market Analysis

How are Segments Performing in the Global Air Freight Market?

Air Freight Market Service Segment Analysis

According to Cognitive Market Research, Freight is the dominating category. Despite being an expensive form of transportation, the growing demand for speedy deliveries of chemicals, perishables, and other valuable commodities, combined with the increasing desire for just-in-time shipment manufacturing, has resulted in a significant increase in global demand for air freight services. Furthermore, the evolving nature of e-commerce has compelled sales channels to deliver faster and maintain a more efficient supply chain. This advancement is expected to open up tremendous opportunities for third-party logistics and storage providers to interface with airline e-commerce channels.

Express is the fastest-growing category in the Air Freight market. Big participants in express shipping have modified their business models to provide a variety of value-added services at local, cross-border, and inter-regional levels. Companies are combining new procedures for picking, sorting, and grading products, logistics supply chain analytics, management information systems (MIS), packaging, e-mail notifications, and messaging to ensure faster and more effective product delivery. Several local and international firms offering speedier express services are expected to promote the growth of this market during the forecast period.

The above Chart is for representative purposes and does not depict actual sale statistics. Access/Request the quantitative data to understand the trends and dominating segment of Air Freight Industry. Request a Free Sample PDF!

Air Freight Market Destination Segment Analysis

According to Cognitive Market Research, the dominating category is International. International air freight provides the connectivity and speed needed to transport goods across distant continents and countries, making it popular in the global supply chain. Aside from that, the increasing movement of high-value and perishable items such as pharmaceuticals, luxury goods, electronics, and other time-critical products is driving market expansion in this category. For example, certain global carriers are seeking to increase their share of the door-to-door delivery business, which is dominated by online retail behemoths such as Amazon, Alibaba, and JD.com. Emirates, based in Dubai, created Emirates Delivers; Lufthansa acquired Heyday; and British Airways' parent company, IAG, acquired Zenda.

The fastest-growing category in the Air Freight market is Domestic. Dense populations and widespread economic activity cause high demand. These cities require a steady supply of consumer goods, technology, fashion items, and other high-demand products. Examples include New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago. Locations with a high level of manufacturing activity generate significant air freight demand for the transportation of raw materials, parts, and completed goods. The necessity for just-in-time delivery solutions to improve production schedules drives up demand. Examples are Detroit for auto parts and Shenzhen for electronics.

The above Graph is for representation purposes only. This chart does not depict actual Market share.

Air Freight END-USE Segment Analysis

According to Cognitive Market Research, the dominating category is Commercial. Commercial air freight services convey a wide variety of items between domestic and international destinations. The upward trend in the e-commerce sector, as well as rising demand for faster and more secure global delivery of items, are expected to drive the expansion of this market in the coming years. Furthermore, emerging developments such as acquisitions, collaborations, new launches, and others are expected to provide attractive chances for segment growth during the projection period. For example, in February 2021, Kuehne+Nagel International AG agreed to acquire Apex International Corporation in order to increase its Asian business.

The fastest-growing category in the Air Freight market is Private. The growing global demand for faster deliveries of parcels, pharmaceuticals, perishables, valuable jewelry, and high-quality & delicate products is accompanied by rising services from air freight carriers to deliver items that fall into this category, such as FedEx and United Parcel Service Inc., which is expected to boost the growth of this segment over the forecast timeframe.

• Private
• Commercial

Author's Detail

Kalyani Raje

Senior Research Analyst at Cognitive Market Research

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An optimistic Senior Research Analyst with years of experience in competitive assessment and business consulting. A seasoned professional and subject-matter expert (SME) in the Automobile & Transportation vertical.

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