Air Freight Market Outlook
According to the report by Expert Market Research (EMR), the global air freight market reached a volume of nearly 109.67 million metric tonnes (MMT) in 2024. Bolstered by the growing demand for time-sensitive cargo delivery and the expansion of global trade networks, the air freight market is projected to grow at a robust CAGR of 12.00% during the forecast period of 2025-2034, reaching an estimated volume of 340.62 MMT by 2034.
Air freight, which involves the transportation of goods via aircraft, is a crucial component of global logistics and supply chain systems. Known for its speed, reliability, and efficiency, air freight is extensively utilised for transporting high-value, perishable, or urgent goods across long distances. It plays a vital role in various sectors, including e-commerce, pharmaceuticals, automotive, electronics, and industrial manufacturing.
Air Freight Market Size and Share
The global air freight market has witnessed significant growth over recent years, driven by the increasing reliance on global supply chains, rising e-commerce activities, and the demand for faster delivery services. In 2024, the Asia Pacific region accounted for the largest share of the air freight market, owing to the presence of major manufacturing hubs and trade centres in China, Japan, South Korea, and Southeast Asia. North America and Europe followed closely, driven by strong logistics infrastructure, increasing import-export activities, and robust technological adoption.
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Air Freight Market Trends
Several notable trends are shaping the global air freight market. One of the most prominent trends is the rising demand for e-commerce-driven logistics. With the exponential growth of online retail and direct-to-consumer models, businesses are increasingly relying on air freight services to meet tight delivery timelines and customer expectations. The rapid expansion of cross-border e-commerce, especially in emerging economies, is significantly boosting air cargo volumes.
Another major trend is the adoption of digitisation and automation in air freight operations. Advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), Internet of Things (IoT), and blockchain are being increasingly integrated into logistics processes. These technologies improve supply chain visibility, enhance real-time tracking, streamline operations, and reduce transit times, thereby increasing operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.
Sustainability is also becoming a key focus area for air freight operators. With mounting environmental concerns and regulatory pressures to reduce carbon emissions, there is a growing emphasis on adopting fuel-efficient aircraft, sustainable aviation fuel (SAF), and carbon offset programmes. Many companies are also exploring electric and hybrid aircraft for short-haul cargo transport.
Drivers of Growth
A key driver of growth in the global air freight market is the increasing demand for fast and reliable transportation of goods. As global supply chains become more complex and time-sensitive, companies are turning to air freight to ensure timely deliveries and minimise inventory holding costs. This is particularly critical for industries such as pharmaceuticals, where the transportation of temperature-sensitive drugs and vaccines requires specialised air cargo solutions.
The growth of international trade is another significant factor contributing to the expansion of the air freight market. As globalisation intensifies and trade agreements proliferate, there is a rising movement of goods across borders. Air freight provides a vital link in connecting global markets, particularly for high-value or perishable commodities.
Additionally, the proliferation of just-in-time (JIT) manufacturing and lean inventory practices is further fuelling the demand for air freight services. Companies are increasingly adopting JIT models to reduce warehousing costs and improve production efficiency, which necessitates rapid and predictable logistics solutions.
Technology and Advancement
Technological innovation is playing a transformative role in the air freight industry. Digital platforms and freight marketplaces are streamlining booking, documentation, and communication between shippers, freight forwarders, and carriers. These platforms enable users to compare rates, track shipments in real-time, and manage documentation, enhancing the overall efficiency of the air freight process.
Advanced cargo handling systems and automated warehouses are also being deployed at major air cargo terminals, enabling faster loading, unloading, and sorting of goods. Robotics and AI-driven systems are being used to optimise cargo placement, reduce handling errors, and minimise operational downtime.
In-flight technology advancements, such as real-time monitoring of cargo conditions and in-transit updates, are improving the safety and security of air cargo. Furthermore, innovations in aircraft design, such as lightweight materials and aerodynamic enhancements, are contributing to improved fuel efficiency and lower operational costs.
Air Freight Market Segmentation
The market can be divided based on destination, service, end use and region.
Market Breakup by Destination
- Domestic
- International
Market Breakup by Service
- Freight
- Express
- Others
Market Breakup by End Use
- Private
- Commercial
- Institutional
Market Breakup by Region
- North America
- Europe
- Asia Pacific
- Latin America
- Middle East and Africa
Key Players
Some of the major players explored in the report by Expert Market Research are as follows
- Deutsche Post AG
- United Parcel Service of America, Inc.
- FedEx Corp.
- The Emirates Group
- Cargolux International Airlines S.A.
- Schenker AG
- DSV A/S
- Nippon Express Co., Ltd.
- Kuehne+Nagel International AG
- Hellmann Worldwide Logistics SE & Co. KG
- Air France-KLM S.A.
- AirFreight.com
- C.H. Robinson Worldwide, Inc.
- CEVA Logistics
- DB Schenker
- DHL International GmbH
- DIMOTRANS Group
- GEODIS
- Rhenus Group
- Ziegler Group.
- Others
Challenges and Opportunities
Despite its growth prospects, the air freight industry faces several challenges. High operating costs, fluctuating fuel prices, capacity constraints, and regulatory hurdles are some of the key issues affecting profitability. Additionally, geopolitical tensions, trade restrictions, and airport congestion can disrupt global supply chains and hamper the smooth movement of air cargo.
Environmental concerns also pose a major challenge, with the aviation sector under increasing scrutiny for its contribution to greenhouse gas emissions. The transition to sustainable aviation fuel and the development of green logistics infrastructure require substantial investments and regulatory support.
Nonetheless, the air freight market presents numerous opportunities for growth and innovation. The rising demand for specialised cargo services, such as temperature-controlled shipments, oversized cargo, and dangerous goods, opens new avenues for service differentiation. Emerging markets in Asia, Africa, and Latin America offer untapped potential, with increasing industrialisation, urbanisation, and consumption driving demand for air cargo services.
The growing integration of multimodal transport solutions is another opportunity area. By combining air freight with road, rail, and sea transport, logistics providers can offer flexible, cost-effective, and sustainable shipping solutions to their customers.
Air Freight Market Forecast
Looking ahead, the global air freight market is poised for robust growth, driven by technological innovation, expanding trade volumes, and evolving consumer expectations. The market is expected to register a CAGR of 12.00% from 2025 to 2034, reaching a volume of 340.62 million metric tonnes by 2034.
Key factors influencing the future trajectory of the market include continued investment in air cargo infrastructure, the development of next-generation aircraft, advancements in digital logistics platforms, and the adoption of sustainable practices. Strategic partnerships, mergers and acquisitions, and public-private collaborations will further drive market consolidation and efficiency improvements.
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