Global Air Freight Market Growth, Share, Size, Trends and Forecast (2025 - 2031)

In this report, the Air Freight Market has been segmented by Service, Destination, End Use, and Geography.

Air Freight Market, Segmentation by Service

The Air Freight Market has been segmented by Service into Freight, Express, Mail, and Others

Freight

Freight services form the core of the air freight industry, contributing nearly 60% of the market. These solutions are ideal for transporting large-scale cargo, including machinery, electronics, and automotive parts. With their ability to support global trade networks, freight services are essential for high-volume, cross-border logistics.

Express

Express air freight solutions capture close to 25% of the market, catering to time-critical deliveries. Especially beneficial for sectors like e-commerce and healthcare, express services ensure speed, security, and efficiency. Their demand continues to grow as consumers and businesses prioritize fast shipping.

Mail

Mail transport makes up about 10% of the air freight segment. This service facilitates the rapid distribution of letters, parcels, and documents through both government and private postal systems. While digital trends impact traditional mail, the need for international document delivery remains strong.

Others

Others category accounts for roughly 5% of the market and includes niche services such as diplomatic cargo, emergency supplies, and specialized shipments. These operations are tailored to meet specific requirements that standard logistics services may not fulfill, providing flexibility within the air cargo ecosystem.

Air Freight Market, Segmentation by Destination

The Air Freight Market has been segmented by Destination into Domestic and International

Domestic

Domestic air freight services account for about 35% of the global air cargo market. These operations focus on moving goods swiftly within national borders, serving sectors like retail, healthcare, and agriculture. As e-commerce continues to grow, the demand for fast domestic deliveries is fueling market expansion across major urban and regional hubs.

International

International air freight holds a commanding 65% share in the global market. This segment enables cross-border shipment of high-volume and high-value goods including industrial equipment, luxury products, and consumer electronics. With its extensive global carrier network and advanced customs infrastructure, international air freight remains the backbone of global trade logistics.

Air Freight Market, Segmentation by End Use

The Air Freight Market has been segmented by End Use into Private and Commercial

Private

Private air freight services make up around 20% of the overall market. This segment serves individual customers and small enterprises that require international or domestic cargo movement for personal effects, luxury items, or limited business shipments. With growing interest in premium logistics solutions, private usage is gradually expanding, especially in emerging economies.

Commercial

Commercial air freight represents a dominant 80% of the market, driven by the needs of large-scale businesses across industries like retail, pharmaceuticals, and automotive. These companies rely on fast, secure, and scalable transport to manage global supply chains. The commercial segment is expected to witness continued growth amid rising cross-border trade and supply chain optimization efforts.

Air Freight Market, Segmentation by Geography

In this report, the Air Freight Market has been segmented by Geography into five regions; North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa, and Latin America.

Regions and Countries Analyzed in this Report

Air Freight Market Share (%), by Geographical Region

North America

North America accounts for nearly 30% of the global air freight market, led by the United States. The region benefits from a mature logistics ecosystem, strong e-commerce penetration, and reliable air cargo infrastructure. Strategic freight hubs like Memphis and Louisville play a critical role in enabling high-volume cargo movement.

Europe

Europe holds approximately 25% market share, with key contributions from Germany, the UK, and the Netherlands. The region boasts a well-connected network of cargo airports, efficient regulatory frameworks, and high trade volumes, particularly in automotive, fashion, and industrial goods.

Asia Pacific

Asia Pacific leads the air freight market with close to 35% share, fueled by its robust manufacturing sector and rising export demand. Powerhouses like China, India, and Japan are transforming the region into a global logistics hub, especially amid rapid e-commerce expansion and tech-driven freight innovations.

Middle East and Africa

Middle East and Africa contribute around 6% of the total market. The Middle East serves as a global transshipment hub, with cities like Dubai and Doha offering world-class air cargo facilities. Africa is seeing gradual growth, propelled by logistics investments and increasing trade integration.

Latin America

Latin America captures nearly 4% of global share, with Brazil and Mexico as primary markets. Despite facing infrastructure gaps, the region is experiencing moderate growth in air freight services, supported by rising exports of perishables, automotive parts, and electronics.

This report provides an in depth analysis of various factors that impact the dynamics of Global Air Freight Market. These factors include; Market Drivers, Restraints, and Opportunities.

Drivers:

• Growth in E-commerce
• Globalization and International Trade
• High-Value and Time-Sensitive Goods
• Growing Demand for Consolidated Services

• Enhanced Logistics Infrastructure - Enhanced logistics infrastructure is a key driver for the growth of the global air freight market. As countries invest in the expansion and modernization of airports and cargo handling facilities, air freight operations benefit from improved efficiency and capacity. This includes the construction of new terminals dedicated to air cargo, the introduction of advanced cargo management systems, and the integration of innovative technologies for streamlined operations.

  One significant aspect of enhanced logistics infrastructure is the development of state-of-the-art cargo handling facilities that utilize automated systems for loading and unloading cargo. These facilities enable quicker turnaround times for aircraft, allowing for faster shipment processing and reduced delays. Additionally, the incorporation of advanced tracking and monitoring systems ensures better visibility and control over shipments, resulting in higher levels of customer satisfaction.

  Upgraded airport infrastructure, such as longer runways and advanced air traffic control systems, supports the accommodation of larger and more efficient cargo planes. This, in turn, increases the capacity of air freight services and allows for the transportation of larger volumes of goods. Improved logistics infrastructure also extends to the connectivity between air freight and other modes of transportation, such as rail and road. Seamless intermodal transport options enhance the movement of goods from airports to final destinations, streamlining supply chains and reducing overall transit times.

Restraints:

• Regulatory and Customs Challenges
• Capacity Constraint
• Volatile Fuel Prices

• Security Risks - Security risks pose a significant restraint on the growth and efficiency of the global air freight market. Due to the high value and sensitivity of goods being transported, air freight operations are subject to a variety of security challenges that can hinder smooth logistics processes and impact overall costs. One of the primary security risks in air freight is the potential for theft and tampering. High-value cargo such as electronics, pharmaceuticals, and luxury goods can be attractive targets for theft.

  Another major security concern is the threat of terrorism and smuggling. The transportation of goods across international borders requires strict adherence to security protocols and screening procedures to prevent the infiltration of illegal or dangerous materials. Enhanced screening processes, including X-ray and explosive detection systems, can lead to delays in cargo processing and higher operational costs.

  Cybersecurity threats are becoming increasingly prevalent in the air freight industry. As logistics operations become more digitized, there is a growing risk of cyberattacks on critical systems, such as cargo management and tracking platforms. These attacks can disrupt operations, compromise data integrity, and result in financial losses. Compliance with international security regulations and standards, such as those set by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), adds another layer of complexity to air freight operations.

Opportunities:

• Expansion of Global Trade Routes
• Green Logistics Initiatives
• Growing Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Sectors
• Increased Adoption of E-commerce

• Strengthening Cold Chain Logistics - Strengthening cold chain logistics presents a significant opportunity for the global air freight market, particularly as the demand for transporting temperature-sensitive goods continues to rise. Cold chain logistics involve the transportation of perishable items such as food, pharmaceuticals, and biological products within a controlled temperature environment to maintain their quality and safety.

  One major opportunity in this area is the growth of the pharmaceutical industry, particularly with the increasing need for transporting vaccines and other medical products that require precise temperature control. The ability to deliver these goods safely and efficiently via air freight is essential for meeting global healthcare needs and emergency response efforts.

  Advancements in cold chain technology, such as improved refrigeration systems and monitoring devices, enable air freight carriers to offer more reliable and efficient temperature-controlled transportation services. These technologies ensure that goods are maintained within the required temperature range throughout the entire journey, from loading to unloading.

Key players in Global Air Freight Market include:

• Air France-KLM S.A.
• AirFreight.com
• C.H. Robinson Worldwide, Inc.
• CEVA Logistics
• DB Schenker
• DHL International GmbH
• DIMOTRANS Group
• DSV
• FedEx
• GEODIS
• Kuehne+Nagel
• Nippon Express Co., Ltd.
• Rhenus Group
• United Parcel Service, Inc.
• Ziegler Group

In this report, the profile of each market player provides following information:

• Company Overview and Product Portfolio
• Key Developments
• Financial Overview
• Strategies
• Company SWOT Analysis