Market Overview
The global air freight market size was valued at USD 335.2 Billion in 2025 and is estimated to reach USD 506.2 Billion by 2034, exhibiting a CAGR of 4.70% during the forecast period of 2026-2034. Driven primarily by the expanding e-commerce sector and rising demand for fast, efficient transportation of goods across borders, the market's growth is also supported by increasing import-export activities and technological advancements. Asia Pacific dominated with a 39.5% market share in 2025.
Study Assumption Years
- Base Year: Not provided in source
- Historical Year/Period: Not provided in source
- Forecast Year/Period: Not provided in source
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 accounted for the largest market share of 39.5% in 2025.
- Freight service holds the highest revenue share at around 74.1% in 2025.
- The international destination segment leads with 85.1% market share in 2025.
- Commercial end users dominate with approximately 88.5% of the market in 2025.
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Market Growth Factors
The global air freight market is propelled by the rapid expansion of e-commerce, which demands faster delivery of goods. Notably, India's e-commerce user base is projected to reach 501.6 million by 2029, with user penetration increasing steadily from 22.1% in 2024 to 34.0%. The Government e-Marketplace (GeM) reached a record USD 201.1 Billion in gross merchandise value during 2022-23. These factors amplify cross-border trade and air cargo demand, alongside technological enhancements like automation and digital tracking that boost efficiency and reliability.
Increasing international trade is another significant driver. In Aug 2023, Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport in China reported a 101% rise in cross-border e-commerce cargo shipments compared to the previous year, handling 93,000 tons in seven months. The growing shipment of perishables, luxury goods, and electronics globally enhances air freight demand. Additionally, the establishment of SEZs, FTZs, and bonded warehouses expands storage needs, supporting market growth.
Strengthening global supply chain resilience fuels air freight use. With disruptions from geopolitical tensions and pandemics, companies favor air freight for its speed and reliability to maintain inventories and enable just-in-time delivery models. Investments in multi-modal transport, digital tracking, and cargo visibility tools reduce risk. Demand for rapid and efficient logistics solutions, particularly time-sensitive healthcare shipments, is also growing. The rise of omnichannel retail and consumer expectations for quick deliveries further enhance air freight's role.
Market Segmentation
By Service:
- Freight: Dominates the market with approximately 74.1% share in 2025. It offers cost-effective, reliable transportation for international and domestic goods, including hazardous or fragile cargo. Cargojet's expanded agreement with DHL Express illustrates investment in fleet growth to meet expected volume increases.
By Destination:
- International: Leads with 85.1% market share in 2025, favored for connectivity and speed in moving goods across continents. The segment benefits from the transport of high-value and perishable items and efforts of carriers like Emirates and Lufthansa to capture door-to-door delivery markets.
By End User:
- Commercial: Represents around 88.5% market share in 2025. Manufacturers, retailers, and wholesalers extensively use air freight to transport goods efficiently. E-commerce shipments constitute 18% of air cargo, supported by digitalization initiatives enhancing shipment visibility and operational efficiency.
Regional Insights
In 2025, Asia Pacific dominated the air freight market with over 39.5% share due to government investments in airport infrastructure and airline capacity expansions, including passenger aircraft modifications for freight use. Korean Air's plan to acquire new wide-body freighters and launches of Airbus A350 and Boeing 777X freighters reflect this region's strong cargo demand and leadership in the market.
Recent Developments & News
In February 2025, Nippon Express partnered with Nikon Corporation to supply SAF-enabled air freight services, providing CO2 reduction certificates. The same month, JAS acquired International Airfreight Associates B.V. to enhance its international shipping network for time-sensitive perishable goods. January 2025 saw Freightos and Norwegian Cargo launch a digital booking tool, and Finnair Cargo joined Unisys' Cargo Portal Services, improving booking capabilities. In December 2024, China Airlines integrated IBS Software’s iCargo solution, enhancing digitalization. May 2024 marked Maersk's opening of a new air freight gateway in Miami to boost cargo flow from Europe and Asia 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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