Air Freight Market Size, Share & Growth Report 2035 | Expert Market Research
Overview of Air Freight Industry
According to Expert Market Research, the global air freight market size attained a volume of 122.83 MMT in 2025 and is projected to expand at a CAGR of 12.00% during 2026-2035, reaching an estimated volume of 381.49 MMT by 2035. Market growth is being driven by the structural rise of cross-border e-commerce, increasing demand for time-sensitive cargo movement, and ongoing investments in aviation logistics infrastructure. Air freight continues to play a critical role in global supply chains by enabling rapid transport of high-value, perishable, and urgent shipments across domestic and international corridors.
Air Freight Market Size and Forecast
Key Insight: The market’s expansion reflects rising reliance on speed-driven logistics networks rather than conventional bulk cargo transport.
| Metric | Value |
| Market Volume (2025) | 122.83 MMT |
| Forecast Volume (2035) | 381.49 MMT |
| CAGR (2026-2035) | 12.00% |
| Growth Multiple | ~3.1x Expansion |
| Largest Segment | International Freight |
| Fastest Growing Segment | Express Air Cargo |
| Fastest Growing Region | Asia Pacific |
| Core Growth Driver | E-commerce + Time-Critical Logistics |
Market Scope and Industry Context
Air freight refers to the transportation of goods via aircraft, supporting global trade flows through scheduled cargo airlines, passenger belly-hold capacity, and integrated express carriers. The market serves industries requiring rapid delivery, including pharmaceuticals, electronics, perishables, automotive components, and high-value industrial inputs.
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The air freight industry is increasingly integrated with digital freight platforms, automated cargo hubs, and multimodal logistics systems, strengthening its role as a strategic pillar of modern supply chain resilience.
Key Growth Drivers
Cross-Border E-Commerce and Express Delivery Expansion
The rapid expansion of global e-commerce has structurally increased demand for fast and reliable air cargo services. Cross-border parcel volumes are rising as retailers and marketplaces prioritise shorter delivery windows and premium shipping options. Express air freight is emerging as a key growth engine, supported by integrated carrier networks and last-mile connectivity.
Rising Demand for Time-Sensitive and High-Value Cargo
Air freight remains essential for transporting goods where speed, product integrity, and security are critical. Pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, medical devices, and perishable food products increasingly rely on air cargo due to temperature-controlled handling and reduced transit times.
Supply Chain Resilience and Inventory Rebalancing
Global supply chain disruptions have prompted manufacturers and distributors to prioritise flexibility and rapid replenishment. Air freight is increasingly used to mitigate delays, reduce stock-out risks, and support just-in-time production models, particularly in electronics and automotive sectors.
Infrastructure Investment in Cargo Airports and Digital Handling Systems
Governments and private operators are investing in cargo terminal expansion, automated sorting systems, and digital customs clearance platforms. Modernisation of cargo hubs is improving throughput efficiency and enabling higher freight volumes across major trade corridors.
Key Industry Trends (2026-2035)
- Increasing dominance of express cargo services driven by premium delivery requirements
- Expansion of cold chain air freight for pharmaceuticals and perishables
- Rising adoption of digital freight booking and tracking platforms
- Growth in Asia-linked trade lanes supporting manufacturing exports
- Higher focus on sustainable aviation logistics through fuel optimisation and fleet upgrades
These trends indicate the market’s shift toward technology-enabled, service-intensive cargo ecosystems.
Market Segmentation Analysis
By Destination
- International Air Freight: International shipments account for the largest share due to globalised trade networks and strong demand for cross-border movement of high-value goods. Major routes include Asia-North America and Asia-Europe corridors.
- Domestic Air Freight: Domestic cargo remains important for large economies with geographically dispersed production and consumption centres, supporting internal distribution efficiency.
By Service
- Freight: Traditional freight services continue to dominate bulk air cargo volumes, especially for industrial goods and high-value exports.
- Express: Express air cargo is the fastest-growing segment, driven by e-commerce growth, urgent shipments, and integrated logistics models.
- Mail: Mail services remain stable but are gradually being absorbed into broader parcel logistics frameworks.
By End Use
- Private: Individual and personal shipments requiring fast delivery services.
- Commercial: Business-driven cargo movement supporting enterprise supply chains.
- Retail and E-commerce: Shipments linked to online shopping and cross-border parcel delivery.
- Manufacturing: Transport of industrial inputs, components, and finished goods.
- Healthcare: Movement of pharmaceuticals, medical devices, and critical healthcare supplies.
- Automotive: Delivery of vehicle parts and time-sensitive components for production lines.
- Perishable Goods: Rapid transport of fresh food, flowers, and temperature-sensitive products.
- Institutional: Government, defense, and humanitarian logistics operations.
Regional Market Analysis
North America: Established market supported by advanced infrastructure and strong enterprise demand.
Europe: Integrated regional market driven by industrial strength and cross-border trade.
Asia Pacific: High-growth region fueled by manufacturing expansion and rising consumption.
Latin America: Developing market backed by improving trade connectivity and infrastructure.
Middle East and Africa: Emerging region benefiting from logistics hub expansion and economic diversification.
Competitive Landscape
The global air freight market is led by integrated logistics providers and cargo airline operators focusing on network expansion, fleet modernisation, and digital service integration.
Companies Covered
- 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.
- com
- H. Robinson Worldwide, Inc.
- CEVA Logistics
- DB Schenker
- DHL International GmbH
- DIMOTRANS Group
- GEODIS
- Rhenus Group
- Ziegler Group.
- Others
Competitive advantage is increasingly tied to express delivery scale, cargo hub efficiency, and end-to-end logistics integration.
Market Risks and Structural Challenges
- High sensitivity to fuel price volatility and operating cost inflation
- Capacity constraints linked to aircraft availability and airport congestion
- Regulatory complexity in cross-border customs and trade compliance
- Competitive pressure from sea-air multimodal alternatives in certain lanes
- Sustainability requirements impacting fleet investment decisions
Outlook 2026-2035
The global air freight market is expected to expand strongly through 2035, supported by structural growth in e-commerce logistics, rising demand for time-critical cargo, and continued investment in cargo infrastructure. Express services and Asia-linked trade corridors will remain key growth engines.
Long-term market competitiveness will depend on digital cargo integration, fleet efficiency, sustainable operations, and resilient global network execution.
FAQs: Air Freight Market
What was the global air freight market volume in 2025?
The global air freight market recorded a volume of 122.83 MMT in 2025, supported by growing cross-border logistics activity.
What is the projected CAGR of the air freight market during 2026-2035?
The market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 12.00% during the forecast period, driven by strategic investments and partnerships across the logistics ecosystem.
What is the expected market volume by 2035?
By 2035, the air freight market is projected to reach 381.49 MMT, reflecting expanding global trade and capacity enhancements.
Which region is expected to grow the fastest in air freight volumes?
Asia Pacific is projected to witness the fastest growth due to manufacturing exports, rising digital commerce, and cargo hub investments.
What are the key challenges facing the air freight industry?
Major challenges include fuel cost volatility, capacity constraints, regulatory complexity, and increasing sustainability pressures on aviation logistics.
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