Market Segmentation

• Based on the service type, the market is segmented into express freight, standard freight, and deferred freight.
• Based on the cargo type, the market is segmented into general cargo and special cargo.
• Based on the shipment type, the market is segmented into domestic and international.
• Based on the end-user industry, the market is segmented into retail & e-commerce, healthcare & pharmaceuticals, automotive, electronics & semiconductors, aerospace & defense, food & beverages, manufacturing, and others.

Standard Freight Segment Dominates the Market with the Largest Share

The standard freight segment holds the largest share of the global air freight market owing to its cost-effective pricing, extensive airline connectivity, and suitability for transporting general cargo across industries such as automotive, manufacturing, industrial equipment, consumer goods, and retail. Unlike express freight, which is used for urgent shipments, standard freight serves the majority of scheduled international cargo movements, making it the preferred service for businesses balancing cost and transit time. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), global air cargo demand reached a record high in 2024, with cargo tonne-kilometers (CTKs) increasing by 11.3% year-over-year, surpassing the previous peak recorded in 2021. Global air cargo demand increased by 11.3% in 2024 (CTKs), reaching an all-time high. Air cargo capacity grew by 7.4% in 2024, reflecting continued airline investments in scheduled freight operations. IATA noted that this growth was driven by strong global trade, booming e-commerce, and disruptions in ocean shipping, all of which significantly increased the utilization of standard air freight services.

Retail & E-Commerce Holds a Significant Market Share

The retail & e-commerce segment holds the largest share of the global air freight market, driven by the rapid growth of cross-border online shopping, increasing consumer demand for next-day and same-day delivery, and the expansion of global e-commerce platforms. Air freight remains the preferred transportation mode for high-value, lightweight, and time-sensitive parcels, enabling retailers to meet fast delivery expectations across international markets. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), e-commerce represented approximately 15% of global air cargo volumes in 2019, and its share has continued to grow rapidly following the pandemic due to the surge in online retail and cross-border parcel shipments. Around 80% of cross-border e-commerce shipments are transported by air, highlighting the industry’s dependence on air freight for international online retail fulfillment. Cross-border e-commerce sales increased from $1.9 trillion in 2022 to $2.1 trillion in 2023, representing a 13% year-over-year increase. 131 billion parcels are delivered annually globally, with parcel volumes expected to double by 2026, further boosting demand for air cargo services.

Regional Outlook

The global air freight market is segmented geographically into North America (the US and Canada), Europe (the UK, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Russia, and Rest of Europe), Asia-Pacific (India, China, Japan, South Korea, Australia & New Zealand, ASEAN Countries, and Rest of Asia-Pacific), and the Rest of the World (Middle East & Africa and Latin America).

Expanding Air Cargo Demand Strengthens North American Market

The North American air freight market is experiencing steady growth due to expanding e-commerce, advanced logistics infrastructure, increasing pharmaceutical shipments, and the presence of global express carriers such as FedEx and UPS. Strong domestic air cargo demand and rising international trade continue to support regional market expansion. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA)

• North American airlines reported a 6.6% year-on-year increase in international air cargo demand (CTKs) in 2024. International cargo capacity grew by 3.4% during the year.
• The region continues to benefit from high-value shipments, integrated express delivery networks, and resilient consumer demand.
• Additionally, the U.S. Bureau of Transportation Statistics (BTS) reports that U.S. airlines transported more than 64 billion freight ton-miles annually, highlighting the country’s position as one of the world’s largest air cargo markets.

Asia-Pacific Region Dominates the Market with Major Share

The Asia-Pacific air freight market holds the largest share globally, driven by its strong manufacturing base, booming cross-border e-commerce, and high export volumes of electronics, semiconductors, and consumer goods. The region is home to several of the world’s busiest cargo airports and serves as the primary hub for international trade between Asia, North America, and Europe. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA)

• Asia-Pacific airlines recorded an 8.3% year-on-year increase in international air cargo demand (CTKs) in 2024.
• International cargo capacity increased by 11.3% during the same period, reflecting continued investments in cargo aircraft and airport infrastructure.
• Asia-Pacific remained the largest air cargo market globally, accounting for 34.2% of total international cargo tonne-kilometers (CTKs) in 2024.

Market Players Outlook

The major companies operating in the global air freight market include United Parcel Service, Inc., FedEx Corp., Deutsche Post DHL Group, Kuehne + Nagel International AG, DSV A/S. Industry players are focusing on partnerships, collaborations, and mergers, and acquisitions activities to broaden their market reach, foster innovation, and reinforce their market standing.

Recent Developments

• In December 2025, DHL Global Forwarding and Air France-KLM Martinair Cargo signed a new framework agreement to deepen their long-term partnership focused on decarbonizing the air freight sector. The agreement emphasizes emission reduction rights and “book-and-claim” mechanisms to accelerate the adoption of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). DHL also signed an order covering 35,000 metric tons of CO₂ emission reduction rights, demonstrating a significant commitment to sustainable air cargo operations.

• In August 2025, Atlas Air Worldwide and Etihad Cargo announced a long-term partnership to support growing air freight demand across Asia, Europe, and the Middle East. Under the agreement, Atlas Air provides dedicated capacity through a newly delivered Boeing 777 freighter operating on routes connecting Hong Kong, Abu Dhabi, and Madrid. The partnership is designed to meet rising demand from e-commerce, pharmaceuticals, automotive products, and perishables.

• In April 2025, MASkargo, Qatar Airways Cargo, and IAG Cargo announced plans to establish a Global Cargo Joint Business. The collaboration aims to create one of the world’s most connected cargo networks by combining infrastructure, expertise, and route networks. Key benefits include enhanced connectivity, faster transit times, streamlined product offerings, new routing opportunities, and harmonized safety and security standards for customers globally.

The Report Include

• Market valuation analysis for 2026 with projections through 2035.
• Profiles of leading air freight companies, covering recent developments and strategic initiatives.
• Segment-wise revenue forecasts and estimates ($ Million).
• Comprehensive country-level insights across key geographic regions.
• Analysis of high-growth segments and future market opportunities.
• Evaluation of market penetration and expansion strategies.
• Competitive landscape assessment and player positioning analysis.

Key Market Players

• Air France KLM Martinair Cargo
• AirBridgeCargo Airlines LLC
• Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings, Inc.
• Bolloré Logistics
• H. Robinson Worldwide, Inc.
• Cargolux Airlines International S.A.
• Cathay Cargo
• CEVA Logistics SA
• China Airlines Cargo
• DB Schenker
• Deutsche Lufthansa AG (Lufthansa Cargo)
• DHL Express
• DSV A/S
• Emirates SkyCargo
• Ethiopian Airlines Cargo & Logistics Services
• EVA Airways Corporation (EVA Air Cargo)
• Expeditors International of Washington, Inc.
• FedEx Corp.
• GEODIS SA
• Hellmann Worldwide Logistics SE & Co. KG
• Korean Air Cargo
• Kuehne + Nagel International AG
• MSC Air Cargo
• Nippon Cargo Airlines Co., Ltd.
• Qatar Airways Cargo
• SF Airlines Co., Ltd.
• Singapore Airlines Cargo Pte. Ltd.
• Turkish Cargo
• United Parcel Service, Inc. (UPS)
• XPO, Inc.