Air Freight Market Report 2026

The air freight market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $54.57 billion in 2025 to $58.4 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to global trade expansion, growth of international manufacturing, pharmaceutical air transport demand, reliance on just-in-time logistics, express cargo growth.

The air freight market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $78.27 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 7.6%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to e-commerce acceleration, pharmaceutical and vaccine logistics growth, digital air cargo platforms adoption, cross-border trade recovery, demand for faster delivery. Major trends in the forecast period include growth of e-commerce air cargo, rising demand for time-critical shipments, expansion of cold chain air freight, adoption of digital freight platforms, increased charter services.

The growing e-commerce industry is expected to drive the growth of the air freight market in the coming years. E-commerce involves buying and selling goods or services online, facilitating transactions, payments, and interactions between businesses and consumers in a digital environment. Air freight supports the e-commerce industry by enabling fast and efficient transportation of goods, ensuring timely deliveries, and extending the global reach of online businesses. For example, in February 2024, according to the United States Census Bureau, total e-commerce sales in 2023 were estimated at $1.11 trillion, up 7.6% from 2022. Therefore, the expansion of e-commerce is fueling the air freight market.

Major companies in the air freight market are actively focused on technological innovation, exemplified by the introduction of solutions such as ECU360, aimed at enhancing profitability. ECU360 is a groundbreaking digital air freight service designed to simplify shipping processes for companies of all sizes. Launched in April 2023 by ECU Worldwide, a Belgium-based logistics company, ECU360 allows clients to access integrated services, including instant estimates, online booking, and real-time shipment monitoring. The technology streamlines air freight and shipping procedures, making global exportation more straightforward for businesses. This introduction positions ECU Worldwide as a provider of a distinctive digital logistics platform, contributing to its growth and expansion in the logistics sector.

In August 2023, Mediterranean Shipping Company S.A., a Switzerland-based shipping company, acquired AlisCargo Airlines S.p.A. for an undisclosed amount. This strategic acquisition aligns with MSC's plan to enhance and broaden its branded air cargo service, MSC Air Cargo. By incorporating AlisCargo Airlines, an Italy-based cargo airline specializing in air freight services, MSC aims to offer a more extensive range of air freight services to clients, consolidating its position in the air cargo industry.

Major companies operating in the air freight market report include Deutsche Post AG, United Parcel Service Inc., FedEx Corporation, Deutsche Bahn AG, Delta Air Lines Inc., American Airlines Inc., Kuehne+Nagel International AG, DSV Panalpina A/S, Southwest Airlines Co., Expeditors International Inc., British Airways plc, Singapore Airlines Limited, Korean Air Lines Co. Ltd., UPS Supply Chain Solutions Inc., Air China Limited, XPO Logistics Inc., TNT Express BV, Kintetsu World Express Inc., Bollore Logistics, Cathay Pacific Airways Limited, Hellmann Worldwide Logistics SE & Co. KG, Cargolux Airlines International S.A., Lufthansa Cargo AG, ANA Cargo Inc., Yusen Logistics Co. Ltd., Qatar Airways Company Q.C.S.C., Nippon Express Co. Ltd., Etihad Airways PJSC, Agility Logistics Pvt. Ltd., CEVA Logistics Ltd.

Asia-Pacific was the largest region in the air freight market in 2025. North America is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in the air freight market report include Asia-Pacific, South East Asia, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa. The countries covered in the air freight market report include Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Taiwan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

The air freight market includes revenues earned by entities by providing services such as aircraft-on-ground services, pharmaceutical cargo services, valuable cargo and secure transport, door-to-door services, and customs clearance and documentation. The market value includes the value of related goods sold by the service provider or included within the service offering. Only goods and services traded between entities or sold to end consumers are included.

The market value is defined as the revenues that enterprises gain from the sale of goods and/or services within the specified market and geography through sales, grants, or donations in terms of the currency (in USD unless otherwise specified).

The revenues for a specified geography are consumption values that are revenues generated by organizations in the specified geography within the market, irrespective of where they are produced. It does not include revenues from resales along the supply chain, either further along the supply chain or as part of other products.

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