Air Freight Global Market Report 2024

The air freight market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $300.7 billion in 2023 to $320.8 billion in 2024 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.7%. The growth observed during the historical period can be attributed to factors such as footwear personalization, biometric foot mapping, integration with health and wellness, the development of connected footwear ecosystems, and the fusion of fashion and technology.

The air freight market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $396.84 billion in 2028 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.5%. The expansion anticipated in the forecast period can be attributed to factors such as adaptive learning algorithms, emphasis on environmental sustainability, health monitoring and feedback integration, incorporation of smart assistants, and the enhancement of augmented reality (AR) retail experiences. Major trends in the forecast period include innovations in materials, the advancement of smart insole technology, collaborations and limited editions, dynamic style customization, and the adoption of adaptive and responsive design.

The anticipated surge in demand for fast-delivery services is set to drive the growth of the air freight market in the foreseeable future. Fast-delivery services, specialized logistics and transportation solutions, aim to ensure swift and timely delivery of goods, packages, or shipments between locations. Air freight, known for its unmatched speed compared to sea or land transportation, facilitates rapid delivery, enabling companies to meet tight deadlines and reduce overall transit times for goods. This makes air freight the preferred mode of transportation for time-sensitive and high-value products such as perishables, pharmaceuticals, and electronics. As projected by ShippyPro, an Italy-based software company, the delivery landscape is expected to see a significant increase, with an estimated 1.2 billion packages delivered in France and the UK by 2023, rising to 1.9 billion parcels by 2027. The same-day delivery market is also poised for substantial growth, with an estimated 260 to 521 million items delivered on the same day by 2027, up from 70 million in 2022. Consequently, the escalating demand for fast-delivery services serves as a catalyst for the growth of the air freight market.

The increasing prominence of the e-commerce industry is anticipated to propel the growth of the air freight market in the coming years. E-commerce, involving online transactions between businesses and consumers, heavily relies on the swift and efficient transportation of goods. Air freight plays a crucial role in the e-commerce sector by facilitating rapid and effective transportation, ensuring timely deliveries, and enabling global reach for online businesses. As reported by the U.S. Census Bureau in November 2023, U.S. retail e-commerce sales reached an estimated $271.7 billion in the third quarter of 2023, marking a 0.9% (±0.4%) increase from the preceding quarter. Compared to the same period in 2022, e-commerce sales saw a rise of 7.8% (±1.2%), while total retail sales increased by 2% (±0.4%). E-commerce sales constituted 14.9% of total sales in the third quarter of 2023. Therefore, the burgeoning e-commerce industry acts as a driving force for the growth of the air freight market.

A significant restraint on the growth of the air freight market during the forecast period is the risk of cyber-attacks. Air freight operations heavily depend on information technology systems and digital data to manage cargo, logistics, and operations efficiently. However, this dependence exposes the industry to the risk of cyber-attacks on sensitive data. As indicated by the Australian Cyber Security Centre in February 2023, the number of cybercrime reports received in 2022 was 76,000, reflecting a 13% increase from the previous year. Hence, the looming risk of cyberattacks poses a hindrance to the growth of 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 are 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 2023. North America is expected to be the fastest-growing region in the forecast period. The regions covered in the air freight market report are Asia-Pacific, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa. The countries covered in the air freight market report are Australia, Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Indonesia, Japan, Russia, South Korea, UK, USA, Canada, Italy, Spain.

Air freight is a mode of transporting goods, products, or cargo via aircraft. This method employs airplanes to transport cargo from one location to another, often covering long distances or involving international routes.

The primary services within air freight include freight, express, mail, and others. Freight pertains to the transportation of goods, cargo, or merchandise from one location to another, usually for commercial purposes. It encompasses diverse destinations, including both domestic and international locations, and finds applications in industries such as pharmaceuticals, personal care, chemicals, automobiles, fashion, and others.

The air freight market research report is one of a series of new reports that provides air freight market statistics, including air freight industry global market size, regional shares, competitors with an air freight market share, detailed air freight market segments, market trends and opportunities, and any further data you may need to thrive in the air freight industry. This air freight market research report delivers a complete perspective of everything you need, with an in-depth analysis of the current and future scenario of the industry.

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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