Air Cargo Market Size and Forecast 2021 - 2031, Global and Regional Share, Trend, and Growth Opportunity Analysis Report Coverage: By Type, Services, End User, and Geography

List of Tables

The Global air cargo market size was valued at US$ 141.03 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach US$ 210.92 billion by 2031; it is estimated to record a CAGR of 5.8% from 2025 to 2031.

Air cargo stakeholders have a huge opportunity in Southeast Asian countries such as Singapore, Thailand, and Indonesia. Airports in Southeast Asian countries are the fastest-growing airports in the world. Turkish Cargo is increasing its presence with the launch of new freighter services. The airports of Singapore, Incheon, Hong Kong, and Taiwan are supporting national carriers to expand air freight and also encouraging operators to increase services. These initiatives are expected to reduce trade with China and increase some transfer cargo traffic in Taiwan from ASEAN. Companies such as APEX Logistics and SEKO Logistics have strategically expanded their operations in Southeast Asian countries. Between 2024 and 2025, governments and private entities have invested billions into airport infrastructure. For instance, the government of India committed US$ 18 billion under the National Infrastructure Pipeline, with significant investments by Adani Airports and others in major hubs such as Mumbai, Lucknow, and Jaipur. Mumbai is already a dominant freight hub, and it continues to benefit from its strategic location and robust infrastructure, handling the highest cargo volumes in India.

The increasing construction of greenfield airports across Europe is likely to provide new market opportunities for air cargo companies during the forecast period. New greenfield airports are likely to add new cargo capacity to the respective regions that will also catalyze the growth of the air cargo market in Europe. Several ongoing and upcoming greenfield construction projects across different European countries are likely to augment the cargo capacity.

The North America air cargo market is segmented into the US, Canada, and Mexico. According to the data presented by the International Air Transport Association (IATA), in March 2025, cargo airlines operating in the region witnessed a 9.5% year-on-year increase in demand growth for air cargo. On the other hand, the region acts as a major hub for freighter airlines such as FedEx and UPS. Despite strong global air cargo growth, North America showed a 5.8% year-on-year decline in cargo demand in May 2025, influenced primarily by sweeping tariff changes and the removal of the de minimis exception that impacted cross-border trade volumes. The boom in cross-border e-commerce influences consumer expectations for two-day delivery and creates high demand for rapid air freight services. This trend is especially prominent on transpacific routes, which account for about a quarter of global air cargo and is estimated to grow in the upcoming years.

North American hubs, including Miami (MIA), Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW), Rockford (RFD), and Chicago O'Hare (ORD), are witnessing significant cargo and logistics infrastructure investments, enabling better handling and faster throughput capabilities. In 2025, Dallas-Fort Worth airport officials announced they had invested in advanced cold chain solutions to handle pharmaceuticals and perishables. The facility houses temperature-controlled facilities and real-time monitoring systems to ensure the integrity of perishable goods. Thus, strong structural growth from e-commerce, reshoring, healthcare logistics, and infrastructure investments positions the North America air cargo market for sustainable expansion.

According to a reputed source, United Airlines, a major airline operating in the US, carried 1.3 billion pounds of cargo in 2024, including 43 million pounds of medical shipments. The company's air cargo revenue rose by 17% from US$ 1.49 billion in 2023 to US$ 1.74 billion as of December 2024. Growth in the air cargo industry is propelled by soaring demand for e-commerce, strong manufacturing bases, and efficient logistics infrastructure. The air cargo industry is a critical conduit for the rapid and efficient movement of goods domestically and internationally. The industry is characterized by a strong infrastructure comprising the Memphis International Airport, home to FedEx Express's global hub; Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport, the central node for UPS Airlines; and Chicago O'Hare International Airport, a key freight gateway. These hubs leverage advanced logistics technologies and streamline operational processes to maintain high service standards and meet growing demand.

FedEx Express, UPS Airlines, DHL Aviation, Emirates, Cathay Pacific Airways, Korean Air Cargo, Lufthansa, Singapore Airlines Cargo, China Airlines, British Airways, Cargolux, ANA CARGO, and Zela Aviation are among the key global air cargo market players that are profiled in this market study.

The overall global air cargo market size has been derived using both primary and secondary sources. Exhaustive secondary research has been conducted using internal and external sources to obtain qualitative and quantitative information related to the global air cargo market size. The process also helps obtain an overview and forecast of the market with respect to all the market segments. Also, multiple primary interviews have been conducted with industry participants to validate the data and gain analytical insights. This process includes industry experts such as VPs, business development managers, market intelligence managers, and national sales managers, along with external consultants such as valuation experts, research analysts, and key opinion leaders, specializing in the global air cargo market.

Product Code: TIPTE100001311

1. Introduction

1.1 Report Guidance
1.2 Market Segmentation

2. Executive Summary

2.1 Analyst Market Outlook
2.2 Market Attractiveness

3. Research Methodology

3.1 Secondary Research
3.2 Primary Research
- 3.2.1 Hypothesis formulation:
- 3.2.2 Macro-economic factor analysis:
- 3.2.3 Developing base number:
- 3.2.4 Data Triangulation:
- 3.2.5 Country level data:
3.3 Assumptions and Limitations

4. Air Cargo Market Landscape

4.1 Overview
4.2 PEST Analysis
4.3 Ecosystem Analysis
- 4.3.1 List of Vendors in the Value Chain

5. Air Cargo Market - Key Market Dynamics

5.1 Air Cargo Market - Key Market Dynamics
5.2 Market Drivers
- 5.2.1 Surging Adoption of E-Commerce Platforms
- 5.2.2 Increasing Number of Partnerships and Collaborations
5.3 Market Restraints
- 5.3.1 Regulatory Changes and Disputes Between Countries
- 5.3.2 Regional Conflicts & Airspace Restrictions
5.4 Market Opportunities
- 5.4.1 Expanding Airport Infrastructure and New Policies
- 5.4.2 Constant Need to Transport Temperature-Sensitive Products
5.5 Future Trends
- 5.5.1 Intelligent Cold Chain Solutions
- 5.5.2 Implementation of Several Software Solutions
5.6 Impact of Drivers and Restraints:

6. Air Cargo Market - Global Market Analysis

6.1 Air Cargo Market Revenue (US$ Million), 2021-2031
6.2 Air Cargo Market Forecast Analysis

7. Air Cargo Market Analysis - by End User

7.1 Retail
- 7.1.1 Overview
- 7.1.2 Retail: Air Cargo Market - Revenue and Forecast to 2031 (US$ Million)
7.2 Pharmaceutical or Healthcare
- 7.2.1 Overview
- 7.2.2 Pharmaceutical or Healthcare: Air Cargo Market - Revenue and Forecast to 2031 (US$ Million)
7.3 Food or Beverage
- 7.3.1 Overview
- 7.3.2 Food or Beverage: Air Cargo Market - Revenue and Forecast to 2031 (US$ Million)
7.4 Consumer Electronics
- 7.4.1 Overview
- 7.4.2 Consumer Electronics: Air Cargo Market - Revenue and Forecast to 2031 (US$ Million)
7.5 Automotive
- 7.5.1 Overview
- 7.5.2 Automotive: Air Cargo Market - Revenue and Forecast to 2031 (US$ Million)
7.6 Others
- 7.6.1 Overview
- 7.6.2 Others: Air Cargo Market - Revenue and Forecast to 2031 (US$ Million)

8. Air Cargo Market Analysis - by Type

8.1 Air Mail
- 8.1.1 Overview
- 8.1.2 Air Mail: Air Cargo Market - Revenue and Forecast to 2031 (US$ Million)
8.2 Air Freight
- 8.2.1 Overview
- 8.2.2 Air Freight: Air Cargo Market - Revenue and Forecast to 2031 (US$ Million)

9. Air Cargo Market Analysis - by Services

9.1 Express
- 9.1.1 Overview
- 9.1.2 Express: Air Cargo Market - Revenue and Forecast to 2031 (US$ Million)
9.2 Regular
- 9.2.1 Overview
- 9.2.2 Regular: Air Cargo Market - Revenue and Forecast to 2031 (US$ Million)

10. Air Cargo Market - Geographical Analysis

10.1 Overview
10.2 North America
- 10.2.1 North America Air Cargo Market Overview
- 10.2.2 North America: Air Cargo Market - Revenue, 2021-2031 (US$ Million)
- 10.2.3 North America: Air Cargo Market Breakdown, by End User
  - 10.2.3.1 North America: Air Cargo Market - Revenue and Forecast Analysis - by End User
- 10.2.4 North America: Air Cargo Market Breakdown, by Type
  - 10.2.4.1 North America: Air Cargo Market - Revenue and Forecast Analysis - by Type
- 10.2.5 North America: Air Cargo Market Breakdown, by Services
  - 10.2.5.1 North America: Air Cargo Market - Revenue and Forecast Analysis - by Services
- 10.2.6 North America: Air Cargo Market - Revenue and Forecast Analysis - by Country
  - 10.2.6.1 North America: Air Cargo Market - Revenue and Forecast Analysis - by Country
  - 10.2.6.2 United States: Air Cargo Market - Revenue and Forecast, 2021-2031 (US$ Million)
    - 10.2.6.2.1 United States: Air Cargo Market Breakdown, by End User
    - 10.2.6.2.2 United States: Air Cargo Market Breakdown, by Type
    - 10.2.6.2.3 United States: Air Cargo Market Breakdown, by Services
  - 10.2.6.3 Canada: Air Cargo Market - Revenue and Forecast, 2021-2031 (US$ Million)
    - 10.2.6.3.1 Canada: Air Cargo Market Breakdown, by End User
    - 10.2.6.3.2 Canada: Air Cargo Market Breakdown, by Type
    - 10.2.6.3.3 Canada: Air Cargo Market Breakdown, by Services
  - 10.2.6.4 Mexico: Air Cargo Market - Revenue and Forecast, 2021-2031 (US$ Million)
    - 10.2.6.4.1 Mexico: Air Cargo Market Breakdown, by End User
    - 10.2.6.4.2 Mexico: Air Cargo Market Breakdown, by Type
    - 10.2.6.4.3 Mexico: Air Cargo Market Breakdown, by Services
10.3 Europe
- 10.3.1 Europe Air Cargo Market Overview
- 10.3.2 Europe: Air Cargo Market - Revenue, 2021-2031 (US$ Million)
- 10.3.3 Europe: Air Cargo Market Breakdown, by End User
  - 10.3.3.1 Europe: Air Cargo Market - Revenue and Forecast Analysis - by End User
- 10.3.4 Europe: Air Cargo Market Breakdown, by Type
  - 10.3.4.1 Europe: Air Cargo Market - Revenue and Forecast Analysis - by Type
- 10.3.5 Europe: Air Cargo Market Breakdown, by Services
  - 10.3.5.1 Europe: Air Cargo Market - Revenue and Forecast Analysis - by Services
- 10.3.6 Europe: Air Cargo Market - Revenue and Forecast Analysis - by Country
  - 10.3.6.1 Europe: Air Cargo Market - Revenue and Forecast Analysis - by Country
  - 10.3.6.2 France: Air Cargo Market - Revenue and Forecast, 2021-2031 (US$ Million)
    - 10.3.6.2.1 France: Air Cargo Market Breakdown, by End User
    - 10.3.6.2.2 France: Air Cargo Market Breakdown, by Type
    - 10.3.6.2.3 France: Air Cargo Market Breakdown, by Services
  - 10.3.6.3 Germany: Air Cargo Market - Revenue and Forecast, 2021-2031 (US$ Million)
    - 10.3.6.3.1 Germany: Air Cargo Market Breakdown, by End User
    - 10.3.6.3.2 Germany: Air Cargo Market Breakdown, by Type
    - 10.3.6.3.3 Germany: Air Cargo Market Breakdown, by Services
  - 10.3.6.4 Italy: Air Cargo Market - Revenue and Forecast, 2021-2031 (US$ Million)
    - 10.3.6.4.1 Italy: Air Cargo Market Breakdown, by End User
    - 10.3.6.4.2 Italy: Air Cargo Market Breakdown, by Type
    - 10.3.6.4.3 Italy: Air Cargo Market Breakdown, by Services
  - 10.3.6.5 United Kingdom: Air Cargo Market - Revenue and Forecast, 2021-2031 (US$ Million)
    - 10.3.6.5.1 United Kingdom: Air Cargo Market Breakdown, by End User
    - 10.3.6.5.2 United Kingdom: Air Cargo Market Breakdown, by Type
    - 10.3.6.5.3 United Kingdom: Air Cargo Market Breakdown, by Services
  - 10.3.6.6 Russia: Air Cargo Market - Revenue and Forecast, 2021-2031 (US$ Million)
    - 10.3.6.6.1 Russia: Air Cargo Market Breakdown, by End User
    - 10.3.6.6.2 Russia: Air Cargo Market Breakdown, by Type
    - 10.3.6.6.3 Russia: Air Cargo Market Breakdown, by Services
  - 10.3.6.7 Rest of Europe: Air Cargo Market - Revenue and Forecast, 2021-2031 (US$ Million)
    - 10.3.6.7.1 Rest of Europe: Air Cargo Market Breakdown, by End User
    - 10.3.6.7.2 Rest of Europe: Air Cargo Market Breakdown, by Type
    - 10.3.6.7.3 Rest of Europe: Air Cargo Market Breakdown, by Services
10.4 Asia Pacific
- 10.4.1 Asia Pacific Air Cargo Market Overview
- 10.4.2 Asia Pacific: Air Cargo Market - Revenue, 2021-2031 (US$ Million)
- 10.4.3 Asia Pacific: Air Cargo Market Breakdown, by End User
  - 10.4.3.1 Asia Pacific: Air Cargo Market - Revenue and Forecast Analysis - by End User
- 10.4.4 Asia Pacific: Air Cargo Market Breakdown, by Type
  - 10.4.4.1 Asia Pacific: Air Cargo Market - Revenue and Forecast Analysis - by Type
- 10.4.5 Asia Pacific: Air Cargo Market Breakdown, by Services
  - 10.4.5.1 Asia Pacific: Air Cargo Market - Revenue and Forecast Analysis - by Services
- 10.4.6 Asia Pacific: Air Cargo Market - Revenue and Forecast Analysis - by Country
  - 10.4.6.1 Asia Pacific: Air Cargo Market - Revenue and Forecast Analysis - by Country
  - 10.4.6.2 Australia: Air Cargo Market - Revenue and Forecast, 2021-2031 (US$ Million)
    - 10.4.6.2.1 Australia: Air Cargo Market Breakdown, by End User
    - 10.4.6.2.2 Australia: Air Cargo Market Breakdown, by Type
    - 10.4.6.2.3 Australia: Air Cargo Market Breakdown, by Services
  - 10.4.6.3 China: Air Cargo Market - Revenue and Forecast, 2021-2031 (US$ Million)
    - 10.4.6.3.1 China: Air Cargo Market Breakdown, by End User
    - 10.4.6.3.2 China: Air Cargo Market Breakdown, by Type
    - 10.4.6.3.3 China: Air Cargo Market Breakdown, by Services
  - 10.4.6.4 India: Air Cargo Market - Revenue and Forecast, 2021-2031 (US$ Million)
    - 10.4.6.4.1 India: Air Cargo Market Breakdown, by End User
    - 10.4.6.4.2 India: Air Cargo Market Breakdown, by Type
    - 10.4.6.4.3 India: Air Cargo Market Breakdown, by Services
  - 10.4.6.5 Japan: Air Cargo Market - Revenue and Forecast, 2021-2031 (US$ Million)
    - 10.4.6.5.1 Japan: Air Cargo Market Breakdown, by End User
    - 10.4.6.5.2 Japan: Air Cargo Market Breakdown, by Type
    - 10.4.6.5.3 Japan: Air Cargo Market Breakdown, by Services
  - 10.4.6.6 South Korea: Air Cargo Market - Revenue and Forecast, 2021-2031 (US$ Million)
    - 10.4.6.6.1 South Korea: Air Cargo Market Breakdown, by End User
    - 10.4.6.6.2 South Korea: Air Cargo Market Breakdown, by Type
    - 10.4.6.6.3 South Korea: Air Cargo Market Breakdown, by Services
  - 10.4.6.7 Rest of APAC: Air Cargo Market - Revenue and Forecast, 2021-2031 (US$ Million)
    - 10.4.6.7.1 Rest of APAC: Air Cargo Market Breakdown, by End User
    - 10.4.6.7.2 Rest of APAC: Air Cargo Market Breakdown, by Type
    - 10.4.6.7.3 Rest of APAC: Air Cargo Market Breakdown, by Services
10.5 Middle East and Africa
- 10.5.1 Middle East and Africa Air Cargo Market Overview
- 10.5.2 Middle East and Africa: Air Cargo Market - Revenue, 2021-2031 (US$ Million)
- 10.5.3 Middle East and Africa: Air Cargo Market Breakdown, by End User
  - 10.5.3.1 Middle East and Africa: Air Cargo Market - Revenue and Forecast Analysis - by End User
- 10.5.4 Middle East and Africa: Air Cargo Market Breakdown, by Type
  - 10.5.4.1 Middle East and Africa: Air Cargo Market - Revenue and Forecast Analysis - by Type
- 10.5.5 Middle East and Africa: Air Cargo Market Breakdown, by Services
  - 10.5.5.1 Middle East and Africa: Air Cargo Market - Revenue and Forecast Analysis - by Services
- 10.5.6 Middle East and Africa: Air Cargo Market - Revenue and Forecast Analysis - by Country
  - 10.5.6.1 Middle East and Africa: Air Cargo Market - Revenue and Forecast Analysis - by Country
  - 10.5.6.2 South Africa: Air Cargo Market - Revenue and Forecast, 2021-2031 (US$ Million)
    - 10.5.6.2.1 South Africa: Air Cargo Market Breakdown, by End User
    - 10.5.6.2.2 South Africa: Air Cargo Market Breakdown, by Type
    - 10.5.6.2.3 South Africa: Air Cargo Market Breakdown, by Services
  - 10.5.6.3 Saudi Arabia: Air Cargo Market - Revenue and Forecast, 2021-2031 (US$ Million)
    - 10.5.6.3.1 Saudi Arabia: Air Cargo Market Breakdown, by End User
    - 10.5.6.3.2 Saudi Arabia: Air Cargo Market Breakdown, by Type
    - 10.5.6.3.3 Saudi Arabia: Air Cargo Market Breakdown, by Services
  - 10.5.6.4 United Arab Emirates: Air Cargo Market - Revenue and Forecast, 2021-2031 (US$ Million)
    - 10.5.6.4.1 United Arab Emirates: Air Cargo Market Breakdown, by End User
    - 10.5.6.4.2 United Arab Emirates: Air Cargo Market Breakdown, by Type
    - 10.5.6.4.3 United Arab Emirates: Air Cargo Market Breakdown, by Services
  - 10.5.6.5 Rest of Middle East and Africa: Air Cargo Market - Revenue and Forecast, 2021-2031 (US$ Million)
    - 10.5.6.5.1 Rest of Middle East and Africa: Air Cargo Market Breakdown, by End User
    - 10.5.6.5.2 Rest of Middle East and Africa: Air Cargo Market Breakdown, by Type
    - 10.5.6.5.3 Rest of Middle East and Africa: Air Cargo Market Breakdown, by Services
10.6 South and Central America
- 10.6.1 South and Central America Air Cargo Market Overview
- 10.6.2 South and Central America: Air Cargo Market - Revenue, 2021-2031 (US$ Million)
- 10.6.3 South and Central America: Air Cargo Market Breakdown, by End User
  - 10.6.3.1 South and Central America: Air Cargo Market - Revenue and Forecast Analysis - by End User
- 10.6.4 South and Central America: Air Cargo Market Breakdown, by Type
  - 10.6.4.1 South and Central America: Air Cargo Market - Revenue and Forecast Analysis - by Type
- 10.6.5 South and Central America: Air Cargo Market Breakdown, by Services
  - 10.6.5.1 South and Central America: Air Cargo Market - Revenue and Forecast Analysis - by Services
- 10.6.6 South and Central America: Air Cargo Market - Revenue and Forecast Analysis - by Country
  - 10.6.6.1 South and Central America: Air Cargo Market - Revenue and Forecast Analysis - by Country
  - 10.6.6.2 Brazil: Air Cargo Market - Revenue and Forecast, 2021-2031 (US$ Million)
    - 10.6.6.2.1 Brazil: Air Cargo Market Breakdown, by End User
    - 10.6.6.2.2 Brazil: Air Cargo Market Breakdown, by Type
    - 10.6.6.2.3 Brazil: Air Cargo Market Breakdown, by Services
  - 10.6.6.3 Argentina: Air Cargo Market - Revenue and Forecast, 2021-2031 (US$ Million)
    - 10.6.6.3.1 Argentina: Air Cargo Market Breakdown, by End User
    - 10.6.6.3.2 Argentina: Air Cargo Market Breakdown, by Type
    - 10.6.6.3.3 Argentina: Air Cargo Market Breakdown, by Services
  - 10.6.6.4 Rest of South and Central America: Air Cargo Market - Revenue and Forecast, 2021-2031 (US$ Million)
    - 10.6.6.4.1 Rest of South and Central America: Air Cargo Market Breakdown, by End User
    - 10.6.6.4.2 Rest of South and Central America: Air Cargo Market Breakdown, by Type
    - 10.6.6.4.3 Rest of South and Central America: Air Cargo Market Breakdown, by Services

11. Competitive Landscape

11.1 Heat Map Analysis by Key Players
11.2 Company Market Share Analysis, 2024

12. Industry Landscape

12.1 Overview
12.2 Market Initiative
12.3 Product Development
12.4 Mergers & Acquisitions

13. Company Profiles

13.1 ANA Cargo
- 13.1.1 Key Facts
- 13.1.2 Business Description
- 13.1.3 Products and Services
- 13.1.4 Financial Overview
- 13.1.5 SWOT Analysis
- 13.1.6 Key Developments
13.2 Cargolux Airlines International S.A.
- 13.2.1 Key Facts
- 13.2.2 Business Description
- 13.2.3 Products and Services
- 13.2.4 Financial Overview
- 13.2.5 SWOT Analysis
- 13.2.6 Key Developments
13.3 Cathay Pacific Airways Limited
- 13.3.1 Key Facts
- 13.3.2 Business Description
- 13.3.3 Products and Services
- 13.3.4 Financial Overview
- 13.3.5 SWOT Analysis
- 13.3.6 Key Developments
13.4 Emirates SkyCargo
- 13.4.1 Key Facts
- 13.4.2 Business Description
- 13.4.3 Products and Services
- 13.4.4 Financial Overview
- 13.4.5 SWOT Analysis
- 13.4.6 Key Developments
13.5 Etihad Cargo
- 13.5.1 Key Facts
- 13.5.2 Business Description
- 13.5.3 Products and Services
- 13.5.4 Financial Overview
- 13.5.5 SWOT Analysis
- 13.5.6 Key Developments
13.6 FedEx Corp
- 13.6.1 Key Facts
- 13.6.2 Business Description
- 13.6.3 Products and Services
- 13.6.4 Financial Overview
- 13.6.5 SWOT Analysis
- 13.6.6 Key Developments
13.7 United Parcel Service Inc
- 13.7.1 Key Facts
- 13.7.2 Business Description
- 13.7.3 Products and Services
- 13.7.4 Financial Overview
- 13.7.5 SWOT Analysis
- 13.7.6 Key Developments
13.8 Zela Aviation The Air Charter Company
- 13.8.1 Key Facts
- 13.8.2 Business Description
- 13.8.3 Products and Services
- 13.8.4 Financial Overview
- 13.8.5 SWOT Analysis
- 13.8.6 Key Developments
13.9 Lufthansa Group
- 13.9.1 Key Facts
- 13.9.2 Business Description
- 13.9.3 Products and Services
- 13.9.4 Financial Overview
- 13.9.5 SWOT Analysis
- 13.9.6 Key Developments
13.10 Deutsche Post AG
- 13.10.1 Key Facts
- 13.10.2 Business Description
- 13.10.3 Products and Services
- 13.10.4 Financial Overview
- 13.10.5 SWOT Analysis
- 13.10.6 Key Developments

14. Appendix

14.1 About The Insight Partners