Air Cargo Market is expected to reach US$ 210.92 Billion by 2031

Global Air Cargo Market Forecast to 2031: Key Insights

According to our latest study on "Global Air Cargo Market – Global and Regional Share, Trend, and Growth Opportunity Analysis – by Type, Services, End User, and Geography," the market was valued at US$ 141.03 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach US$ 210.92 billion by 2031. The Air Cargo market size is estimated to register a CAGR of 5.8% during 2025–2031. The rapid development of connected technologies, including mobile devices, consumers' purchasing processes. Consumers are increasingly inclined toward e-commerce, resulting in high cross-border sales. In addition, the provision of air cargo, including faster deliveries and high investments by the government in favor of air cargo, also fuels the global market growth. Intelligent cold chain solutions will likely emerge as an air cargo market trend in the coming years.

The air cargo industry competes with other transportation modes, including rail, road, and maritime. Mode mix optimization and modal shift from air to low-priced or observed eco-friendlier maritime or rail transport is rising recently. Freight forwarders provide more air/sea, air/rail, or air/road products that integrate to form price and total freight time flexibility. The new railway and road-based 'Silk Road' network, which connects China with Europe, captures business from air and sea cargo. In the coming years, Hyperloop One is expected to capture the air cargo market, which is considered for application in the Gulf region. However, in the current market scenario, air cargo has become more competitive against other transportation modes.

With the constant increase in the demand for air cargo, several market players operating in the supply chain are significantly investing to compete in the market. For instance, in 2025, Etihad Airways and SF Airlines signed a joint business agreement to enhance their respective air cargo operations and expand their network capacity across different regions. E-commerce boom, ocean shipping disruptions, supply chain diversification, and global trade growth are also driving the air cargo market growth.

Air Cargo Market

With the growing demand for air cargo from the pharmaceutical industry, the market players are taking strategic initiatives to keep pace with the fast-growing pharmaceutical market. For instance, Emirates developed "Cool Dolly," which can safely transport pharma materials from a plane to a cool-chain facility or as a temporary storage area between trans-shipment. Further, several regions have set targets for expanding their respective cargo capacities. For instance, Saudi Arabia's National Aviation Strategy aims to handle 4.5 million tonnes of cargo annually by 2030, expanding direct connections to over 250 destinations. Latin American carriers increased capacity to the US and Europe, capitalizing on high-tech and perishable cargo flows. Similarly, in 2024, Vienna Airport reported record air cargo volumes, reflecting Europe's strong performance.

Surging Adoption of E-Commerce Platforms to Drive Global Air Cargo Market Growth

Online retailing draws a larger audience than physical stores owing to its worldwide availability. In addition, e-commerce market players opt for logistics options such as surface transport and air transport to deliver packages to their customers. With the rise in the global e-commerce market, varying buying patterns and trends have been observed. The majority of purchases are influenced by the demographics of the country, such as the percentage of the youth population indulging in e-commerce activity, the economy of the country, the age group interested in e-commerce, and the level of awareness in the country. Air cargo is well-positioned to deliver goods with speed, efficiency, and reliability. The fast-growing cross-border e-commerce market remains a key driver in addition to rising domestic volumes sent by large and small e-retailers. Air cargo is crucial in the e-commerce ecosystem to manage the transportation of goods globally.

Air cargo service providers deliver upgraded technology, flexibility & scalability, and efficiency & specialization in the e-commerce business. There are numerous benefits of e-commerce, and they can be fulfilled if the company delivers to customers on time. Thus, several organizations such as the International Air Transport Association (IATA), International Federation of Freight Forwarders Associations (FIATA), Universal Postal Union (UPU), and World Customs Organization (WCO) are engaged in improving air cargo services owing to the growing adoption of e-commerce. According to the IATA, the air cargo demand continued its upward trajectory in December 2024, with global CTK rising 6.1% year-over-year (YoY), marking 17 consecutive months of growth. But after seasonal adjustments, demand showed a moderate uptick with 0.9% month-on-month (MoM). The full year 2024 saw industry-wide CTK surpass 2023 levels by 11.3%, setting a new record by exceeding 2021’s volumes.

Global Air Cargo Market: Segmental Overview

In terms of end user, the air cargo market is divided into pharmaceuticals, retail, food & beverages, consumer electronics, automotive, and others. The Pharmaceutical segment held the largest share of the air cargo market in 2024. The pharmaceuticals & healthcare sector is undergoing various reforms and transformations. These are adopting different operating models as well as diversifying the supply chain strategies. There is a considerable amount of pressure on pharmaceutical manufacturers to provide affordable as well as high-quality therapeutic agents, which compels them to opt for advanced supply chain management or logistics services to ensure proper transportation of drugs and medicines in a favorable environment. Air cargo supply chain stakeholders are adopting and embracing industry standards and quality measures as demand for predictable logistics is growing due to the increasing complexity of pharmaceutical products and a greater focus on patient safety. The introduction of low-cost sensors for monitoring cargo shipments is expected to create new possibilities in improving information flow across supply chains. Industry and technology providers are working on certification processes and data usage. Regulations and standards, such as EU GDP and IATA CEIV Pharma, are expected to fuel the demand for air cargo products and services in the pharmaceutical industry.

Global Air Cargo Market Analysis: Competitive Landscape and Key Developments

The global air cargo market report emphasizes the key factors driving the market and prominent players' developments. 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 prominent players profiled in the global air cargo market report. The market players focus on new product launches, expansion and diversification, and acquisition strategies, which allow them to access prevailing business opportunities.

• In May 2025, Zela Aviation, in collaboration with Syros Airport, proudly announces the arrival of the first direct flight of the summer season 2025 from Thessaloniki (SKG) to Syros (JSY), operated by Aegean Airlines. This flight, scheduled for June 3, 2025, marks a significant step towards enhancing connectivity and promoting tourism on the Cycladic Island of Syros. The inaugural flight will be operated by an ATR 72 aircraft, offering passengers a comfortable and efficient travel experience. This route reflects Zela Aviation’s commitment to expanding Syros Airport’s network and establishing it as a key gateway to the Cyclades. Zela Aviation, renowned for its expertise in aviation services, began its partnership with Syros Airport in December 2024. Since then, the company has been actively attracting new carriers and increasing the airport’s traffic. The introduction of the Thessaloniki-Syros route is the first step in a broader strategy to enhance Syros’ accessibility and stimulate local economic growth.
• In May 2025, from June 2 to 5, 2025, the world's largest logistics trade fair, “Transport Logistics,” will again open its doors in Munich. At the same time, "air cargo Europe" will be part of transport logistics. Lufthansa Cargo, together with its subsidiaries CB Customs Broker and heyworld and its partner Swiss WorldCargo, will once again be exhibiting at this year's international trade fair for logistics, mobility, IT, and supply chain management. Lufthansa Cargo can be found in a prominent position in Hall A1, Stand 101/202. This year's trade fair presence will focus on the following topics: Strong network and sector-specific industry solutions.
  
  

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