North America Air Cargo Market Size and Forecast (2021 - 2031)

The North America air cargo market is projected to grow significantly, reaching an estimated US$ 51,508.6 million by 2031, up from US$ 36,480.2 million in 2024. This growth represents a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 4.9% from 2025 to 2031, indicating a robust expansion trajectory for the sector.

Executive Summary and Market Analysis

The North American air cargo market is primarily divided into three key regions: the United States, Canada, and Mexico. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), cargo airlines in North America experienced a notable 9.5% year-on-year increase in demand for air cargo in March 2025. However, this growth was not consistent, as the region faced a 5.8% decline in cargo demand in May 2025, largely due to significant tariff changes and the elimination of the de minimis exception, which adversely affected cross-border trade volumes.

The rise of cross-border e-commerce has heightened consumer expectations for rapid delivery, particularly the demand for two-day shipping, which has led to increased reliance on air freight services. This trend is especially pronounced on transpacific routes, which account for approximately 25% of global air cargo and are expected to continue growing in the coming years.

Key North American hubs such as Miami (MIA), Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW), Rockford (RFD), and Chicago O'Hare (ORD) are undergoing substantial investments in cargo and logistics infrastructure. For instance, in 2025, DFW airport officials announced investments in advanced cold chain solutions designed to handle pharmaceuticals and perishables, featuring temperature-controlled facilities and real-time monitoring systems to ensure the integrity of sensitive goods. This infrastructure development, coupled with the growth in e-commerce, reshoring, and healthcare logistics, positions the North American air cargo market for sustainable growth.

Strategic Insights

Market Segmentation

The North America air cargo market can be segmented by end user, type, and services:

• By End User: The market includes segments such as Retail, Pharmaceutical or Healthcare, Food or Beverage, Consumer Electronics, Automotive, and Others. The Pharmaceutical or Healthcare segment was the largest in 2024.
• By Type: The market is divided into Air Mail and Air Freight, with Air Freight being the dominant segment in 2024.
• By Services: The market is categorized into Express and Regular services, where Regular services led the market in 2024.

Market Outlook

The future of the North American air cargo market is closely tied to advancements in intelligent cold chain solutions, which will enable airlines to manage sensitive cargo more effectively throughout the supply chain. Innovations in climate control, heating, and cooling technologies are expected to enhance cool chain services, ensuring that temperature-sensitive cargo is handled properly and delivered on time. A comprehensive intelligent cool chain solution will provide necessary IT tools to manage temperature-sensitive shipments, allowing for specific handling requirements to be configured and communicated effectively.

Companies like Accelya and Envirotainer are at the forefront of developing these cool chain solutions, which are anticipated to create significant growth opportunities in the air cargo market.

Country Insights

The North American air cargo market is further segmented by country, with the United States holding the largest market share in 2024. United Airlines, a major player in the US air cargo sector, transported 1.3 billion pounds of cargo in 2024, including 43 million pounds of medical shipments. The airline's air cargo revenue increased by 17%, from US$ 1.49 billion in 2023 to US$ 1.74 billion by the end of 2024. The growth in the air cargo industry is driven by rising e-commerce demand, a strong manufacturing base, and efficient logistics infrastructure.

The air cargo sector serves as a vital link for the swift and efficient movement of goods both domestically and internationally. The industry benefits from a robust infrastructure, including major hubs like Memphis International Airport (home to FedEx Express), Louisville Muhammad Ali International Airport (UPS Airlines' central hub), and Chicago O'Hare International Airport, which is a key freight gateway. These hubs utilize advanced logistics technologies to streamline operations and maintain high service standards.

Technological advancements and a focus on sustainability are addressing the increasing demand and complexities of global supply chains. Innovations such as real-time tracking, blockchain technology, and automated sorting systems are becoming more prevalent. For example, FedEx announced the construction of an automated sorting facility near Memphis International Airport, equipped with eleven miles of conveyor belts capable of sorting 56,000 packages per hour.

The rise of electric and hybrid cargo aircraft is also driving demand for sustainable air freight solutions. Companies like Boeing are developing new aircraft models, such as the 777-8 freighter, aimed at reducing emissions and operating costs.

Company Profiles

Key players in the North America air cargo market include United Parcel Service Inc, FedEx Corp, ANA Cargo, Cargolux Airlines International S.A., Cathay Pacific Airways Limited, Emirates SkyCargo, Etihad Cargo, Zela Aviation, Lufthansa Group, and Deutsche Post AG. These companies are pursuing various strategies, including expansion, product innovation, and mergers and acquisitions, to enhance their market presence and offer innovative solutions to consumers.