Air Cargo and Freight Logistics Market Report 2026

The air cargo and freight logistics market size has grown strongly in recent years. It will grow from $240.65 billion in 2025 to $255.32 billion in 2026 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 6.1%. The growth in the historic period can be attributed to globalization of trade, pharmaceutical logistics demand, express delivery growth, airport cargo infrastructure expansion, manufacturing supply chains.

The air cargo and freight logistics market size is expected to see strong growth in the next few years. It will grow to $321.14 billion in 2030 at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.9%. The growth in the forecast period can be attributed to e-commerce expansion, real-time shipment tracking, sustainable aviation fuels adoption, smart logistics platforms, global supply chain resilience. Major trends in the forecast period include growth of e-commerce air freight, demand for time-critical deliveries, expansion of cold chain logistics, adoption of digital freight platforms, rising cross-border trade.

The anticipated growth of the air cargo and freight logistics markets is driven by the increasing rise of e-commerce. E-commerce encompasses the buying and selling of goods and services, as well as the transmission of funds or data, primarily over the Internet. The global increase in internet access has broadened the customer base for online retailers, enabling them to reach consumers in remote areas. Air cargo and freight logistics play a crucial role in ensuring the swift and reliable transportation of goods, allowing e-commerce businesses to meet online consumers' demands efficiently. For example, in November 2023, the International Trade Administration, a US government agency, reported that e-commerce revenues in the UK are projected to grow at an annual average rate of 12.6% by 2025. Consumer e-commerce is expected to account for 36.3% of the overall retail sector in the UK, with revenue anticipated to reach $285.6 billion by 2025. Thus, the rise in e-commerce and online retail sales is propelling the growth of the air cargo and freight logistics markets.

Major players in the air cargo and freight logistics market are actively forging strategic partnerships to bolster their competitiveness, broaden their market reach, and enhance overall performance in the industry. Collaborations enable companies to expand their network and penetrate new markets by leveraging each other's infrastructure, resources, and expertise. For instance, in May 2023, Speedcargo Technologies Pte Ltd., in collaboration with Güdel Corporate, introduced the Air Cargo Automation System, touted as the world’s first fully-automated robotic freight handling solution for air freight. This innovative system aims to revolutionize three critical ground handling activities by seamlessly integrating Speedcargo's advanced computer vision, optimization, and intelligent robotics software with Güdel's state-of-the-art gantry robots and extensive experience in intralogistics automation. By addressing key challenges such as labor constraints, space limitations, and the imperative for consistent, safe, and high-quality handling, this automation system stands to elevate the efficiency and efficacy of air cargo operations.

In February 2024, Gebrüder Weiss GmbH, a prominent transport and logistics firm headquartered in Austria, finalized the acquisition of Cargo-Link International Shipping, an American company, for an undisclosed sum. This acquisition marks a strategic move for Gebrüder Weiss, aiming to offer tailored weekly LCL (less-than-container load) services originating from ports in North and South China, with destinations specifically targeting Salt Lake City. Cargo-Link International Shipping, based in the US, specializes in a range of services including airfreight forwarding, ocean freight forwarding, customs house brokerage, logistics, distribution, and domestic freight, thereby complementing Gebrüder Weiss's strategic objectives in expanding its service offerings.

Major companies operating in the air cargo and freight logistics market report include Deutsche Post DHL Group, United Parcel Service, FedEx Corporation, Deutsche Lufthansa AG, DSV A/S, DB Schenker, Expeditors International of Washington, Kuehne + Nagel International AG, Singapore Airlines Limited, Korean Air Co., Air China Limited, Cathay Pacific Airways Limited, China Airlines Limited, Qatar Airways Group, Emirates Airline, Turkish Airlines, Cargolux Airlines International, Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings, Kalitta Air, Japan Airlines, ANA Holdings, Korean Air Cargo.

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

The air cargo and freight logistics market includes revenues earned by entities by providing services such as express delivery services, charter services, temperature-controlled logistics, and freight forwarding. 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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