Freighter Aircrafts - Global Strategic Business Report

The global market for Freighter Aircrafts was valued at US$6.4 Billion in 2024 and is projected to reach US$8.1 Billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 4.0% from 2024 to 2030. This comprehensive report provides an in-depth analysis of market trends, drivers, and forecasts, helping you make informed business decisions. The report includes the most recent global tariff developments and how they impact the Freighter Aircrafts market.

Global Freighter Aircraft Market - Key Trends & Drivers Summarized

Why Is Demand for Freighter Aircraft Rising Across Global Trade Networks?

Freighter aircraft - dedicated cargo planes designed to transport goods instead of passengers - are experiencing renewed demand due to the rise of e-commerce, real-time supply chain needs, and constrained ocean freight capacity. These aircraft support the rapid movement of high-value, time-sensitive, and perishable goods across continents, playing a vital role in logistics, humanitarian missions, and industrial supply chains. Dedicated cargo fleets operated by logistics firms, express delivery companies, and combination carriers have grown significantly as businesses prioritize speed and delivery reliability in their distribution models.

Surging global e-commerce volumes, driven by B2C and B2B fulfillment, are reshaping the air cargo market. Retailers and fulfillment operators increasingly rely on air freight to ensure same-day or next-day delivery across regional and intercontinental routes. Additionally, sectors such as pharmaceuticals, high-tech manufacturing, and automotive supply chains require timely parts and equipment transport, reinforcing the utility of freighter aircraft. During global disruptions such as pandemics or port congestion, these aircraft serve as vital capacity buffers, highlighting their strategic role in supply continuity.

How Are Aircraft Conversion Programs and Fleet Modernization Trends Evolving?

While purpose-built freighters remain in demand, the conversion of retired passenger aircraft into cargo configurations is an increasingly prominent trend. Aircraft such as the Boeing 737, 757, 767, and Airbus A321 are being converted through passenger-to-freighter (P2F) programs, extending asset lifespans and providing operators with cost-effective capacity. These conversions include structural reinforcement, cargo door installation, floor panel upgrades, and avionics modification to accommodate cargo operations and comply with safety standards.

Airlines and leasing companies are investing in freighter conversions to diversify fleet capabilities and respond to cyclical cargo demand without the long lead times of new aircraft production. Simultaneously, newer, more fuel-efficient models like the Boeing 777F and Airbus A350 freighter are being introduced to reduce per-ton operating costs and emissions. Composite materials, next-generation engines, and digital performance monitoring are becoming standard features, aligning with sustainability goals and fleet optimization strategies.

How Are Logistics Models and Regional Trade Dynamics Influencing Market Expansion?

Freighter aircraft utilization is increasing across point-to-point logistics models, especially in regions with limited road or rail connectivity. Intra-Asia, trans-Pacific, and Middle East-Africa corridors are among the busiest for dedicated cargo operations, with significant growth in chartered and scheduled freighter flights. Express delivery providers, postal carriers, and integrators continue to expand dedicated air cargo networks with customized fleets, including regional turboprop freighters and long-haul widebodies.

Emerging economies are developing domestic air cargo capacity to support agricultural exports, perishable goods transport, and manufacturing logistics. At the same time, airports and logistics hubs are investing in cargo infrastructure such as automated loading systems, dedicated freighter aprons, and temperature-controlled storage. The rise of cross-border e-commerce and regional free trade agreements is contributing to more frequent, distributed cargo movements that require flexible aircraft routing and payload efficiency.

Growth in the Freighter Aircraft Market Is Driven by Several Factors…

Growth in the freighter aircraft market is driven by several factors including expanding global e-commerce volumes, increased use of aircraft conversion programs, and rising demand for resilient, time-sensitive logistics solutions. Growth in pharmaceutical, electronics, and perishable goods trade supports the need for high-speed, high-reliability cargo transport. Development of cost-efficient P2F programs enables rapid fleet expansion and fleet renewal without large capital expenditure. Fleet modernization trends toward fuel-efficient and lower-emission aircraft align with sustainability requirements and long-term cost control. Infrastructure investments in airport cargo capacity and regional connectivity further support operational scalability. As supply chains evolve to prioritize speed, visibility, and flexibility, freighter aircraft will remain central to global cargo movement strategies.

Scope of the Report

The report analyzes the Freighter Aircrafts market, presented in terms of market value (USD). The analysis covers the key segments and geographic regions outlined below:

• Segments: Aircraft Type (Dedicated Cargo Aircraft, Derivative of Non-cargo Aircraft); Engine (Turboprop Aircraft Engine, Turbofan Aircraft Engine).
• Geographic Regions/Countries: World; United States; Canada; Japan; China; Europe (France; Germany; Italy; United Kingdom; Spain; Russia; and Rest of Europe); Asia-Pacific (Australia; India; South Korea; and Rest of Asia-Pacific); Latin America (Argentina; Brazil; Mexico; and Rest of Latin America); Middle East (Iran; Israel; Saudi Arabia; United Arab Emirates; and Rest of Middle East); and Africa.

Key Insights:

• Market Growth: Understand the significant growth trajectory of the Dedicated Cargo Aircraft segment, which is expected to reach US$4.7 Billion by 2030 with a CAGR of a 3.2%. The Derivative of Non-cargo Aircraft segment is also set to grow at 5.2% CAGR over the analysis period.
• Regional Analysis: Gain insights into the U.S. market, valued at $1.7 Billion in 2024, and China, forecasted to grow at an impressive 7.2% CAGR to reach $1.6 Billion by 2030. Discover growth trends in other key regions, including Japan, Canada, Germany, and the Asia-Pacific.

Why You Should Buy This Report:

• Detailed Market Analysis: Access a thorough analysis of the Global Freighter Aircrafts Market, covering all major geographic regions and market segments.
• Competitive Insights: Get an overview of the competitive landscape, including the market presence of major players across different geographies.
• Future Trends and Drivers: Understand the key trends and drivers shaping the future of the Global Freighter Aircrafts Market.
• Actionable Insights: Benefit from actionable insights that can help you identify new revenue opportunities and make strategic business decisions.

Key Questions Answered:

• How is the Global Freighter Aircrafts Market expected to evolve by 2030?
• What are the main drivers and restraints affecting the market?
• Which market segments will grow the most over the forecast period?
• How will market shares for different regions and segments change by 2030?
• Who are the leading players in the market, and what are their prospects?

Report Features:

• Comprehensive Market Data: Independent analysis of annual sales and market forecasts in US$ Million from 2024 to 2030.
• In-Depth Regional Analysis: Detailed insights into key markets, including the U.S., China, Japan, Canada, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, Middle East, and Africa.
• Company Profiles: Coverage of players such as Airbus SE (Freighter Division), Antonov Company, ASL Aviation Holdings, ATR (Avions de Transport Régional), Boeing (Freighter Aircraft) and more.
• Complimentary Updates: Receive free report updates for one year to keep you informed of the latest market developments.

Some of the 42 companies featured in this Freighter Aircrafts market report include:

• Airbus SE (Freighter Division)
• Antonov Company
• ASL Aviation Holdings
• ATR (Avions de Transport Régional)
• Boeing (Freighter Aircraft)
• Bombardier Inc.
• Cessna (Textron Aviation)
• CMA CGM Air Cargo
• Embraer S.A.
• Ilyushin Aviation Complex
• Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI)
• Lockheed Martin
• Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI)
• Northrop Grumman
• Precision Aircraft Solutions
• Saab AB
• Singapore Technologies Engineering (ST Engineering)
• Sukhoi Civil Aircraft
• Textron Aviation (freighters via Cessna/Beech)
• Tupolev (UAC)

This edition integrates the latest global trade and economic shifts into comprehensive market analysis. Key updates include:

• Tariff and Trade Impact: Insights into global tariff negotiations across 180+ countries, with analysis of supply chain turbulence, sourcing disruptions, and geographic realignment. Special focus on 2025 as a pivotal year for trade tensions, including updated perspectives on the Trump-era tariffs.
• Adjusted Forecasts and Analytics: Revised global and regional market forecasts through 2030, incorporating tariff effects, economic uncertainty, and structural changes in globalization. Includes historical analysis from 2015 to 2023.
• Strategic Market Dynamics: Evaluation of revised market prospects, regional outlooks, and key economic indicators such as population and urbanization trends.
• Innovation & Technology Trends: Latest developments in product and process innovation, emerging technologies, and key industry drivers shaping the competitive landscape.
• Competitive Intelligence: Updated global market share estimates for 2025 (E), competitive positioning of major players (Strong/Active/Niche/Trivial), and refined focus on leading global brands and core players.
• Expert Insight & Commentary: Strategic analysis from economists, trade experts, and domain specialists to contextualize market shifts and identify emerging opportunities.