Air Freight Services Market By Service Type (Standard Air Freight, Express Air Freight, Charter Air Freight), By End-User Industry (Retail & E-Commerce, Automotive, Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals, Technology & Electronics), and By Destination (Domestic, International); Global Insights & Forecast (2024 - 2030)

As per Intent Market Research, the Air Freight Services Market was valued at USD 132.7 Billion in 2024-e and will surpass USD 222.7 Billion by 2030; growing at a CAGR of 9.0% during 2025-2030.

The air freight services market plays a crucial role in supporting global supply chains, offering fast and reliable transportation of goods across regions and countries. As international trade and e-commerce continue to expand, air freight has become an essential method for moving goods quickly and efficiently. Air freight services offer advantages such as speed, security, and the ability to transport high-value, time-sensitive products over long distances. With increasing globalization and a rise in demand for quicker delivery times, the air freight services market is witnessing significant growth.

Among the various service types, standard air freight remains the largest segment, driven by its wide applicability in transporting goods across domestic and international markets. This service is particularly popular for industries that require regular and scheduled shipments but are not necessarily focused on urgent deliveries. Standard air freight services are used extensively in industries like retail, automotive, and technology, where timely delivery of goods is essential for maintaining inventory and meeting consumer demand. As global trade continues to rise, the demand for standard air freight is expected to remain strong, making it the largest segment in the market.

Express Air Freight Services Are Fastest Growing Due to E-Commerce Surge and Urgent Delivery Needs

Express air freight is the fastest-growing segment in the air freight services market, fueled by the surging demand for fast delivery times, especially in the retail and e-commerce sectors. As online shopping grows, customers increasingly expect rapid delivery of goods, often within 24 to 48 hours. Express air freight services cater to this demand by providing expedited shipping options that guarantee shorter transit times, ensuring that products reach customers in the shortest time possible.

The rise in time-sensitive deliveries, including perishable goods, pharmaceuticals, and electronics, has further accelerated the adoption of express air freight. Industries such as healthcare, pharmaceuticals, and technology are increasingly relying on express services to deliver critical products that require immediate transportation. As the demand for faster, more efficient delivery services grows across various sectors, express air freight is expected to continue to lead the market as the fastest-growing segment.

Retail & E-Commerce Sector Leads End-User Industry Segment Due to Increased Demand for Fast Shipping

The retail and e-commerce industry is the largest end-user segment in the air freight services market. The rapid growth of online shopping, combined with consumers' increasing demand for fast and reliable delivery, has positioned retail and e-commerce as the leading drivers of the air freight market. E-commerce giants like Amazon and Alibaba rely heavily on air freight to ensure the timely delivery of goods, particularly in global supply chains that require fast shipping times.

Air freight is a preferred mode of transportation in the retail and e-commerce sectors due to its speed and reliability. With the growing shift toward online shopping and the expansion of e-commerce to global markets, businesses in this sector are increasingly turning to air freight to meet customer expectations for fast, efficient deliveries. As e-commerce continues to flourish, air freight services will remain central to the growth of this sector, further solidifying its position as the largest end-user industry.

International Shipments Drive Demand, Dominating the Market in Terms of Destination

The international destination segment holds the largest share in the air freight services market, driven by the increasing need for cross-border transportation of goods in today's globalized economy. International shipments are essential for moving products across continents, whether for retail, automotive, pharmaceuticals, or technology. As businesses expand into global markets, the demand for international air freight services grows, offering fast and reliable options for international trade and logistics.

Air freight plays a crucial role in the international movement of goods, providing faster delivery times compared to sea or land transport. With the growing international trade, especially in high-value or time-sensitive products, international shipments via air freight are expected to remain the dominant segment in the market. Additionally, the expansion of global e-commerce, with more consumers purchasing goods from international retailers, further fuels the demand for international air freight services.

Asia Pacific Leads the Market Due to Rapid E-Commerce Growth and Increasing International Trade

Asia Pacific is the largest region in the air freight services market, driven by the region's robust manufacturing base, growing e-commerce sector, and increasing international trade activities. Countries like China, Japan, and India are major hubs for manufacturing and logistics, with significant volumes of goods being exported globally. The rapid growth of e-commerce in the region, especially in China and India, has led to a surge in demand for fast shipping and reliable air freight services.

Asia Pacific is expected to continue to dominate the air freight services market as international trade between countries in the region and the rest of the world continues to grow. The region's strategic geographic location, coupled with its expanding logistics infrastructure and digitalization of supply chains, contributes to the growth of the air freight market. As global trade and e-commerce in Asia Pacific continue to rise, the region is set to maintain its leadership position in the air freight services market.

Key Players Innovating to Meet Growing Demand for Fast and Reliable Services

The air freight services market is highly competitive, with key players such as DHL, FedEx, UPS, and Emirates SkyCargo leading the industry. These companies are investing heavily in technology and infrastructure to meet the growing demand for fast, reliable, and cost-effective air freight services. Innovations in route optimization, real-time tracking, and improved cargo handling technologies are some of the key strategies being employed to enhance operational efficiency and customer satisfaction.

Strategic partnerships with e-commerce companies, manufacturers, and other logistics providers are also helping these companies expand their market presence. As customer expectations for faster delivery times and greater supply chain transparency increase, companies in the air freight services market are focusing on innovation and technological advancements to maintain a competitive edge.

Recent Developments:

• DHL Express expanded its air freight capacity by adding more aircraft to handle growing demand for e-commerce shipments.
• FedEx Corporation launched a new express air freight service focused on time-sensitive shipments for the healthcare industry.
• United Parcel Service (UPS) upgraded its international air freight network to ensure quicker delivery times for its global customers.
• Kuehne + Nagel International AG formed a strategic partnership with an airline to offer faster and more flexible charter air freight solutions.
• Qatar Airways Cargo introduced a new service that facilitates the transportation of temperature-sensitive goods via air freight.

List of Leading Companies:

• DHL Express
• FedEx Corporation
• United Parcel Service (UPS)
• Kuehne + Nagel International AG
• DB Schenker
• Nippon Express Co., Ltd.
• C.H. Robinson Worldwide, Inc.
• XPO Logistics, Inc.
• Expeditors International of Washington, Inc.
• Sinotrans Limited
• CEVA Logistics
• Panalpina World Transport AG
• Maersk Line
• Qatar Airways Cargo
• Emirates SkyCargo

Report Scope: