As per Intent Market Research, the Cargo Drones Market was valued at USD 1.7 billion in 2023-e and will surpass USD 23.2 billion by 2030; growing at a CAGR of 46.8% during 2024 - 2030.

Cargo drones are Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs) that are used to transport payloads from one place to another. Cargo drones are used in several applications including intra-firm warehouse deliveries, last-mile supply chain delivery, truck and ship loading/offloading, and intra- and intercity delivery. The industries are actively investing and adopting cargo drones to enhance their logistical operations.

Evident Need for More Efficient and Cost-Effective Cargo Transportation

Cargo or freight transportation, although crucial, can be both expensive and complex within the supply chain. In recent years, there has been a rise in costs associated with freight transportation. This can be associated with several factors including inefficient cargo ships, limited supply of commodities, shipping container shortage globally, rising road congestion, and escalated consumer demand.

Cargo drones have become increasingly popular due to their low running costs, environmental friendliness, and impressive fuel efficiency. For instance, in February 2023, Ameriflight (US), a cargo airline company signed a letter of intent to purchase 35 VTOL air cargo drones from Sabrewing Aircraft (US). The agreement is for Rhaegal-A aircraft, also known as Alpha. This robust shift in the adoption of cargo drones for more efficient and cost-effective cargo transportation is driving the market growth.

Segment Analysis

Continuous Advancements in Avionics and Autonomous Technologies is Driving the Market

Recent advancements in drones in autonomous flight, composite materials, next-generation batteries, extended flight times, and increasing payload capacities are driving the demand for cargo drones. Autonomous aircraft can operate without a pilot and can reduce accidents, alleviate driver shortages, save gas, and improve productivity. There have been several developments in autonomous technology in recent years that are further driving the market. For instance, in July 2023, Reliable Robotics (US), an autonomous aviation company, received approval from the FAA certification process for autonomous aircraft. Thus, advances in avionics and autonomous technologies are anticipated to provide significant opportunities for the cargo drone market growth.

High Energy Efficiency of Fixed-Wing Drones Augments the Segment Growth

Fixed-wing drones can withstand long endurance flights as they are energy efficient. They use less energy since their lift is generated passively. In addition, they can cover a large area and also have faster flight speeds in comparison to rotary-winged drones. They also have a higher payload capacity, enabling them to carry heavier equipment. Owing to these characteristics, they are widely used in long cargo flights. The fixed-wing drones are increasingly being used for cargo transport in disaster management, maritime deliveries, military applications, and agriculture applications. Thus, the fixed-wing drone segment is growing at a significant pace in the cargo drones market.

The Electric Segment is Driven by Technological Advancements in Batteries

In recent years, there have been significant advancements in battery technology that have transformed the use of electric-powered aircraft and automobiles. The batteries now have improved specific energy and energy density, offer longer lifetimes, and have increased safety. The fully electric propulsion systems are greener alternatives to the traditional fuel-powered propulsion systems. Companies are increasingly investing in battery technologies for fully electric propulsion cargo drones. For instance, in December 2023, HEISHA (China), a drone dock technology provider, launched a T200 drone battery-swapping solution. Thus, the fully electric segment is expected to secure a substantial market share.

Increasing Demand for Heavy Payload Capacity Cargo Drones

There’s an increasing demand for heavy payload capacity cargo drones. As technology continues to evolve, companies are launching higher payload capacity cargo drones to meet the demand. For instance, in October 2023, FlyingBasket (Italy), launched the FB3, a heavy cargo drone for commercial use with 100 kg payload capacity. A high payload capacity of >100 kg finds its application in several industries including maritime, construction, and military & government applications. Thus, increasing developments in improving the payload capacity are driving the market growth.

Advances in Battery Technology are Expected to Provide Significant Growth Opportunities for Cargo Drones with >500 km Range

There’s an increasing demand for long-range cargo drones owing to a need for efficient and affordable parcel transportation over long distances. Long-range autonomous drones can help in the transportation of medicines and parcels to difficult-to-reach places. Currently, long-range autonomous delivery vehicles are capable of a marginal payload. However, advances in battery technologies are anticipated to extend the range and payload capacity of the delivery vehicles. Thus, the need for long-range autonomous drones is expected to drive segment growth during the forecast period.

Increasing Investment in Autonomous Last-Mile Delivery Infrastructure Development is Driving Market Growth

Drone delivery services are revolutionizing the way goods are transported. As drone technology continues to evolve and regulations are more accommodating, cargo drones are making deliveries more efficient, cost-effective, and environment-friendly. Several researches have shown that the last mile of package deliveries using drones uses less energy and creates fewer emissions than conventional means.

The logistics and transportation industry is among the industries that are actively adopting drones to enhance their last-mile delivery operations further. For instance, in October 2023, Amazon announced that it is anticipating starting drone delivery operations in Italy, the UK, and a 3rd location in the US by late 2024. Thus, the last-mile segment is anticipated to grow at a significant rate.

Growing E-Commerce Industry is Driving the Market Growth

The way people shop has changed dramatically as a result of the increasing use of smartphones and 5G, and e-commerce is now a significant sector in both the B2C and B2B markets. E-commerce platforms are being used by a growing number of companies, from small startups to large multinationals, to reach customers across the globe. According to the US International Trade Administration (ITA), global B2C e-commerce revenue is expected to grow to USD 5.5 trillion by 2027 at a steady 14.4% CAGR. In e-commerce, cargo drones can be implemented into all parts of the supply chain including the first mile, middle mile, and last mile. Advances in the avionics and automation for the use of drones in logistics have made it lucrative for the adoption in e-commerce. Thus, the growing e-commerce industry is driving the cargo drones market growth.

Regional Analysis

Increasing Number of Drone Startups is Anticipated to Provide Lucrative Growth Opportunities in the Asia-Pacific

Asia-Pacific has a huge potential in cargo drones owing to the robust growth in economies and rising focus on drone infrastructure development. In recent years, there has been an exponential number of drone manufacturing startups in the Asia-Pacific region. For instance, in January 2024, Ziyan, a Chinese-based startup, launched the Grey Whale G1 cargo drone. In addition, India has seen a surge in drone start-ups in recent years. According to the India Brand Equity Foundation, the number of drone start-ups in India has surged by 34.4% between August 2021 and February 2022 totaling about 220 drone startups by February 2022.

In recent years there has been a strong increase in smart city infrastructure spending in the region. The accommodating regulatory changes for the inclusion of cargo drones among key countries such as China, Japan, and South Korea are anticipated to provide significant growth opportunities. Thus, Asia-Pacific is anticipated to be among the fastest-growing regions in the cargo drones market.

Cargo Drones Market is Highly Competitive with Increasing Number of Start-ups  

Companies operating within the cargo drones market are primarily drone manufacturers and autonomous vehicle manufacturers, infrastructure developers, service providers, and software developers. The companies are expanding their product portfolios with the growing demand for delivery bots and drones. The cargo drones market is highly competitive with few big global players competing with an increasing number of startups entering the market. The key companies in the market are Airbus, Boeing, Dronamics, Dufour Aerospace, Ehang, Elroy Air, Natilus, Sabrewing Aircraft Company, Silent Arrow, and Volocopter, among others.

Following are some key developments in the cargo drones market:

• In November 2023, Matternet received the US FAA Type Certification Amendment for its M2 drone delivery system.
• In September 2023, Traverse Aero Corporation launched Orca, the company’s new flagship autonomous eVTOL cargo drone.
• In September 2023, Skyports Drone Services (London) came into partnership with Equinor (Norway) to conduct a new trial program with electric drones from Swoop Aero, delivering supplies and other cargo to off-shore drilling platforms in the North Sea. 

Cargo Drones Market Coverage

The report provides key insights into the cargo drones market, and it focuses on technological developments, trends, and initiatives taken by the government in this sector. The report delves into market drivers, restraints, and opportunities, and analyzes key players as well as the competitive landscape within the market.

Report Scope