Global Air Freight Forwarding Market Size, Share, Growth Analysis By Cargo Type (General Cargo, Special Cargo and Others), By Destination (International, Domestic), By End-user (E-commerce & Retail, Manufacturing & Automotive, Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals, Perishables & Fresh Produce, High-Tech & Electronics, Others), By Region and Companies - Industry Segment Outlook, Market Assessment, Competition Scenario, Statistics, Trends and Forecast 2025-2034

Report Overview

The Global Air Freight Forwarding Market size is expected to be worth around USD 140.1 billion by 2034, from USD 90.2 billion in 2024, growing at a CAGR of 4.5% during the forecast period from 2025 to 2034.

The air freight forwarding market represents the organized planning, documentation, consolidation, and execution of cargo shipments transported by air. From an analyst viewpoint, this market functions as a critical trade enabler. Consequently, it connects manufacturers, exporters, and importers through reliable, time definite global logistics solutions supporting high value commerce.

From a business perspective, air freight forwarding focuses on speed, reliability, and network optimization rather than pure transportation. Therefore, forwarders manage customs compliance, route selection, and carrier coordination. As global supply chains prioritize responsiveness, air freight forwarding is increasingly positioned as a strategic service rather than a transactional logistics activity.

Market growth is supported by rising demand for rapid international movement of electronics, pharmaceuticals, and perishables. Moreover, expanding cross border e commerce and just in time production models continue to elevate air freight relevance. As a result, forwarding services are increasingly embedded within integrated supply chain strategies across manufacturing and healthcare sectors.

Opportunities are emerging through government backed investments in airport modernization, cargo terminals, and digital customs platforms. In parallel, regulatory harmonization initiatives are improving clearance efficiency for international air cargo. Therefore, compliance driven forwarders with process expertise are better positioned to support regulated industries and capture higher value service contracts.

From a service structure standpoint, forwarders are aligning offerings to shipment urgency and cost sensitivity. Accordingly, standard air freight remains suitable for non urgent cargo requiring balanced pricing and transit efficiency. Express air freight, meanwhile, supports mission critical deliveries where speed directly influences business continuity and risk mitigation.

According to Australian government aviation and infrastructure data, over 80% of air cargo in Australia is transported via passenger aircraft belly capacity. This structure influences pricing and route availability. Therefore, forwarders must carefully balance transit time expectations against fluctuating passenger flight schedules and capacity constraints.

Industry logistics guidance indicates standard air freight transit typically ranges between 2 and 7 days, depending on destination and routing efficiency. In contrast, express air freight ensures delivery within 24 to 48 hours, according to aviation logistics authorities. These service distinctions increasingly guide shipper decisions across medical, perishable, and high value goods movements.

Key Takeaways

• The Global Air Freight Forwarding Market is projected to grow from USD 90.2 billion in 2024 to USD 140.1 billion by 2034, registering a 4.5% CAGR.
• By Cargo Type, General Cargo emerged as the leading segment with a dominant share of 64.9% in 2024.
• By Destination, International shipments accounted for the largest portion of the market with a share of 69.8% in 2024.
• By End-user, E-commerce & Retail represented the leading segment with a share of 2.4% in 2024.
• Asia Pacific dominated the global market with a share of 38.6%, generating revenue of USD 34.8 Bn in 2024.

By Cargo Type Analysis

General Cargo dominates with 64.9% due to its broad applicability across industries and consistent shipment volumes.

In 2024, General Cargo held a dominant market position in the By Cargo Type Analysis segment of Air Freight Forwarding Market, with a 64.9% share. This dominance is supported by regular movement of consumer goods, industrial components, and packaged products. Moreover, forwarders prioritize general cargo due to standardized handling, predictable demand, and efficient aircraft space utilization.

Special Cargo and Others represent shipments requiring customized handling, including dangerous goods, live animals, and oversized freight. Although smaller in share, this segment remains strategically important. Additionally, rising regulatory compliance and specialized infrastructure needs increase operational complexity, positioning this segment as value focused rather than volume driven.

By Destination Analysis

International dominates with 69.8% supported by global trade flows and cross-border supply chains.

In 2024, International held a dominant market position in the By Destination Analysis segment of Air Freight Forwarding Market, with a 69.8% share. This leadership reflects strong demand for cross-border e-commerce, pharmaceuticals, and high-value electronics. Furthermore, international routes benefit from hub connectivity and long-haul aircraft optimization.

Domestic air freight forwarding focuses on time-sensitive intercity movement within national borders. While lower in share, this segment supports express manufacturing inputs and regional e-commerce fulfillment. Additionally, domestic routes offer faster customs clearance avoidance, improving delivery reliability for urgent business and healthcare shipments.

By End-user Analysis

E-commerce & Retail dominates with 2.4% driven by rapid delivery expectations and high shipment frequency.

In 2024, E-commerce & Retail held a dominant market position in the By End-user Analysis segment of Air Freight Forwarding Market, with a 2.4% share. This segment benefits from accelerated online shopping and cross-border order fulfillment. Consequently, air freight ensures speed, reliability, and customer satisfaction for high-volume parcels.

Manufacturing & Automotive relies on air freight forwarding for critical components, prototypes, and just-in-time production support. Moreover, this segment values reduced downtime and supply chain resilience. As production networks globalize, air forwarding remains essential for minimizing operational disruptions.

Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals depend on air freight for temperature-sensitive drugs, vaccines, and medical devices. Additionally, strict regulatory compliance and controlled logistics enhance reliance on specialized air forwarding services. This segment emphasizes reliability, traceability, and rapid transit.

Perishables & Fresh Produce utilize air freight to preserve quality and extend shelf life across long distances. Furthermore, exporters of seafood, fruits, and flowers depend on fast transit. This segment prioritizes cold-chain integrity and precise scheduling.

High-Tech & Electronics leverage air freight forwarding for high-value, lightweight products requiring fast market access. Moreover, frequent product launches and short life cycles increase air cargo dependency. Security and damage prevention remain critical priorities.

Others include diverse industries such as aerospace, defense, and specialized project cargo. Although fragmented, this segment contributes niche demand. Additionally, customized routing and handling requirements support premium forwarding services.

Key Market Segments

By Cargo Type

• General Cargo
• Special Cargo and Others

By Destination

• International
• Domestic

By End-user

• E-commerce & Retail
• Manufacturing & Automotive
• Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals
• Perishables & Fresh Produce
• High-Tech & Electronics
• Others

Drivers

Acceleration of Time Critical Global Trade Drives Market Growth

The air freight forwarding market is strongly driven by the growing need to move time critical goods across global markets. High value electronics, perishables, and urgent industrial components rely on air transport to minimize transit delays and reduce spoilage or value loss. As global supply chains become more time sensitive, air freight remains the preferred option.

Another key driver is the rapid expansion of cross border e commerce. Online sellers increasingly serve international customers who expect fast delivery timelines similar to domestic shipments. Air freight forwarding supports this demand by enabling quick customs clearance, reliable schedules, and predictable delivery windows across continents.

The pharmaceutical and life science sector also plays a major role in driving market demand. Vaccines, biologics, and specialty medicines require controlled transit conditions and fast delivery to maintain efficacy. Air freight forwarders provide specialized handling, compliance support, and cold chain management.

Additionally, advanced manufacturing industries are adopting just in time inventory models to reduce storage costs. These models depend on reliable and fast inbound logistics, making air freight forwarding a critical component of modern production planning.

Restraints

Volatility in Aviation Fuel Prices Impacts Market Stability

One of the major restraints in the air freight forwarding market is fluctuating aviation fuel prices. Fuel represents a significant portion of air transport costs, and frequent price changes create cost pressure for forwarders. These increases are often difficult to pass fully to customers.

Capacity constraints also limit market efficiency. Air freight heavily depends on passenger aircraft belly hold space. When passenger travel demand drops or routes change, cargo capacity becomes unpredictable, leading to higher rates and scheduling challenges for forwarders.

Stringent air cargo security regulations further restrain market growth. Enhanced screening, documentation checks, and compliance requirements extend clearance timelines. While these measures improve safety, they add operational complexity and increase handling time.

Smaller forwarders often struggle to absorb these regulatory and cost pressures. As a result, service consistency and margins remain under stress, particularly on long haul international routes.

Growth Factors

Rising Demand for Temperature Controlled Solutions Creates Opportunities

The growing need for temperature controlled air freight presents strong opportunities for market players. Pharmaceuticals, biologics, and fresh food exports require strict temperature management, driving demand for advanced cold chain air freight services.

Direct to consumer international shipping is another major opportunity. Brands are bypassing distributors and shipping directly to overseas customers. Air freight forwarders can support this shift by offering flexible customs solutions and faster last mile coordination.

Digital freight management platforms are transforming the market by improving transparency and efficiency. Real time tracking, automated documentation, and dynamic pricing help forwarders optimize operations and improve customer trust.

Additionally, expanding trade between Asia and Africa is opening new air cargo routes. These emerging corridors support industrial goods, pharmaceuticals, and perishables, creating long term growth potential for air freight forwarding services.

Emerging Trends

Shift Toward Sustainable and Digital Air Freight Shapes Market Trends

Sustainability is becoming a key trend in air freight forwarding. Airlines and forwarders are increasingly adopting sustainable aviation fuel and carbon neutral programs to meet regulatory and customer expectations for lower emissions.

Technology integration is another major trend. AI driven route optimization and demand forecasting tools help forwarders improve capacity planning, reduce delays, and control costs. These tools also support better decision making during disruptions.

Multimodal strategies are gaining popularity across global logistics networks. Forwarders are combining air with sea or road transport to balance speed and cost. This approach offers flexibility while maintaining acceptable delivery timelines.

Overall, these trends are reshaping service models, encouraging innovation, and supporting long term competitiveness in the air freight forwarding market.

Regional Analysis

Asia Pacific Dominates the Air Freight Forwarding Market with a Market Share of 38.6%, Valued at USD 34.8 Bn

Asia Pacific leads the air freight forwarding market due to its strong manufacturing base, export driven economies, and high cross border trade volumes. In 2024, the region accounted for a dominant 38.6% share, representing a market value of USD 34.8 Bn. Rapid growth in e commerce exports, electronics production, and pharmaceutical shipments continues to strengthen air cargo demand. Expanding airport infrastructure and regional trade agreements further support sustained market leadership.

North America Air Freight Forwarding Market Trends

North America represents a mature and highly organized air freight forwarding market, driven by strong domestic logistics networks and global trade connectivity. High demand for express cargo, pharmaceuticals, and high value industrial goods supports steady air freight volumes. The region benefits from advanced cargo handling capabilities, digital freight platforms, and consistent regulatory frameworks that improve operational reliability and transit efficiency.

Europe Air Freight Forwarding Market Trends

Europe’s air freight forwarding market is supported by robust intra regional trade and strong links with Asia and North America. The region sees steady demand from automotive components, pharmaceuticals, and precision manufacturing sectors. Emphasis on compliance, sustainability initiatives, and integrated multimodal logistics strengthens Europe’s role as a strategic air cargo transit hub.

Middle East and Africa Air Freight Forwarding Market Trends

The Middle East and Africa region plays a growing role in global air freight through its strategic geographic position between major trade corridors. Hub airports support long haul cargo movement connecting Asia, Europe, and Africa. Rising investment in cargo terminals and increasing demand for perishables and medical supplies are improving air freight forwarding activity across the region.

Latin America Air Freight Forwarding Market Trends

Latin America’s air freight forwarding market is driven by exports of perishables, pharmaceuticals, and time sensitive industrial goods. While overall volumes remain moderate, demand is increasing due to expanding trade with North America and Asia. Improvements in airport infrastructure and cross border logistics coordination are gradually enhancing regional air cargo efficiency.

U.S. Air Freight Forwarding Market Trends

The U.S. air freight forwarding market benefits from strong domestic consumption, advanced manufacturing, and a well developed aviation ecosystem. High demand for next day and express shipments supports consistent air cargo movement. Continued growth in healthcare logistics and cross border e commerce is strengthening the role of air freight forwarding within the U.S. logistics landscape.

Key Regions and Countries

North America

• US
• Canada

Europe

• Germany
• France
• The UK
• Spain
• Italy
• Rest of Europe

Asia Pacific

• China
• Japan
• South Korea
• India
• Australia
• Rest of APAC

Latin America

• Brazil
• Mexico
• Rest of Latin America

Middle East & Africa

• GCC
• South Africa
• Rest of MEA

Key Air Freight Forwarding Company Insights

DHL Supply Chain & Global Forwarding maintained a leadership position in the global air freight forwarding market in 2024 by leveraging its extensive international air network and integrated logistics capabilities. The company focused on high value, time critical shipments across healthcare, industrial goods, and cross border e commerce. Strong process standardization and digital visibility tools supported consistent service reliability across major trade lanes.

Kuehne + Nagel strengthened its market standing through a strong emphasis on air logistics optimization and sector specific solutions. In 2024, the company continued to expand its presence in pharmaceutical, high tech, and automotive air freight forwarding. Its ability to manage complex international shipments and regulatory compliance supported long term relationships with global manufacturers and exporters.

DSV demonstrated solid growth momentum in air freight forwarding by focusing on scalable operations and flexible capacity management. The company benefited from its diversified customer base across industrial, retail, and healthcare segments. Strategic investments in digital freight management and network efficiency helped DSV navigate volatile air cargo capacity and pricing conditions during the year.

UPS Supply Chain Solutions played a critical role in the air freight forwarding market by integrating forwarding services with express and parcel logistics. In 2024, the company capitalized on growing demand for fast international delivery and end to end supply chain visibility. Its strong domestic and international connectivity supported reliable transit times for time sensitive commercial shipments.

Overall, these leading players shaped the competitive landscape of the global air freight forwarding market in 2024 through network strength, operational efficiency, and customer focused service models. Their strategic focus on resilience, digitalization, and sector specific logistics positioned them well to manage demand volatility and evolving global trade requirements.

Top Key Players in the Market

• DHL Supply Chain & Global Forwarding
• Kuehne + Nagel
• DSV
• UPS Supply Chain Solutions
• Expeditors International
• Nippon Express
• Hellmann Worldwide Logistics
• Kintetsu World Express
• CEVA Logistics
• GEODIS

Recent Developments

• In Feb 2025, SG Holdings announced the acquisition of shares in Morrison Express to complement and expand its global supply chain and logistics services portfolio. The investment strengthens SG Holdings’ international logistics capabilities and supports broader service integration across key global trade corridors.
• In Feb 2025, JAS successfully completed its acquisition of International Airfreight Associates B.V. (IAA), a Netherlands headquartered provider of air, ocean, and road freight services. The completion follows the December 2024 signing of the Share Purchase Agreement and marks the full integration of IAA into the JAS global network.

Report Scope