세계 항공화물 시장 규모는 2024년 3,194억 달러에 달했습니다. 향후 IMARC Group은 이 시장이 2033년까지 4,927억 달러에 달하고, 2025-2033년 4.9%의 연평균 복합 성장률(CAGR)을 보일 것으로 예측했습니다. 현재 아시아태평양이 시장을 독점하고 있으며, 2024년에는 39.5% 이상의 높은 시장 점유율을 차지했습니다. 시장의 주요 원동력은 국경을 넘나드는 빠르고 효율적인 상품 운송에 대한 수요 증가와 전자상거래 부문의 확대입니다. 또한, 세계 각국의 상품 수출입 증가와 지속적인 기술 발전도 항공화물 시장 점유율을 높이고 있습니다.
주요 시장 성장 촉진요인국경을 넘는 부패하기 쉬운 상품, 시한부 선적, 고가 상품의 안정적이고 신속한 운송에 대한 요구가 증가함에 따라 항공화물 시장의 성장을 가속하고 있습니다. 이 외에도 항공기 설계, 관리 시스템, 화물 처리 시설의 기술 발전은 항공화물 시장 통계를 더욱 자극하고 있습니다.
주요 시장 동향 : 실시간 추적, 운송 시간 단축, 온라인 플랫폼과의 원활한 통합 등 다양한 서비스를 제공하는 항공사와 물류 제공업체의 전자상거래 화물 네트워크 구축이 증가함에 따라 항공화물 시장 수요를 촉진하고 있습니다. 촉진하고 있습니다. 또한, 디지털화의 새로운 트렌드와 업무 효율화를 위한 블록체인, 인공지능 등 디지털 기술에 대한 주요 기업들의 투자가 활발해지면서 항공화물 시장의 성장세를 견인하고 있습니다.
경쟁 구도:항공 화물 시장 점유율의 주요 시장 기업으로는 American Airlines Inc,ANA Cargo Inc., Deutsche Bahn AG, Deutsche Post AG, DSV A/S, Expeditors International of Washington Inc. Kuehne+Nagel International AG, Nippon Express Co.Ltd., Qatar Airways, United Parcel Service Inc 등이 있습니다.
지리적 동향 : 아시아태평양은 수출, 제조 및 무역 활동 증가로 인해 항공화물 시장 분석에서 가장 큰 점유율을 차지하고 있습니다. 또한, 전자상거래 산업의 확대와 국경을 초월한 온라인 쇼핑의 인기가 높아짐에 따라 아시아태평양의 항공화물 시장 전망은 더욱 밝아지고 있습니다.
과제와 기회: 항공화물 시장 가치에 대한 주요 과제 중 하나는 연료 가격의 변동으로 화물 운송업체와 항공사의 운영 비용에 큰 영향을 미칠 수 있습니다. 그러나 공급망 전반의 효율성, 가시성, 협업을 가능하게 하는 디지털 기술의 보급은 항공화물 시장 수익에 큰 성장 기회를 가져다주고 있습니다.
국제 무역 증가
항공화물 시장 통계의 주요 원동력은 국제 무역 활동의 활성화와 국경을 넘나드는 효율적인 상품 운송에 대한 수요 증가입니다. 또한 다양한 기업과 조직이 여러 국가에서 부품, 재료, 완제품을 조달하고, 고급품, 신선식품, 꽃, 전자제품, 의약품 등 부패하기 쉽고 고가의 상품이 광범위하게 이동하게 된 것도 시장 성장의 기폭제가 되고 있습니다. 예를 들어, 2023년 8월 중국 심천 바오안 국제공항(SBI)은 1월부터 7월까지 국경 간 전자상거래가 2배 증가했으며, 7개월 동안 9만 3,000톤의 국제 전자상거래를 관리하여 전년 동기 대비 101% 성장했습니다. 이 외에도 공항을 이용한 화물 이동에 따른 창고 수요에 대응하기 위해 경제특구(SEZ), 자유무역지대(FTZ), 보세창고가 곧 중요한 역할을 할 것으로 예측됩니다.
특급 배송 서비스에 대한 수요 증가
전자상거래 분야와 온라인 소매 채널의 확대로 당일 배송, 익일 배송 등 보다 빠른 배송 옵션에 대한 수요가 증가하면서 항공화물 시장의 성장을 가속하고 있습니다. 예를 들어, 전체 항공화물 사업의 16%를 차지하는 세계 전자상거래 산업은 2022년 3조 5,000억 달러 규모의 상품이 2025년에는 7조 달러 규모로 증가할 것으로 예측됩니다. 또한, 전자기기, 의약품, 패션 의류, 자동차 부품 등 유통기한이 짧아 시시각각 변하는 배송 수요가 증가하고 있는 것도 세계 시장을 활성화시키고 있습니다. 예를 들어, 아시아태평양항공협회(AAPA)는 항공화물 부문이 필수적인 의료장비 및 물품 운송에 적극적이라고 밝혔습니다. 이 외에도 IATA에 따르면 국제 전자상거래의 80%가 항공 운송에 의존하고 있으며, 보안, 효율성, 투명성 향상으로 국경 간 쇼핑이 크게 간소화되고 있다고 합니다. 예측에 따르면, 2026년까지 4조 4,000억 달러 규모로 급등할 수 있는 전자상거래 부문이 크게 확대될 것으로 예측됩니다.
빠른 혁신과 발전
첨단 추적 시스템의 사용, 투명성과 운영 효율성을 향상시키기 위한 자동화 및 디지털화의 새로운 트렌드 등 항공화물의 지속적인 기술 발전은 시장 성장에 긍정적인 영향을 미치고 있습니다. 이와 더불어, 화물 적재 및 라우팅 최적화, 잠재적 문제 감지, 수요 예측을 위한 인공지능의 통합은 항공화물 시장 분석을 촉진하고 있습니다. 예를 들어, 2023년 4월에는 디지털 항공화물 마켓플레이스에 새로운 기능이 도입되어 수입을 감독하는 물류회사가 다른 국가의 대리점으로부터 수출화물을 신속하게 예약할 수 있게 되었습니다. 이를 통해 전화나 이메일로 견적을 받던 기존의 시간 소모적인 절차가 불필요해집니다. 또한, 루프트한자 카고와 같은 기업들은 e-부킹 시스템과 같은 디지털 기능에 투자하고 있으며, 용도 프로그래밍 인터페이스(API)를 통해 자사의 부킹 시스템에 접근할 수 있도록 함으로써 다른 기업들에게도 재고에 대한 접근성을 제공하고자 합니다. 접근성을 제공하는 것을 목표로 하고 있습니다. 또한 2023년 5월, 페덱스는 고객의 배출량 추적을 위한 페덱스 지속가능성 인사이트(FedEx Sustainability Insights)를 제공하기 시작했습니다. 이 클라우드 기반 엔진은 FedEx의 네트워크 데이터를 거의 실시간으로 활용하여 개별 추적 번호와 FedEx.com 계정 모두에 대한 CO2 배출량을 추정합니다.
The global air freight market size was valued at USD 319.4 Billion in 2024. Looking forward, IMARC Group estimates the market to reach USD 492.7 Billion by 2033, exhibiting a CAGR of 4.9% during 2025-2033. Asia-Pacific currently dominates the market, holding a significant market share of over 39.5% in 2024. The market is primarily driven by the escalating demand for fast and efficient transportation of goods across borders, and the expanding e-commerce sector. Additionally, the increasing import and export of goods across countries globally, and the continuous technological advancements are also favoring the air freight market share.
Major Market Drivers: The elevating requirement for reliable and rapid transportation of perishable goods, time-sensitive shipments, and high-value products across borders is catalyzing the air freight market growth. Besides this, the ongoing technological advancements in aircraft design, management systems, and cargo handling facilities, are further stimulating the air freight market statistics.
Key Market Trends: The rising establishment of e-commerce cargo networks by airlines and logistics providers that offer various services, such as real-time tracking, faster transit times, and seamless integration with online platforms is propelling the air freight market demand. Moreover, the emerging trend of digitalization and the inflating investments by the leading players in digital technologies, including blockchain and artificial intelligence, to streamline operations are also bolstering the air freight market trends.
Competitive Landscape: Some of the major market players in the air freight market share include American Airlines Inc., ANA Cargo Inc., Bollore Logistics, Cargolux Airlines International S.A., Delta Air Lines Inc., Deutsche Bahn AG, Deutsche Post AG, DSV A/S, Expeditors International of Washington Inc., FedEx Corporation, Hellmann Worldwide Logistics SE & Co. KG, Kuehne + Nagel International AG, Nippon Express Co. Ltd., Qatar Airways, United Parcel Service Inc., among many others.
Geographical Trends: Asia Pacific accounted for the largest share in the air freight market analysis, owing to the increasing exports, manufacturing, and trade activities. In addition to this, the expanding e-commerce industry and the growing popularity of cross-border online shopping are also propelling the air freight market outlook in Asia Pacific.
Challenges and Opportunities: One of the major challenges of the air freight market value includes the increasing fluctuations in fuel prices, which can highly impact operating costs for freight forwarders and airlines. However, the growing popularity of digital technologies to enable greater efficiency, visibility, and collaboration across supply chains is presenting significant growth opportunities for the air freight market revenue.
Increasing International Trade
The rising international trade activities and the escalating demand for efficient transportation of goods across borders are primarily driving the air freight market statistics. Moreover, the rising sourcing of components, materials, and finished products by various companies and organizations from several countries and the widespread movement of perishable and high-value goods, including luxury items, fresh produce, flowers, electronics, pharmaceuticals, etc., are also catalyzing the market growth. For instance, in August 2023, China's Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport (SBI) experienced a twofold increase in cross-border e-commerce from January to July, expecting further growth in the remaining five months following the inclusion of freighter flights in the airport's operations. SBI successfully managed 93,000 tons of international e-commerce in seven months, marking a 101% increase compared to the corresponding period last year. Besides this, to address the warehousing needs associated with the movement of freight through airports, Special Economic Zones (SEZs), Free Trade Zones (FTZs), and bonded warehouses are envisioned to play a significant role shortly.
Escalating Demand for Fast-Delivery Services
The escalating demand for faster shipping options, such as same-day or next-day delivery, owing to the expanding e-commerce sector and online retail channels, is stimulating the air freight market growth. For instance, the global e-commerce industry, which makes up 16% of the total air cargo business, is projected to increase from US$ 3.5 Trillion in goods in 2022 to US$ 7 Trillion by 2025. Moreover, the rising need for time-sensitive delivery of electronics, pharmaceuticals, fashion apparel, and automotive components, on account of their short shelf life, is also catalyzing the global market. For example, the Association of Asia-Pacific Airlines (AAPA) states that the air cargo sector is active in transporting essential medical equipment and supplies. Besides this, IATA reports that 80% of international e-commerce relies on air transport, significantly streamlining cross-border shopping with enhanced security, efficiency, and transparency. Projections anticipate a substantial expansion in the e-commerce sector, potentially soaring to a value of USD 4.4 trillion by 2026.
Rapid Innovations and Advancements
The continuous technological advancements in air freight, such as the usage of advanced tracking systems and the emerging trend of automation and digitalization to improve transparency and operational efficiency are positively influencing the market growth. In addition to this, the integration of artificial intelligence to optimize cargo loading and routing, detect potential issues, and predict demand is propelling the air freight market analysis. For instance, April 2023 witnessed the introduction of new features in digital air cargo marketplaces, allowing logistics companies overseeing imports to promptly book export shipments from agents in other countries. This development eliminates the previously time-consuming process of sourcing quotes via phone or email. Moreover, companies like Lufthansa Cargo have invested in digital capabilities, such as their e-booking system, and aim to make their booking systems accessible through Application Programming Interfaces (APIs), providing inventory accessibility to others. Additionally, in May 2023, FedEx launched FedEx Sustainability Insights for customer emissions tracking. This cloud-based engine uses near-real-time FedEx network data to estimate CO2 emissions for both individual tracking numbers and FedEx.com accounts.
Freight service is dominating the air freight
Freight is the most preferred service type, as it provides an efficient, reliable, and cost-effective transportation of goods internationally and domestically. Moreover, freight aids in ensuring the proper handling and packaging of the cargo, which includes appropriately protecting and securing the goods that are hazardous, fragile, or require special handling. For instance, Cargojet's bet on more aircraft led it to secure an expanded agreement with DHL Express. The pair announced a five-year cooperation agreement, with an option for another two years, for ACMI, CMI, charter, and dry leases. Canada's Cargojet already uses 12 aircraft for DHL, which is adding five 767Fs and next to handle 'expected cargo volume' DHL expanded its capacity in the Americas by 18% in the peak season and launched a weekly service from Vietnam to the US. Additionally, Cargojet recently signed purchase and conversion agreements for six more 777s, making eight more by 2026.
International holds a larger share in air freight
International air freight offers the connectivity and speed required for moving goods between distant continents and countries, which makes it popular in the global supply chain. Besides this, the rising movement of high-value and perishable items, such as pharmaceuticals, luxury goods, electronics, and other time-critical products is also catalyzing the market growth in this segment. For instance, some global carriers are working to gain a more significant share of the door-to-door delivery market that online shopping giants such as Amazon, Alibaba, and JD.com dominate. Dubai-based Emirates launched Emirates Delivers, Lufthansa includes Heyday, and British Airways parent IAG includes Zenda. Moreover, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), in July 2023, the air cargo industry experienced a 20.7% increase from the previous month, maintaining steady growth since February 2023.
Commercial hold a larger share in air freight
The extensive utilization of air freight by commercial end users, such as manufacturers, retailers, wholesalers, and other industries to transport their goods efficiently is propelling the market growth. For instance, ATA's e-commerce monitor revealed that 18% of air cargo comprised e-commerce shipments-a figure expected to rise as consumer behaviors evolve. The air cargo industry, boasting global networks, adaptable capacity, and digitalization initiatives, stands well-equipped to bolster e-commerce growth. These initiatives promise to augment operational efficiency and shipment visibility throughout transit.
Asia Pacific exhibits a clear dominance, accounting for the largest air freight market share
The report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of all the major regional markets, which include North America (the United States and Canada); Asia Pacific (China, Japan, India, South Korea, Australia, Indonesia, and others); Europe (Germany, France, the United Kingdom, Italy, Spain, Russia, and others); Latin America (Brazil, Mexico, and others); and the Middle East and Africa. According to the report, Asia Pacific accounted for the largest market share, owing to the rising trade activities.
Besides this, the inflating investments by government bodies and the leading players in modernizing airport infrastructure and building new networks are also propelling the growth of the air freight market in this region. For instance, many Asian-Pacific countries encouraged several airlines to modify their passenger aircraft for air freight transport temporarily. While a standard passenger ATR72-600 can only carry 1.7 metric tons of cargo, its freighter-modified model can carry up to 8 metric tons, making it suitable for Pacific Island countries, given the region's demand and operating conditions. Furthermore, as Korean Air continues to position itself for high cargo demand, it is considering a move for the new wide-body freighters released by Airbus and Boeing in recent months. Long-term strong cargo demand also prompted Airbus to launch its A350 freighter and Boeing its 777X freighter.
The market research report has also provided a comprehensive analysis of the competitive landscape in the market. Competitive analysis such as market structure, key player positioning, top winning strategies, competitive dashboard, and company evaluation quadrant has been covered in the report. Also, detailed profiles of all major companies have been provided. Some of the major market players in the Air Freight industry include: