GITNUXREPORT 2025

Air Freight Industry Statistics

Global air freight valued at USD 106 billion in 2022, driven by e-commerce growth.

Jannik Lindner

Jannik Linder

Co-Founder of Gitnux, specialized in content and tech since 2016.

First published: April 29, 2025

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Key Statistics

Statistic 1

The aviation industry’s carbon emissions from air freight were estimated at 200 million tons in 2022, representing roughly 2% of global aviation emissions

Statistic 2

The use of sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs) in air cargo increased by 10% in 2022, driven by environmental policies

Statistic 3

The percentage of high-value electronics transported via air freight is estimated to be around 12%, owing to their sensitivity to damage and theft

Statistic 4

The number of airports with dedicated air cargo terminals increased by 8% in 2022, indicating growing infrastructure investments

Statistic 5

The global air freight market was valued at approximately USD 106 billion in 2022

Statistic 6

Air cargo volume reached about 61 million metric tons in 2022

Statistic 7

About 35% of global air freight is transported on passenger flights

Statistic 8

COVID-19 pandemic caused a 21% decrease in global air cargo volume in 2020

Statistic 9

E-commerce growth increased demand for air freight by 7.2% annually from 2018 to 2022

Statistic 10

The largest air freight airline by freight tonne kilometers in 2022 was Qatar Airways Cargo

Statistic 11

Approximately 70% of air freight carried globally by the top 10 airlines

Statistic 12

The cargo aircraft fleet is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 4.5% from 2022 to 2030

Statistic 13

The use of temperature-controlled air freight accounts for around 8% of total air cargo

Statistic 14

The largest share of air freight is transported in the bellyhold of passenger aircraft, approximately 60%

Statistic 15

The average freight rate per kilogram increased by 12% in 2022 compared to 2021

Statistic 16

The air freight sector employs approximately 350,000 people worldwide

Statistic 17

The top five air freight airports handled over 8 million metric tons collectively in 2022

Statistic 18

About 20% of air cargo is time-sensitive pharmaceuticals, which require temperature control

Statistic 19

The cost of air freight accounts for roughly 4-6% of total supply chain costs

Statistic 20

The containerized air cargo rate increased by 10% in 2022, contributing to higher overall transportation costs

Statistic 21

The global air cargo demand is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.7% from 2023 to 2030

Statistic 22

The top three air freight operators by revenue in 2022 were DHL Aviation, FedEx Express, and UPS Airlines

Statistic 23

The overall market share of express courier services in air freight was approximately 55% in 2022

Statistic 24

The global cold chain air freight market was valued at approximately USD 4.9 billion in 2022, expected to grow annually by 6.8%

Statistic 25

The top five logistics companies handling air freight globally had combined revenues exceeding USD 150 billion in 2022

Statistic 26

The share of electric cargo aircraft is still minimal, representing less than 1% of the total fleet in 2022, but expected to grow rapidly

Statistic 27

The share of integrated logistics providers in the air freight supply chain was about 40% in 2022, highlighting industry consolidation

Statistic 28

The total number of passengers carried on freight flights in 2022 was estimated at around 500 million, as many passenger aircraft also carry cargo

Statistic 29

The air freight industry contributed roughly USD 45 billion in global trade value in 2022, underlining its economic significance

Statistic 30

The total number of dedicated cold chain air freight shipments increased by 12% in 2022, driven by pharmaceuticals and perishable foods

Statistic 31

The global market for aircraft leasing for cargo planes was valued at USD 15 billion in 2022, supporting fleet expansion

Statistic 32

The global air freight forwarding market was valued at around USD 89 billion in 2022, representing a significant portion of logistics services

Statistic 33

The average age of commercial cargo aircraft is approximately 15 years

Statistic 34

The global supply chain disruptions during the COVID-19 pandemic increased air freight prices by over 50%

Statistic 35

The use of dedicated freighter aircraft has grown annually by 3% since 2018, due to increased e-commerce demand

Statistic 36

The average turnaround time for a cargo aircraft at major hubs is approximately 45 minutes

Statistic 37

Fuel costs constitute approximately 30% of airline operating expenses in the cargo sector

Statistic 38

The capacity utilization rate of air freight aircraft averaged around 72% in 2022, indicating room for efficiency improvement

Statistic 39

The number of dedicated freighter aircraft worldwide is over 1,600, representing about 40% of the total cargo aircraft fleet

Statistic 40

The forecast for automation in air freight logistics predicted that 30% of warehouse operations will be automated by 2025

Statistic 41

The average vehicle delay times at major air freight hubs range from 15 to 30 minutes, depending on congestion and security procedures

Statistic 42

The percentage of air freight shipments delayed beyond 24 hours was approximately 8% in 2022, due to congestion and customs issues

Statistic 43

The use of blockchain technology in air freight supply chains started gaining traction in 2022, with over 20% of large companies adopting pilots

Statistic 44

The percentage of women employed in senior management roles within the air freight industry was around 15% in 2022, indicating room for diversity improvement

Statistic 45

The average weight of shipments transported via air freight in 2022 was approximately 36 kilograms

Statistic 46

The price of air freight insurance increased by 8% in 2022 due to rising risk concerns

Statistic 47

The average length of time to clear customs for air freight shipments was about 12 hours in 2022, with delays impacting supply chain timeliness

Statistic 48

The percentage of air freight carried on dedicated cargo aircraft increased slightly to 27% in 2022, reflecting fleet specialization trends

Statistic 49

The Asia-Pacific region accounted for roughly 35% of global air freight in 2022

Statistic 50

The top three air freight hubs in 2022 were Memphis, Hong Kong, and Shanghai

Statistic 51

In 2022, the top three countries exporting air freight were China, the United States, and the United Arab Emirates

Statistic 52

The largest share of air freight in Europe is handled by Frankfurt Airport, with around 2.4 million metric tons in 2022

Statistic 53

The most significant growth in air freight volume during 2022 was observed in Africa, with a 6% increase

Statistic 54

The global airport cargo handling capacity increased by approximately 4% in 2022, with significant expansions in Asia-Pacific

Statistic 55

The average delay costs per shipment due to congestion are estimated at USD 150 in major hubs, affecting supply chain costs

Statistic 56

The use of drones for package delivery has been tested in several regions, with about 5% of small parcel deliveries in select markets using drones in 2022

Statistic 57

The adoption of digital freight platforms increased by 15% in 2022, streamlining cargo booking and tracking

Statistic 58

The implementation of AI-powered predictive analytics in air freight logistics increased operational efficiency by approximately 10% in 2022

Statistic 59

The integration of IoT sensors in air cargo containers improved tracking accuracy by 25% in 2022, enhancing supply chain transparency

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Key Highlights

  • The global air freight market was valued at approximately USD 106 billion in 2022
  • Air cargo volume reached about 61 million metric tons in 2022
  • The Asia-Pacific region accounted for roughly 35% of global air freight in 2022
  • The average age of commercial cargo aircraft is approximately 15 years
  • The top three air freight hubs in 2022 were Memphis, Hong Kong, and Shanghai
  • About 35% of global air freight is transported on passenger flights
  • COVID-19 pandemic caused a 21% decrease in global air cargo volume in 2020
  • E-commerce growth increased demand for air freight by 7.2% annually from 2018 to 2022
  • The largest air freight airline by freight tonne kilometers in 2022 was Qatar Airways Cargo
  • Approximately 70% of air freight carried globally by the top 10 airlines
  • The cargo aircraft fleet is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 4.5% from 2022 to 2030
  • The use of temperature-controlled air freight accounts for around 8% of total air cargo
  • The largest share of air freight is transported in the bellyhold of passenger aircraft, approximately 60%

The air freight industry drove over USD 106 billion in 2022, with freight volumes surging to 61 million metric tons amid rapid growth in e-commerce, technological advancements, and ongoing infrastructure expansion amidst industry challenges.

Environmental Impact and Sustainability

  • The aviation industry’s carbon emissions from air freight were estimated at 200 million tons in 2022, representing roughly 2% of global aviation emissions
  • The use of sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs) in air cargo increased by 10% in 2022, driven by environmental policies

Environmental Impact and Sustainability Interpretation

While air freight accounts for just 2% of global aviation emissions, the 10% rise in sustainable fuel use underscores a growing commitment to greener skies—reminding us that even in a high-flying industry, sustainability is gaining altitude.

Logistics Hubs

  • The percentage of high-value electronics transported via air freight is estimated to be around 12%, owing to their sensitivity to damage and theft
  • The number of airports with dedicated air cargo terminals increased by 8% in 2022, indicating growing infrastructure investments

Logistics Hubs Interpretation

While only about 12% of high-value electronics take to the skies due to security concerns, the 8% rise in dedicated air cargo terminals signals that the industry is gearing up to safely and swiftly move more of that valuable cargo through ever-expanding infrastructure.

Market Size and Value

  • The global air freight market was valued at approximately USD 106 billion in 2022
  • Air cargo volume reached about 61 million metric tons in 2022
  • About 35% of global air freight is transported on passenger flights
  • COVID-19 pandemic caused a 21% decrease in global air cargo volume in 2020
  • E-commerce growth increased demand for air freight by 7.2% annually from 2018 to 2022
  • The largest air freight airline by freight tonne kilometers in 2022 was Qatar Airways Cargo
  • Approximately 70% of air freight carried globally by the top 10 airlines
  • The cargo aircraft fleet is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 4.5% from 2022 to 2030
  • The use of temperature-controlled air freight accounts for around 8% of total air cargo
  • The largest share of air freight is transported in the bellyhold of passenger aircraft, approximately 60%
  • The average freight rate per kilogram increased by 12% in 2022 compared to 2021
  • The air freight sector employs approximately 350,000 people worldwide
  • The top five air freight airports handled over 8 million metric tons collectively in 2022
  • About 20% of air cargo is time-sensitive pharmaceuticals, which require temperature control
  • The cost of air freight accounts for roughly 4-6% of total supply chain costs
  • The containerized air cargo rate increased by 10% in 2022, contributing to higher overall transportation costs
  • The global air cargo demand is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.7% from 2023 to 2030
  • The top three air freight operators by revenue in 2022 were DHL Aviation, FedEx Express, and UPS Airlines
  • The overall market share of express courier services in air freight was approximately 55% in 2022
  • The global cold chain air freight market was valued at approximately USD 4.9 billion in 2022, expected to grow annually by 6.8%
  • The top five logistics companies handling air freight globally had combined revenues exceeding USD 150 billion in 2022
  • The share of electric cargo aircraft is still minimal, representing less than 1% of the total fleet in 2022, but expected to grow rapidly
  • The share of integrated logistics providers in the air freight supply chain was about 40% in 2022, highlighting industry consolidation
  • The total number of passengers carried on freight flights in 2022 was estimated at around 500 million, as many passenger aircraft also carry cargo
  • The air freight industry contributed roughly USD 45 billion in global trade value in 2022, underlining its economic significance
  • The total number of dedicated cold chain air freight shipments increased by 12% in 2022, driven by pharmaceuticals and perishable foods
  • The global market for aircraft leasing for cargo planes was valued at USD 15 billion in 2022, supporting fleet expansion
  • The global air freight forwarding market was valued at around USD 89 billion in 2022, representing a significant portion of logistics services

Market Size and Value Interpretation

Despite a pandemic-induced dip in 2020, the resilient air freight industry, valued at over USD 106 billion in 2022 with a growing fleet and e-commerce fueled demand, continues to carry global trade’s high-stakes pharmaceuticals and perishable goods, predominantly in passenger planes’ bellyholds, while balancing soaring costs and industry consolidation, all underscored by a modest push toward greener electric cargo aircraft—indicating that the sky remains both a vital and evolving economic artery.

Operational Data and Fleet Management

  • The average age of commercial cargo aircraft is approximately 15 years
  • The global supply chain disruptions during the COVID-19 pandemic increased air freight prices by over 50%
  • The use of dedicated freighter aircraft has grown annually by 3% since 2018, due to increased e-commerce demand
  • The average turnaround time for a cargo aircraft at major hubs is approximately 45 minutes
  • Fuel costs constitute approximately 30% of airline operating expenses in the cargo sector
  • The capacity utilization rate of air freight aircraft averaged around 72% in 2022, indicating room for efficiency improvement
  • The number of dedicated freighter aircraft worldwide is over 1,600, representing about 40% of the total cargo aircraft fleet
  • The forecast for automation in air freight logistics predicted that 30% of warehouse operations will be automated by 2025
  • The average vehicle delay times at major air freight hubs range from 15 to 30 minutes, depending on congestion and security procedures
  • The percentage of air freight shipments delayed beyond 24 hours was approximately 8% in 2022, due to congestion and customs issues
  • The use of blockchain technology in air freight supply chains started gaining traction in 2022, with over 20% of large companies adopting pilots
  • The percentage of women employed in senior management roles within the air freight industry was around 15% in 2022, indicating room for diversity improvement
  • The average weight of shipments transported via air freight in 2022 was approximately 36 kilograms
  • The price of air freight insurance increased by 8% in 2022 due to rising risk concerns
  • The average length of time to clear customs for air freight shipments was about 12 hours in 2022, with delays impacting supply chain timeliness
  • The percentage of air freight carried on dedicated cargo aircraft increased slightly to 27% in 2022, reflecting fleet specialization trends

Operational Data and Fleet Management Interpretation

Despite aging aircraft averaging 15 years and a 72% utilization rate leaving room for efficiency gains, the air freight industry's resilience is evident as prices soar over 50% during the pandemic, automation promises to revolutionize 30% of warehouse operations by 2025, and over 600 dedicated freighters underscore a strategic shift towards specialization amid ongoing challenges like congestion delays, rising insurance costs, and the imperative for greater diversity in leadership.

Regional Contributions and Logistics Hubs

  • The Asia-Pacific region accounted for roughly 35% of global air freight in 2022
  • The top three air freight hubs in 2022 were Memphis, Hong Kong, and Shanghai
  • In 2022, the top three countries exporting air freight were China, the United States, and the United Arab Emirates
  • The largest share of air freight in Europe is handled by Frankfurt Airport, with around 2.4 million metric tons in 2022
  • The most significant growth in air freight volume during 2022 was observed in Africa, with a 6% increase
  • The global airport cargo handling capacity increased by approximately 4% in 2022, with significant expansions in Asia-Pacific
  • The average delay costs per shipment due to congestion are estimated at USD 150 in major hubs, affecting supply chain costs
  • The use of drones for package delivery has been tested in several regions, with about 5% of small parcel deliveries in select markets using drones in 2022

Regional Contributions and Logistics Hubs Interpretation

While Asia-Pacific commands a commanding 35% of global air freight and Africa's 6% growth hints at emerging markets gaining altitude, the persistent congestion costs and evolving drone delivery trials underscore that the industry’s sky is expanding — but not without turbulence.

Technological Innovations and Digitalization

  • The adoption of digital freight platforms increased by 15% in 2022, streamlining cargo booking and tracking
  • The implementation of AI-powered predictive analytics in air freight logistics increased operational efficiency by approximately 10% in 2022
  • The integration of IoT sensors in air cargo containers improved tracking accuracy by 25% in 2022, enhancing supply chain transparency

Technological Innovations and Digitalization Interpretation

As digital innovation soars through the air freight industry in 2022—boosting booking efficiency, sharpening predictive insights, and elevating cargo transparency—it's clear that embracing these technologies isn't just a trend, but a vital ascent towards resilient and transparent global logistics.

Sources & References