GITNUX MARKETDATA REPORT 2024

AIr Freight Industry Statistics

The Air Freight Industry Statistics provide detailed information on the volume, revenue, and performance of air cargo transportation services worldwide.

Highlights: Air Freight Industry Statistics

  • Worldwide, airfreight has more than doubled since 2000, reflecting significant growth in this sector.
  • In 2025, it is predicted that the global air freight market will increase by 4.1%.
  • The Asia-Pacific region is the leading air freight market, accounting for 34.7% of the global market in 2020.
  • FedEx Express was the leading air freight delivery company worldwide in 2020, with over 17.5 million metric tons of freight.
  • E-commerce is significantly driving air freight growth, expected to account for 91% of the total global air cargo growth by 2025.
  • The United States leads in air freight import traffic with 27.51 million metric tons in 2020.
  • The Middle East is projected to see the highest air freight growth rate, with a predicted CAGR of 4.2% from 2019 to 2025.
  • By 2036, global air freight is expected to see 4.2% annual growth.
  • Market revenue of the air freight industry was 102.3 billion U.S. dollars in 2021.
  • Air freight transport of food and agricultural products accounted for almost 80% of total cargo in 2020.
  • In 2020, the volume of international air freight at London Heathrow airport was approximately 1.336 million metric tons.
  • The U.S. is the largest air freight market with a total market revenue of USD 24,541 million in 2021.
  • In 2020, the largest U.S. port for international air freight was Meacham International Airport in Texas.
  • Cathay Pacific Airways carried approximately 1.34 million tons of air cargo in 2020.
  • The largest air cargo airport in Europe is Charles de Gaulle in Paris, handling over two million tons of cargo in 2019.
  • In 2018, 61% of all global air cargo was carried in the belly hold of passenger aircraft.
  • In 2020, the busiest airport for cargo traffic worldwide was Hong Kong International Airport with 4.47 million tons of cargo.
  • It is predicted that China will surpass the U.S. as the world's largest aviation market by 2029, impacting air cargo significantly.
  • More than half of the world's air cargo is handled by just 30 airports, showcasing the concentration of industry activity.
  • The global air freight industry experienced a severe downturn in 2019, with volumes falling by 3.3% - the steepest decline since the global financial crisis in 2009.

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In today’s global economy, the air freight industry plays a crucial role in facilitating the timely and efficient movement of goods across the world. Understanding the latest trends and statistics in the air freight industry is essential for businesses, policymakers, and industry professionals to make informed decisions and stay ahead of the competition. This blog post will delve into the key statistics shaping the air freight industry, providing valuable insights and analysis for anyone involved in this dynamic sector.

The Latest Air Freight Industry Statistics Explained

Worldwide, airfreight has more than doubled since 2000, reflecting significant growth in this sector.

The statistic indicates that the amount of airfreight transported globally has more than doubled since the year 2000, suggesting a substantial growth trend in this sector over the past two decades. This significant increase in airfreight highlights the growing demand for faster and more efficient transportation of goods across international borders, driven by factors such as globalization, e-commerce expansion, and just-in-time supply chain management practices. The rise in airfreight volumes also underscores the importance of air transportation in facilitating global trade and economic activities, as businesses seek to streamline their operations and meet the increasing demands of a connected and fast-paced world market.

In 2025, it is predicted that the global air freight market will increase by 4.1%.

The statistic indicates that in the year 2025, the global air freight market is forecasted to experience a growth rate of 4.1%. This growth rate suggests that there will be an expansion in the amount of freight being transported by air across the world. This prediction could result from various factors such as increasing demand for faster transportation of goods, e-commerce growth, evolving supply chain dynamics, and globalization of trade. The 4.1% increase signifies a positive outlook for the air freight industry, indicating potential opportunities for airlines, logistics companies, and businesses involved in air cargo transportation to capitalize on this growth trend.

The Asia-Pacific region is the leading air freight market, accounting for 34.7% of the global market in 2020.

The statistic indicates that the Asia-Pacific region has the highest share of the global air freight market in 2020, with a substantial 34.7% contribution. This suggests that a significant portion of air cargo shipments worldwide were either originating from or destined for countries within the Asia-Pacific region. Such prominence can be attributed to various factors, including the region’s strong economic growth, increased international trade, and the presence of key logistics hubs. The dominance of the Asia-Pacific region in air freight highlights its strategic importance in global supply chains and underscores the region’s connectivity and trade relations with other parts of the world.

FedEx Express was the leading air freight delivery company worldwide in 2020, with over 17.5 million metric tons of freight.

The statistic indicates that FedEx Express held the top position in the global air freight delivery industry in 2020 by transporting over 17.5 million metric tons of freight. This signifies that FedEx Express had the highest volume of air freight shipments compared to its competitors during that year. This achievement highlights the company’s strong market presence, operational efficiency, and ability to meet the high demand for air cargo transportation services. Furthermore, being the leading air freight delivery company underscores FedEx Express’s leadership in the industry and showcases its capability to efficiently and effectively handle large volumes of air freight around the world.

E-commerce is significantly driving air freight growth, expected to account for 91% of the total global air cargo growth by 2025.

The statistic suggests that the e-commerce industry is playing a major role in driving the growth of air freight services, with projections indicating that it will contribute to approximately 91% of the total global air cargo growth by 2025. This highlights the increasing importance of e-commerce in shaping the logistics and transportation sectors, as more consumers turn to online shopping for their purchase needs. As e-commerce continues to expand globally, businesses are increasingly relying on air freight services to efficiently transport goods across borders and meet the growing demand for fast and reliable delivery. This statistic underscores the pivotal role that e-commerce is set to play in the future of air cargo transportation and the broader supply chain industry.

The United States leads in air freight import traffic with 27.51 million metric tons in 2020.

The statistic “The United States leads in air freight import traffic with 27.51 million metric tons in 2020” indicates that the United States had the highest amount of imported goods transported by air in 2020 compared to other countries. This metric, measured in million metric tons, reflects the significant volume of goods being brought into the United States through air freight services. This data suggests that the United States plays a crucial role in global trade and commerce, relying on air transportation to bring in a substantial amount of goods from overseas markets. Additionally, it highlights the country’s strong demand for imported products and the importance of efficient air freight infrastructure in facilitating international trade.

The Middle East is projected to see the highest air freight growth rate, with a predicted CAGR of 4.2% from 2019 to 2025.

This statistic suggests that the Middle East region is anticipated to experience the most significant growth in air freight volume compared to other regions, according to a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 4.2% projected from 2019 to 2025. This indicates that the demand for air freight services in the Middle East is expected to increase at a fairly steady rate over the specified period. Factors such as economic growth, increasing international trade, and the region’s strategic geographical location connecting continents may contribute to this growth trend. Overall, this statistic highlights the potential for expanding air freight business opportunities in the Middle East region in the coming years.

By 2036, global air freight is expected to see 4.2% annual growth.

The statistic indicates a projected trend in the global air freight industry, forecasting an annual growth rate of 4.2% by the year 2036. This implies that over the coming years, there is an expected increase in the volume of goods transported by air, reflecting potential growth in international trade and commerce. Factors such as economic expansion, technological advancements, and an increasingly interconnected global market are likely contributors to this growth. It also suggests that businesses involved in air freight services may witness expanding opportunities and could benefit from this anticipated upward trajectory in the industry.

Market revenue of the air freight industry was 102.3 billion U.S. dollars in 2021.

The statistic ‘Market revenue of the air freight industry was 102.3 billion U.S. dollars in 2021’ represents the total amount of revenue generated by the air freight industry in the United States in the given year. This figure accounts for all the income generated by companies involved in transporting goods via air freight services, including charges for shipping, handling, and other related services. It indicates the financial scale and importance of the air freight industry within the broader transportation sector, highlighting its significant contribution to the economy and global trade. Furthermore, this statistic serves as a key indicator for policymakers, investors, and industry stakeholders to assess the financial health and performance of the air freight sector in a specific time period.

Air freight transport of food and agricultural products accounted for almost 80% of total cargo in 2020.

The statistic states that in 2020, air freight transport of food and agricultural products represented approximately 80% of the total cargo transported by air. This highlights the significant role that air transportation plays in the global food supply chain, particularly in the swift and efficient delivery of perishable goods such as fresh produce and seafood. The high percentage also underscores the importance of air freight in meeting the increasing demand for agricultural products across various regions worldwide, as it provides a rapid and reliable means of transporting these goods to meet market demands and maintain supply chain efficiency.

In 2020, the volume of international air freight at London Heathrow airport was approximately 1.336 million metric tons.

The statistic reporting that in 2020, the volume of international air freight at London Heathrow airport was approximately 1.336 million metric tons indicates the total weight of goods transported by air to and from this particular airport over the course of that year. This metric provides valuable insights into the level of economic activity, global trade, and cargo transport demand within the region served by London Heathrow. The high volume of international air freight further suggests the airport’s significance as a key hub for global logistics and commerce, connecting businesses and consumers worldwide by facilitating the transportation of goods across continents. This statistic is crucial for stakeholders in the air transport industry, policymakers, and businesses relying on international trade to understand and plan for future trends and developments in air cargo transportation.

The U.S. is the largest air freight market with a total market revenue of USD 24,541 million in 2021.

The statistic indicates that the United States is the leading air freight market globally, generating a total market revenue of USD 24,541 million in 2021. This figure signifies the significant volume of goods transported via air within the country, showcasing the importance of air freight in the U.S. economy. The substantial market revenue highlights the robust demand for air cargo services in the U.S., driven by factors such as e-commerce growth, international trade, and time-sensitive deliveries. As the largest air freight market, the U.S. plays a pivotal role in global trade and logistics, contributing to its position as a key player in the international economy.

In 2020, the largest U.S. port for international air freight was Meacham International Airport in Texas.

The statistic stating that in 2020, Meacham International Airport in Texas was the largest U.S. port for international air freight indicates that this airport handled the highest volume of international air cargo shipments in the United States during that year. This suggests that Meacham International Airport served as a key hub for facilitating the movement of goods between the United States and other countries via air transportation. Factors such as its location, infrastructure, capacity, and efficiency likely contributed to Meacham International Airport’s ranking as the top U.S. port for international air freight in 2020.

Cathay Pacific Airways carried approximately 1.34 million tons of air cargo in 2020.

The statistic “Cathay Pacific Airways carried approximately 1.34 million tons of air cargo in 2020” represents the total amount of cargo transported by Cathay Pacific Airways through air freight services over the course of the year 2020. This figure indicates the significant volume of goods, products, and materials that were shipped by the airline during that period. The data not only highlights the scale of Cathay Pacific’s air cargo operations but also provides insights into the company’s role in the transportation and logistics industry. It reflects the level of demand for air freight services and the extent of Cathay Pacific’s contribution to global trade and supply chains in 2020.

The largest air cargo airport in Europe is Charles de Gaulle in Paris, handling over two million tons of cargo in 2019.

The statistic stating that Charles de Gaulle in Paris is the largest air cargo airport in Europe, handling over two million tons of cargo in 2019, highlights the airport’s significant role in facilitating transportation of goods and services within the region. This impressive volume of cargo underscores the airport’s vital role in supporting international trade and commerce throughout Europe. The high volume of cargo handled by Charles de Gaulle also indicates the airport’s capacity for efficient and effective logistics operations, making it a key player in the global supply chain. This statistic showcases the importance of Charles de Gaulle as a major hub for air cargo transportation in Europe, contributing to the region’s economic development and connectivity with the rest of the world.

In 2018, 61% of all global air cargo was carried in the belly hold of passenger aircraft.

This statistic indicates that in 2018, the majority of global air cargo, specifically 61%, was transported in the belly hold of passenger aircraft. This means that passenger planes, in addition to carrying passengers, also play a significant role in transporting goods around the world. The use of passenger aircraft for cargo transportation is a common practice in the aviation industry due to its efficiency and cost-effectiveness. This statistic highlights the important role that passenger aircraft play in the logistics and transportation of goods on a global scale, showcasing the versatility and adaptability of the airline industry to meet diverse shipping needs.

In 2020, the busiest airport for cargo traffic worldwide was Hong Kong International Airport with 4.47 million tons of cargo.

The statistic indicates that in the year 2020, Hong Kong International Airport was the busiest airport for cargo traffic globally, handling a total of 4.47 million tons of cargo. This highlights the significant role that the airport plays in facilitating the movement of goods and freight across the world. The high volume of cargo handled at Hong Kong International Airport suggests strong global trade activity and underscores the airport’s importance as a key logistics hub. The impressive cargo traffic figure underscores Hong Kong’s strategic geographical location and efficient air cargo infrastructure, making it a preferred choice for companies looking to transport goods efficiently and effectively.

It is predicted that China will surpass the U.S. as the world’s largest aviation market by 2029, impacting air cargo significantly.

The statement suggests that based on current trends and projections, China is expected to overtake the United States as the leading aviation market globally by the year 2029. This transformation is likely to have a substantial impact on the air cargo industry, indicating a shift in the demand for air transport services, distribution networks, and logistical operations. As China’s aviation sector continues to expand and improve, it is anticipated that there will be increased opportunities and challenges in the air cargo market, with implications for companies involved in freight transportation, warehousing, and supply chain management. This prediction underscores the evolving dynamics of the global aviation industry and highlights the strategic importance of staying abreast of market trends and developments for businesses operating in the air cargo sector.

More than half of the world’s air cargo is handled by just 30 airports, showcasing the concentration of industry activity.

The statistic that more than half of the world’s air cargo is handled by just 30 airports highlights the significant concentration of industry activity within a relatively small number of key hubs. This data suggests that a relatively small fraction of airports play a critical role in facilitating global air cargo transport, reflecting the importance of these key hubs in connecting different regions and facilitating efficient logistics operations on a global scale. The high volume of air cargo handled by these 30 airports signifies their strategic importance in driving international trade, supporting supply chains, and fostering economic development by serving as key nodes in the global air transportation network. This concentration of industry activity underscores the vital role that these select airports play in enabling the smooth flow of goods across borders and around the world.

The global air freight industry experienced a severe downturn in 2019, with volumes falling by 3.3% – the steepest decline since the global financial crisis in 2009.

The statistic indicates that the global air freight industry faced a significant decline in 2019, as evidenced by a 3.3% decrease in cargo volumes. This downturn marked the sharpest contraction in the industry since the global financial crisis of 2009. The implications of this decline are substantial, as it suggests a slowdown in global trade and economic activity, potentially reflecting broader challenges in the global economy. Factors such as trade tensions, economic uncertainties, and changes in consumer behavior may have contributed to this decline in air freight volumes. This statistic underscores the importance of monitoring trends in the air freight industry as a key indicator of economic health and global trade dynamics.

References

0. – https://www.www.iata.org

1. – https://www.www.statista.com

2. – https://www.www.worldbank.org

How we write our statistic reports:

We have not conducted any studies ourselves. Our article provides a summary of all the statistics and studies available at the time of writing. We are solely presenting a summary, not expressing our own opinion. We have collected all statistics within our internal database. In some cases, we use Artificial Intelligence for formulating the statistics. The articles are updated regularly.

See our Editorial Process.

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