US Air Freight Transport Market Size (2024 - 2029)

The United States air freight transport sector is experiencing significant growth, driven by the expansion of the e-commerce industry and the increasing demand for rapid and reliable delivery services. This growth is further supported by the rising need for air freight services in the pharmaceutical and medical fields, as well as across various industrial verticals that utilize advanced technologies for cargo management. The transition from outdated systems to more flexible interfaces and the integration of artificial intelligence and the internet of things are also contributing to the market's development. Despite challenges such as economic instability and infrastructural delays, the market's potential continues to expand, reflecting a positive outlook for the air freight transport industry in the United States.

Market Size of US Air Freight Transport Industry

US Air Freight Transport Market Summary
Study Period 2024 - 2029
Base Year For Estimation 2023
Market Size (2024) USD 56.22 Billion
Market Size (2029) USD 70.21 Billion
CAGR (2024 - 2029) 4.55 %
Market Concentration Low

Major Players

US Air Freight Transport Market Major Players

*Disclaimer: Major Players sorted in no particular order

US Air Freight Transport Market Analysis

The US Air Freight Transport Market size is estimated at USD 56.22 billion in 2024, and is expected to reach USD 70.21 billion by 2029, at a CAGR of 4.55% during the forecast period (2024-2029).

  • The US air freight transport market is mainly driven by the surge in e-commerce activities and surge in demand for FMCG.
  • E-commerce's explosive growth continues to drive air freight demand. This surge has led to an increased need for prompt deliveries, pushing logistics providers to bolster their capabilities and streamline operations to align with consumer expectations for swift shipments.
  • In June 2024, air freight between the US and global destinations rose by 5% from 2023, totaling 1,036,907 tons. US airlines were responsible for transporting 47% of this international freight, with charter services making up 21% of the total traffic.
  • For the year ending June 2024, the leading international gateways for US freight were China, South Korea, Japan, Hong Kong, and Germany. Among the top 25 country markets, 14 saw an increase in freight traffic, while 11 experienced a decline. Notably, Belgium, among the declining markets, recorded the steepest drop at 12% compared to 2023. The US flag share dynamics varied: it decreased in 14 markets, remained steady in four, and saw an uptick in seven others.
  • Technological advancements are significantly transforming air freight operations, improving efficiency and reliability. In July 2024, Siemens Digital Industries Software revealed that Natilus, a US-based aerospace firm, has integrated the Siemens Xcelerator suite into its operations. With a vision to revolutionize global supply chains via its innovative blended-wing-body aircraft, Natilus has leveraged Siemens software to slash its inaugural prototype's development time by half.

US Air Freight Transport Industry Segmentation

Air freight transport refers to transporting goods by air from one place to another. These services are commonly used for shipments of goods that require quick and effective delivery, particularly over long distances or internationally. Compared to different modes of transport, such as sea or land, air freight has a reputation for speed and reliability.

The US air freight transport market is segmented by service (forwarding, airlines, mail, and other services), by destination (domestic, international), and by carrier type (belly cargo, freighter). The report offers market size and forecasts the US Air Transport Market in value (USD) for all the above segments.

By Service
Freight Transport (Cargo and Mail)
Freight Forwarding
Other Value-added Services
By Service
Forwarding
Airlines
Mail
Other Services
By Destination
Domestic
International
By Carrier Type
Belly Cargo
Freighter
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US Air Freight Transport Market Size Summary

The United States air freight transport market is experiencing significant growth, driven largely by the expansion of the e-commerce sector. As online shopping becomes increasingly popular, the demand for fast and reliable delivery services has surged, positioning air freight as a key solution to meet these logistical challenges. The market is benefiting from the growing need to transport fresh and perishable goods, particularly from Latin America, although regulatory and infrastructural challenges in the region continue to impede full potential. The industry's recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic is uneven, influenced by economic instability, varying travel restrictions, and a lack of government support. Despite these challenges, the market is supported by the reliability, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness of air freight services, which are crucial for delivering essential goods across various sectors, including pharmaceuticals and medical supplies.

The market landscape is characterized by a mix of regional and international players, with companies like DHL Logistics, UPS Supply Chain Solutions, and Expeditors International playing significant roles. The ongoing transition to advanced technologies, such as artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things, is further propelling market growth by optimizing logistics operations. The expansion of air freight capacity, particularly on transatlantic routes, is also contributing to market dynamics, with major carriers like American Airlines and United Airlines increasing their flight offerings. The U.S. market is poised for continued expansion, supported by strategic investments in infrastructure and technology, as well as the increasing integration of air freight services in the burgeoning e-commerce sector.

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US Air Freight Transport Market Size - Table of Contents

  1. 1. MARKET INSIGHTS AND DYNAMICS

    1. 1.1 Market Overview

    2. 1.2 Market Dynamics

      1. 1.2.1 Drivers

        1. 1.2.1.1 Surge in cross border trade relations driving the market

        2. 1.2.1.2 The market is significantly driven by economic growth

      2. 1.2.2 Restraints

        1. 1.2.2.1 Geopolitical factors hindering the market

        2. 1.2.2.2 Consumer Behaviour affecting the market

      3. 1.2.3 Opportunities

        1. 1.2.3.1 Technological advancements driving the market

    3. 1.3 Government Initiatives and Regulations

    4. 1.4 Supply Chain/Value Chain Analysis

    5. 1.5 Industry Attractiveness - Porter's Five Forces Analysis

      1. 1.5.1 Threat Of New Entrants

      2. 1.5.2 Bargaining Power Of Buyers

      3. 1.5.3 Bargaining Power Of Suppliers

      4. 1.5.4 Threat Of Substitute Products

      5. 1.5.5 Degree Of Competition

    6. 1.6 Technology Snapshot and Digital Trends

    7. 1.7 Spotlight on Key Commodities Transported by Air

    8. 1.8 Elaboration on Air Freight Rates

    9. 1.9 Spotlight on Heavy Cargo/Project Logistics in the Air Cargo Industry

    10. 1.10 Insights into Key Ground Handling Equipment in Airports

    11. 1.11 Review and Commentary on Standards and Regulations on the Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods

    12. 1.12 Brief on Cold Chain Logistics in the Air Cargo Sector

    13. 1.13 Impact of Geopolitics and Pandemic on the Market

  2. 2. MARKET SEGMENTATION

    1. 2.1 By Service

      1. 2.1.1 Freight Transport (Cargo and Mail)

      2. 2.1.2 Freight Forwarding

      3. 2.1.3 Other Value-added Services

    2. 2.2 By Service

      1. 2.2.1 Forwarding

      2. 2.2.2 Airlines

      3. 2.2.3 Mail

      4. 2.2.4 Other Services

    3. 2.3 By Destination

      1. 2.3.1 Domestic

      2. 2.3.2 International

    4. 2.4 By Carrier Type

      1. 2.4.1 Belly Cargo

      2. 2.4.2 Freighter

US Air Freight Transport Market Size FAQs

The US Air Freight Transport Market size is expected to reach USD 56.22 billion in 2024 and grow at a CAGR of 4.55% to reach USD 70.21 billion by 2029.

In 2024, the US Air Freight Transport Market size is expected to reach USD 56.22 billion.

United States Air Freight Transport Market Size & Share Analysis - Growth Trends & Forecasts (2024 - 2029)