US Air Freight Transport Market Trends

In 2024, the US air freight transport market is poised for significant growth in international trade demand, driven by factors such as economic recovery, the expansion of e-commerce, and shifting geopolitical dynamics.

In recent years, the US e-commerce sector has witnessed unprecedented growth. By 2023, sales surpassed the USD 1 trillion mark, propelled by industry giants like Amazon and Walmart, alongside smaller platforms such as Etsy and eBay.

In 2023, US freight trade with Canada and Mexico reached a value of USD 1.57 trillion. This trade accounted for a total weight of 2,484.7 million tons. Although the weight of the freight saw an 8.8% increase from 2022, the dollar value of North American freight held steady in 2023.

For over 25 years, the United States has championed the expansion of international aviation markets through its "Open Skies" policy. These bilateral and multilateral agreements eliminate government-imposed limitations on airline operations between countries. They dictate the number of airlines permitted, the routes they can take, the pricing strategies they can adopt, and the aircraft they must utilize. Furthermore, these agreements foster collaboration between US and foreign airlines, enabling US cargo and express delivery carriers to transport freight and parcels seamlessly. The scope of Open Skies spans passenger and cargo aviation, covering both scheduled and charter flights. Thus far, the US has forged Open Skies agreements with over 125 partners, spanning every continent and developmental stage.