Let’s start with some insightful air cargo statistics: industry, volume, and more.
Air Cargo Industry Statistics: Key Findings
- Air cargo accounts for only 1% of total freight by weight but 35% of global trade by value.
- Air cargo transports over $6 trillion worth of goods annually.
- 2021 was a strong year for air cargo, with volumes growing by 18.7% year-on-year.
- The global volume of air freight increased rapidly in recent years with freight volumes reaching 65.6 million metric tons in 2021.
- The global air freight market size reached US$ 287.4 Billion in 2022.
- Air cargo was forecast to reach 57.7 million metric tons in 2023.
- The Global-Air Cargo Market size is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 5.32% between 2022 and 2027.
Source: (International Air Transport Association, International Airport Review, Statista, MarketWatch, Globalia Logistics Network, Technavio.)
What percentage of cargo is transported by air?
Air cargo accounts for only 1% of total freight by weight but 35% of global trade by value, according to the International Air Transport Association (IATA). Air cargo transports over $6 trillion worth of goods annually, accounting for approximately 35% of world trade by value.
In 2017, approximately 56 million metric tons of freight were carried by air. While air cargo only accounts for a small percentage of the weight of goods transported, it is often used for high-value and time-sensitive products such as radiopharmaceuticals, technological products, high-value commodities, fresh fish, exotic fruits, and cut flowers.
| What Does Data Suggest | Details |
| High Value of Air Cargo | Air cargo, though 1% by weight, carries high-value goods. |
| Disproportionate Impact on Global Trade | Air freight’s 35% value share indicates its trade importance. |
| Focus on Lightweight, High-Value Goods | Preference in air cargo for lightweight, valuable items. |
| Efficiency and Speed are Key | Air freight’s value lies in its efficiency and speed. |
Source: International Air Transport Association
Air Cargo Annual Transport Worth Soars to Monumental $6 Trillion
| What Does Data Suggest | Details |
| High Economic Value of Air Cargo | Air cargo’s annual $6 trillion transport highlights its economic significance. |
| Major Contributor to Global Economy | This figure shows air freight as a key player in global trade. |
| High-Value Goods Predominance | Suggests a focus on transporting high-value goods globally. |
| Integral to International Trade Dynamics | Air cargo is vital for swift, international trade operations. |
Source: International Air Transport Association
Air Cargo Experiences Powerful Year with 18.7% Growth in 2021
| What Does Data Suggest | Details |
| Rapid Growth in Air Cargo | 2021 saw an 18.7% increase in air cargo volumes, indicating a surge in demand. |
| Resilience and Adaptability | This growth reflects air cargo’s resilience in adapting to changing market needs. |
| Increased Reliance on Air Freight | Signifies a growing preference for air freight in global logistics. |
| Indicator of Economic Recovery | The growth may suggest economic recovery or shifts post-2020. |
Source: International Airport Review
Air Freight Volumes Skyrocket, Attaining 65.6 Million Metric Tons in 2021
| What Does Data Suggest | Details |
| Significant Increase in Freight Volume | In 2021, air freight volumes reached 65.6 million metric tons, marking a notable rise. |
| Growing Scale of Air Cargo Operations | This volume underscores the expanding scale of global air cargo operations. |
| Key Role in Handling Diverse Cargo | Reflects air freight’s capacity to handle a significant amount of diverse goods. |
| Indicator of Global Trade Dynamics | The volume is a strong indicator of the evolving dynamics in global trade. |
Source: Statista
Global Air Freight Market Size Soars to Staggering US$ 287.4 Billion in 2022
| What Does Data Suggest | Details |
| Substantial Market Size | The market size reaching US$ 287.4 Billion in 2022 shows significant economic scale. |
| Continued Economic Growth | This figure indicates sustained growth in the air freight industry. |
| Vital Economic Contributor | Demonstrates air freight’s vital contribution to the global economy. |
| Reflection of Global Demand | The market size mirrors increasing global demand for air freight services. |
Source: MarketWatch
Air Cargo Set to Ascend to 57.7 Million Metric Tons in 2023 Projection
| What Does Data Suggest | Details |
| Projected Growth in Air Cargo | Forecasted reach of 57.7 million metric tons in 2023 shows expected growth. |
| Anticipation of Increased Demand | This projection suggests a continued rise in demand for air freight. |
| Expanding Role in Global Trade | Indicates the expanding influence of air cargo in global logistics. |
| Future Trends in Air Freight | Reflects potential future trends and developments in the air freight industry. |
Source: Globalia Logistics Network
Global Air Cargo Market Predicted to Grow 5.32% Annually through 2027
| What Does Data Suggest | Details |
| Steady Market Growth Forecast | Estimated CAGR of 5.32% from 2022 to 2027 indicates steady market growth. |
| Increasing Reliance on Air Cargo | This growth rate points to a growing reliance on air freight globally. |
| Expansion of the Air Cargo Market | Suggests a significant expansion of the market in the near future. |
| Indicator of Long-term Market Trends | Reflects long-term trends and potential in the air cargo industry. |
Source: Technavio