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.
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.)
Air Cargo: Just 1% of Weight, yet Commands 35% of Global Trade Value
Important takeaway:
| Air cargo is crucial for high-value goods | Despite making up just 1% of total freight by weight, the high value percentage indicates the importance of air cargo for transporting valuable items. |
| Air freight optimization is essential | The disproportion between weight and value suggests the necessity for efficient and secure air freight processes. |
| Freight policy should prioritize air cargo | The high value of air freight suggests its significance, warranting priority in freight policy and investment. |
The statistics suggest that while air cargo might not dominate in terms of weight, it plays a substantial role in global trade value. This emphasizes the necessity for robust air freight systems, indicating policy and investment should prioritize air transport.
Source: International Air Transport Association
Air Cargo Annual Transport Worth Soars to Monumental $6 Trillion
Important takeaway:
| Air cargo holds a massive economic impact | The annual worth of goods transported speaks to the significant role air cargo plays in the global economy. |
| Dependence on air cargo is high | With $6 trillion worth of goods annually, reliance on efficient and secure air cargo services is paramount. |
| Air freight sector needs robust infrastructure | The immense value of goods transported annually calls for continued investment in air cargo infrastructure. |
Transporting over $6 trillion worth of goods annually, air cargo has an enormous economic footprint. This statistic underscores our high dependence on air cargo services and necessitates the sustained robustness of air freight infrastructure for global trade.
Source: International Air Transport Association
Air Cargo Experiences Powerful Year with 18.7% Growth in 2021
Important takeaway:
| Air cargo is experiencing significant growth | The high year-on-year growth rate indicates a strong and expanding air cargo sector. |
| Positive market response to air cargo | Rapid growth in air cargo volumes suggests a favorable market response to these services. |
| Continuation of this growth trend is plausible | Given the impressive growth rate, we can anticipate a possible continuation of this upward trend. |
The substantial growth in air cargo volumes in 2021 points to a robust and expanding sector. This, coupled with a favorable market response, might imply a potential continuation of this upward trend, further underscoring the significance of air freight in global trade.
Source: International Airport Review
Air Freight Volumes Skyrocket, Attaining 65.6 Million Metric Tons in 2021
Important takeaway:
| The air cargo sector is experiencing growth | The increase in freight volumes points to a strong and expanding air freight industry. |
| Demand for air cargo services is high | Reaching 65.6 million metric tons indicates a strong global demand for air cargo services. |
| Capacity management is essential | With rapidly increasing volumes, efficient management of freight capacity becomes a crucial requirement. |
The rapid increase in global air freight volumes, reaching 65.6 million metric tons in 2021, demonstrates an expanding sector. This reflects high global demand for air cargo services and emphasizes the importance of effective freight capacity management for future growth.
Source: Statista
Global Air Freight Market Size Soars to Staggering US$ 287.4 Billion in 2022
Important takeaway:
| Air freight is a major economic sector | The substantial market size signifies the significant economic weight of the air freight industry. |
| There’s high economic value in air freight | The market size reflects the considerable economic value of air cargo services. |
| Continued growth potential is evident | The impressive market size indicates potential for further growth and expansion in the sector. |
The air freight market’s size, reaching US$ 287.4 Billion in 2022, signifies its substantial economic impact and value. This figure not only underscores the importance of air cargo services but also indicates considerable potential for further growth in this sector.
Source: MarketWatch
Air Cargo Set to Ascend to 57.7 Million Metric Tons in 2023 Projection
Important takeaway:
| Air cargo sector is projected to continue growing | The forecasted figure suggests a robust and expanding air freight industry in the near future. |
| Demand for air cargo services will remain high | Predicted to reach 57.7 million metric tons, a strong global demand for air cargo services is implied. |
| Anticipation of increased air cargo activity | The forecasted volume suggests expectations of a rise in global air cargo operations. |
Forecasting air cargo to reach 57.7 million metric tons in 2023 suggests a strong and expanding industry. It implies a high global demand for these services and anticipates increased air cargo operations, further reinforcing the sector’s crucial role in global trade.
Source: Globalia Logistics Network
Global Air Cargo Market Predicted to Grow 5.32% Annually through 2027
Important takeaway:
| Air cargo market is set to expand | The predicted CAGR indicates a growing air cargo market in the coming years. |
| Potential for considerable economic growth | With a 5.32% CAGR, substantial economic growth in the air cargo industry is implied. |
| Sustained investment in air cargo is necessary | Given the projected growth, maintaining and increasing investment in this sector becomes essential. |
The estimated CAGR of 5.32% for the Global-Air Cargo Market between 2022 and 2027 suggests a promising growth trajectory. This growth implies substantial economic advancement in the industry and emphasizes the importance of sustained investment in air cargo infrastructure and services.
Source: Technavio
