Freighter Aircrafts

Global Freighter Aircrafts Market to Reach US$8.1 Billion by 2030

The global market for Freighter Aircrafts estimated at US$6.4 Billion in the year 2024, is expected to reach US$8.1 Billion by 2030, growing at a CAGR of 4.0% over the analysis period 2024-2030. Dedicated Cargo Aircraft, one of the segments analyzed in the report, is expected to record a 3.2% CAGR and reach US$4.7 Billion by the end of the analysis period. Growth in the Derivative of Non-cargo Aircraft segment is estimated at 5.2% CAGR over the analysis period.

The U.S. Market is Estimated at US$1.7 Billion While China is Forecast to Grow at 7.2% CAGR

The Freighter Aircrafts market in the U.S. is estimated at US$1.7 Billion in the year 2024. China, the world`s second largest economy, is forecast to reach a projected market size of US$1.6 Billion by the year 2030 trailing a CAGR of 7.2% over the analysis period 2024-2030. Among the other noteworthy geographic markets are Japan and Canada, each forecast to grow at a CAGR of 1.7% and 3.1% respectively over the analysis period. Within Europe, Germany is forecast to grow at approximately 2.3% CAGR.

Global Freighter Aircraft Market - Key Trends & Drivers Summarized

Why Is Demand for Freighter Aircraft Rising Across Global Trade Networks?

Freighter aircraft—dedicated cargo planes designed to transport goods instead of passengers—are experiencing renewed demand due to the rise of e-commerce, real-time supply chain needs, and constrained ocean freight capacity. These aircraft support the rapid movement of high-value, time-sensitive, and perishable goods across continents, playing a vital role in logistics, humanitarian missions, and industrial supply chains. Dedicated cargo fleets operated by logistics firms, express delivery companies, and combination carriers have grown significantly as businesses prioritize speed and delivery reliability in their distribution models.

Surging global e-commerce volumes, driven by B2C and B2B fulfillment, are reshaping the air cargo market. Retailers and fulfillment operators increasingly rely on air freight to ensure same-day or next-day delivery across regional and intercontinental routes. Additionally, sectors such as pharmaceuticals, high-tech manufacturing, and automotive supply chains require timely parts and equipment transport, reinforcing the utility of freighter aircraft. During global disruptions such as pandemics or port congestion, these aircraft serve as vital capacity buffers, highlighting their strategic role in supply continuity.

How Are Aircraft Conversion Programs and Fleet Modernization Trends Evolving?

While purpose-built freighters remain in demand, the conversion of retired passenger aircraft into cargo configurations is an increasingly prominent trend. Aircraft such as the Boeing 737, 757, 767, and Airbus A321 are being converted through passenger-to-freighter (P2F) programs, extending asset lifespans and providing operators with cost-effective capacity. These conversions include structural reinforcement, cargo door installation, floor panel upgrades, and avionics modification to accommodate cargo operations and comply with safety standards.

Airlines and leasing companies are investing in freighter conversions to diversify fleet capabilities and respond to cyclical cargo demand without the long lead times of new aircraft production. Simultaneously, newer, more fuel-efficient models like the Boeing 777F and Airbus A350 freighter are being introduced to reduce per-ton operating costs and emissions. Composite materials, next-generation engines, and digital performance monitoring are becoming standard features, aligning with sustainability goals and fleet optimization strategies.

How Are Logistics Models and Regional Trade Dynamics Influencing Market Expansion?

Freighter aircraft utilization is increasing across point-to-point logistics models, especially in regions with limited road or rail connectivity. Intra-Asia, trans-Pacific, and Middle East–Africa corridors are among the busiest for dedicated cargo operations, with significant growth in chartered and scheduled freighter flights. Express delivery providers, postal carriers, and integrators continue to expand dedicated air cargo networks with customized fleets, including regional turboprop freighters and long-haul widebodies.

Emerging economies are developing domestic air cargo capacity to support agricultural exports, perishable goods transport, and manufacturing logistics. At the same time, airports and logistics hubs are investing in cargo infrastructure such as automated loading systems, dedicated freighter aprons, and temperature-controlled storage. The rise of cross-border e-commerce and regional free trade agreements is contributing to more frequent, distributed cargo movements that require flexible aircraft routing and payload efficiency.

Growth in the Freighter Aircraft Market Is Driven by Several Factors…

Growth in the freighter aircraft market is driven by several factors including expanding global e-commerce volumes, increased use of aircraft conversion programs, and rising demand for resilient, time-sensitive logistics solutions. Growth in pharmaceutical, electronics, and perishable goods trade supports the need for high-speed, high-reliability cargo transport. Development of cost-efficient P2F programs enables rapid fleet expansion and fleet renewal without large capital expenditure. Fleet modernization trends toward fuel-efficient and lower-emission aircraft align with sustainability requirements and long-term cost control. Infrastructure investments in airport cargo capacity and regional connectivity further support operational scalability. As supply chains evolve to prioritize speed, visibility, and flexibility, freighter aircraft will remain central to global cargo movement strategies.

SCOPE OF STUDY:

The report analyzes the Freighter Aircrafts market in terms of units by the following Segments, and Geographic Regions/Countries:

Segments:
Aircraft Type (Dedicated Cargo Aircraft, Derivative of Non-cargo Aircraft); Engine (Turboprop Aircraft Engine, Turbofan Aircraft Engine)

Geographic Regions/Countries:
World; United States; Canada; Japan; China; Europe (France; Germany; Italy; United Kingdom; Spain; Russia; and Rest of Europe); Asia-Pacific (Australia; India; South Korea; and Rest of Asia-Pacific); Latin America (Argentina; Brazil; Mexico; and Rest of Latin America); Middle East (Iran; Israel; Saudi Arabia; United Arab Emirates; and Rest of Middle East); and Africa.

Select Competitors (Total 42 Featured) -

• Airbus SE (Freighter Division)
• Antonov Company
• ASL Aviation Holdings
• ATR (Avions de Transport Régional)
• Boeing (Freighter Aircraft)
• Bombardier Inc.
• Cessna (Textron Aviation)
• CMA CGM Air Cargo
• Embraer S.A.
• Ilyushin Aviation Complex
• Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI)
• Lockheed Martin
• Mitsubishi Heavy Industries (MHI)
• Northrop Grumman
• Precision Aircraft Solutions
• Saab AB
• Singapore Technologies Engineering (ST Engineering)
• Sukhoi Civil Aircraft
• Textron Aviation (freighters via Cessna/Beech)
• Tupolev (UAC)

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