Global Freighter Aircraft Market Growth, Share, Size, Trends and Forecast (2025 - 2031)

In this report, the Freighter Aircraft Market has been segmented by Capacity Type, Aircraft Type, Engine Type, Application, and Geography.

Freighter Aircraft Market, Segmentation by Capacity Type

The Freighter Aircraft Market has been segmented by Capacity Type into Narrow Body , Wide Body , and Regional Aircraft.

Narrow Body

The narrow body segment dominates the freighter aircraft market, accounting for approximately 55% share. This segment is favored for regional cargo transport and last-mile delivery due to its cost efficiency and ability to operate on shorter runways. Growing e-commerce and express delivery services are driving demand.

Wide Body

The wide body segment holds about 35% share of the market. Known for its large cargo capacity and long-haul range, this segment is essential for intercontinental freight transport and heavy cargo shipments. Increasing global trade and demand for rapid logistics support its growth.

Regional Aircraft

The regional aircraft segment accounts for approximately 10% share. These smaller freighters are used primarily for short-haul routes and specialized cargo deliveries. Rising demand in emerging markets and niche logistics applications are contributing to this segment’s expansion.

Freighter Aircraft Market, Segmentation by Aircraft Type

The Freighter Aircraft Market has been segmented by Aircraft Type into OEM Configured and Passenger to Freighter converted.

OEM Configured

The OEM configured segment leads the freighter aircraft market, holding approximately 60% share. These aircraft are purpose-built for cargo operations by original equipment manufacturers, offering enhanced payload capacity, fuel efficiency, and operational reliability. Growing demand for new freighter aircraft in logistics and e-commerce sectors is driving this segment.

Passenger to Freighter Converted

The passenger to freighter converted segment accounts for about 40% share of the market. Conversion of retired passenger aircraft into cargo planes provides a cost-effective alternative, enabling quick capacity expansion. Increasing cargo volumes and rising preference for flexible fleet management are fueling growth in this segment.

Freighter Aircraft Market, Segmentation by Engine Type

The Freighter Aircraft Market has been segmented by Engine Type into Turboprop and Turbofan.

Turboprop

The turboprop segment holds approximately 35% share of the freighter aircraft market. Known for its fuel efficiency and excellent performance on short-haul routes, turboprop engines are widely used in regional cargo transport and express delivery. Their ability to operate on shorter runways makes them ideal for serving remote areas.

Turbofan

The turbofan segment dominates the market with about 65% share. Turbofan engines offer superior speed, range, and payload capacity, making them suitable for long-haul freight operations and heavy cargo transport. Increasing global trade and demand for fast, efficient logistics are driving growth in this segment.

Freighter Aircraft Market, Segmentation by Application

The Freighter Aircraft Market has been segmented by Application into Commercial and Military.

Commercial

The commercial segment dominates the freighter aircraft market, accounting for approximately 75% share. This growth is driven by expanding e-commerce logistics, increased demand for express delivery, and the need for efficient air cargo transportation. Airlines and logistics companies are investing heavily in upgrading their cargo fleets to meet rising demand.

Military

The military segment holds about 25% share of the market. Military freighter aircraft are essential for strategic airlift, troop deployment, and logistical support during defense operations. Growing defense budgets and modernization programs contribute to steady demand in this segment.

Freighter Aircraft Market, Segmentation by Geography

In this report, the Freighter Aircraft Market has been segmented by Geography into five regions; North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa and Latin America.

Freighter Aircraft Market Share (%), by Geographical Region

North America

North America leads the freighter aircraft market with an estimated 40% share. The region benefits from a well-established air cargo infrastructure, strong presence of major freight airlines, and increasing demand for express delivery services. The U.S. and Canada drive market growth with ongoing fleet expansions and modernization.

Europe

Europe holds about 25% share of the market. Growing e-commerce, development of advanced logistics hubs, and investments in air cargo modernization contribute to the region’s market expansion. Key countries include Germany, the UK, and France.

Asia Pacific

Asia Pacific accounts for approximately 20% of the freighter aircraft market. Rapid industrialization, increasing international trade, and expanding air freight networks in China, India, Japan, and Southeast Asian countries drive demand.

Middle East and Africa

The Middle East and Africa region contributes around 10% to the market. Strategic location as a global logistics hub, investments in cargo airports, and rising trade activities support market growth in countries like the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and South Africa.

Latin America

Latin America holds an estimated 5% share of the freighter aircraft market. Growing air cargo demand, expanding e-commerce, and infrastructure development in Brazil, Mexico, and Argentina are key growth drivers in this region.

This report provides an in depth analysis of various factors that impact the dynamics of Global Freighter Aircraft Market.

Drivers:

• Rapid Growth of E-commerce Activities
• Expansion of Global Trade Relationships
• Fleet Expansion by Airlines

• Regulatory Support: Regulatory support plays a crucial role in shaping the Global Freighter Aircraft Market, providing a framework for safety, security, and efficiency in cargo transportation operations. Regulatory bodies such as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the United States and the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) in Europe establish and enforce standards and guidelines that govern the design, operation, and maintenance of freighter aircraft. These regulations ensure that freighter aircraft meet stringent safety requirements, including structural integrity, performance capabilities, and emergency procedures, to mitigate risks associated with cargo transportation.

  Regulatory support extends to airspace management and air traffic control, facilitating the safe and efficient movement of freighter aircraft within national and international airspace. Air navigation service providers (ANSPs) work closely with regulatory authorities to develop and implement airspace regulations, air traffic management procedures, and navigation technologies that optimize airspace utilization and minimize congestion. By ensuring smooth and coordinated air traffic operations, regulatory support enhances the overall efficiency and reliability of freighter aircraft operations, reducing delays and enhancing the predictability of cargo transportation schedules.

  Regulatory initiatives promote environmental sustainability and emissions reduction in the freighter aircraft market. Regulatory bodies worldwide impose emissions standards and environmental regulations that aim to reduce the carbon footprint of air cargo transportation. These standards drive technological advancements in aircraft design, propulsion systems, and operational practices to improve fuel efficiency and reduce emissions. Incentive programs, such as emissions trading schemes and carbon offsetting initiatives, encourage airlines and cargo carriers to adopt eco-friendly practices and invest in sustainable aviation technologies. Regulatory support for environmental stewardship not only benefits the environment but also fosters innovation and competitiveness in the global freighter aircraft market.

Restraints:

• Trade Barriers and Tariffs

• Infrastructure Limitations: Infrastructure limitations represent a significant challenge that can impede the growth and efficiency of cargo transportation operations. Infrastructure limitations encompass various factors such as airport capacity constraints, inadequate cargo handling facilities, and limited ground transportation networks. These limitations can hinder the smooth flow of cargo operations, leading to delays, inefficiencies, and increased operational costs for cargo carriers and logistics operators. In regions where airports lack sufficient capacity to handle large volumes of cargo or lack modern cargo handling facilities, the ability to accommodate freighter aircraft and efficiently process cargo shipments may be compromised.

  Airport capacity constraints are a common infrastructure limitation faced by cargo carriers operating in congested air transport hubs. Limited runway capacity, aircraft parking space, and terminal facilities can restrict the number of freighter aircraft that can operate at a given airport simultaneously. This can result in congestion, longer turnaround times, and increased waiting times for cargo aircraft, affecting the overall efficiency of cargo operations. Inadequate cargo handling facilities, such as outdated or undersized warehouses, can further exacerbate congestion issues and lead to logistical bottlenecks in the cargo supply chain.

  Limited ground transportation networks connecting airports to distribution centers and industrial zones can pose challenges for the timely delivery and pickup of cargo shipments. Insufficient road and rail infrastructure, as well as traffic congestion, can impede the smooth movement of goods to and from airports, causing delays in cargo handling and distribution. Addressing infrastructure limitations requires collaboration between government authorities, airport operators, and logistics stakeholders to invest in the expansion and modernization of airport facilities, cargo handling infrastructure, and transportation networks. By improving infrastructure capabilities, stakeholders can enhance the efficiency and reliability of freighter aircraft operations, supporting the growth of the global freighter aircraft market and facilitating the seamless movement of goods in the global economy.

Opportunities:

• E-commerce Expansion
• Fleet Modernization
• Express Cargo Services

• Air Freight Capacity Shortage: Due to an air freight capacity shortage, which has been exacerbated by various factors. One of the primary drivers of this shortage is the unprecedented surge in demand for air cargo services, particularly in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. With disruptions to supply chains and logistical networks, businesses worldwide have increasingly turned to air freight to meet their transportation needs, resulting in a surge in cargo volumes. The surge in demand has outpaced the available capacity, leading to a shortage of freighter aircraft and limited availability for cargo transportation.

  The grounding of passenger aircraft has significantly impacted air cargo capacity. Many passenger airlines operate a significant portion of their cargo capacity in the belly holds of passenger aircraft. With the drastic reduction in passenger flights due to travel restrictions and decreased demand for air travel during the pandemic, the available belly cargo capacity has been significantly reduced. Businesses reliant on air cargo services have faced challenges in securing transportation for their goods, leading to delays and disruptions in supply chains.

  The air freight capacity shortage has been further compounded by logistical challenges and operational constraints. Limited airport infrastructure, congestion at cargo terminals, and regulatory restrictions have all contributed to the capacity crunch. The imbalance in cargo flows, with certain regions experiencing higher demand for imports than exports, has led to capacity shortages in specific routes and markets. Addressing the air freight capacity shortage requires a concerted effort from stakeholders across the industry, including airlines, freight forwarders, and regulatory authorities, to optimize existing capacity, invest in infrastructure upgrades, and develop innovative solutions to meet the growing demand for air cargo transportation.

Key players in Global Freighter Aircraft Market include

• The Boeing Company
• Airbus SE
• Textron Inc.
• Aviation Industry Corporation of China
• ATR
• KF Aerospace
• Singapore Technologies Engineering Ltd
• Aeronautical Engineers Inc.
• Precision Aircraft Solution
• Israel Aerospace Industries Ltd

In this report, the profile of each market player provides following information:

• Company Overview and Product Portfolio
• Key Developments
• Financial Overview
• Strategies
• Company SWOT Analysis