Air Freight Sector Shows Strong Growth and Resilience Amid Challenges in 2026

The air freight industry has demonstrated remarkable growth and resilience in 2026, despite geopolitical tensions and soaring jet fuel prices. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), demand for air freight rose by 7.7% in September 2026 compared to the previous year, driven primarily by the need to transport high-tech products, pharmaceuticals, and booming e-commerce cargo. While air freight accounts for less than 1% of global trade volume, it carries over 30% of the value of traded goods worldwide, highlighting its critical role for high-value and time-sensitive shipments.

Major players in the industry have reported significant financial improvements: Lufthansa Cargo tripled its operating profit within a year, and Emirates experienced a 52% increase in freight revenue during the first half of the fiscal year. Airbus and Boeing forecast robust long-term prospects for the sector, with Airbus anticipating an expansion of the global cargo aircraft fleet by 46% from 2,360 planes in 2026 to 3,460 by 2045, while Boeing projects over 4,000 cargo planes by the same year.

The surge in demand is partly due to the rise of artificial intelligence and global data center construction, which has doubled the value of high-tech goods transported by air over three years, now making up 15% of total freight value. However, airlines face significant cost pressures, especially as jet fuel prices have more than doubled in just one year, challenging profitability despite the volume growth. Overall, the air freight market is positioned for continued expansion, balancing volume increases with operational cost management.