Top 10 Air Freight Companies Driving Cargo Demand in 2026

The global air freight market reached a volume of 122.83 MMT in 2025 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 12.00% from 2026 to 2035, reaching a volume of 381.49 MMT by 2035. As per the analysis by Expert Market Research, the market is expected to be driven by technological advancements and increase in e-commerce goods trade.

Air  freight package delivery refers to the transportation and circulation of goods by an air carrier which can be commercial or charter, that may leave from hubs for both passenger and cargo aviation. It arrives where aircraft can take off and land. Airfreight is a feasible option to facilitate time-definite shipments to anywhere in the world, with quick delivery alternatives. This can benefit small and intermediate businesses as it enables them quickly and conveniently to participate in international trade.

Companies in express and third-party logistics are expanding their base to offer air cargo services, including complete supply chain management and logistics solutions. They enable businesses to optimize time and cost as perishable commodities, fragile, and high-value items that quickly need to be shipped to vast distances without additional packaging can be transported through air freight.

The air freight market growth is mostly driven by the growing need for quick and effective cross-border goods transportation, the developing e-commerce industry, the rise in international import and export of commodities, and the ongoing development of technology.

Technological advancements are contributing to the global air freight market share. For instance, in order to provide near real-time location of high-value cargo and tracking of the commodity as it moves from one airport to another, Cathay Pacific Cargo, under its Ultra Track cargo tracking service, has deployed Descartes CORE Tracking Bluetooth Low Energy readers, tags, and the network at various airports worldwide. This has increased customer satisfaction and decreased costs.

Latest Updates on Top Air Freight Companies 2026

In July 2026, DHL Group raised its full-year 2026 earnings guidance to more than EUR 6.5 billion after strong second-quarter results, supported by air freight capacity constraints and returning weight growth at DHL Express.

In July 2026, Kuehne+Nagel reported a strong second quarter, with Air Logistics EBIT surging 35 percent to CHF 154 million, and raised its full-year 2026 profit outlook.

In July 2026, Cargolux agreed to purchase four Boeing 747-400 freighters from China Airlines to bridge capacity amid delays to its Boeing 777-8F order.

In June 2026, FedEx completed the spin-off of FedEx Freight into an independent publicly traded company and reported fiscal 2026 revenue of USD 94.7 billion.

In April 2026, Nippon Express opened its Quang Minh Logistics Center in Hanoi, obtaining a container freight station license to strengthen its air cargo handling in northern Vietnam.

In March 2026, Hellmann formed a new joint venture with Samvardhana Motherson International to create a global automotive logistics company and appointed a new chief commercial officer.

Top Air Freight Companies in the World

1. Deutsche  Post AG

DHL Group is the number one logistics company in the world. The group connects people and markets and enables international trade. In order to achieve that, DHL Group is accelerating digitalization in all business units while focusing on further strengthening its profitable core logistics businesses. The company is the expert provider of corporate communication solutions, press distribution, and dialogue marketing. It maintains a nationwide distribution and transport network. it also provides commercial services to clients in the USA, the Netherlands, the UK, and Spain, amongst other crucial domestic mail markets. In July 2026, DHL Group raised its full-year 2026 earnings guidance to more than EUR 6.5 billion after strong second-quarter results, supported by air freight capacity constraints and returning weight growth at DHL Express.

2. United  Parcel Service of America, Inc

UPS is the world's largest package delivery company and a leading global provider of specialized transportation and logistics. Under the worldwide brand of UPS, they are the largest single entity operating an alternative fuel vehicle fleet and amongst the most prominent airlines. Therefore, each working day, they deliver shipments from more than 1.6 million shipping customers to 10.2 million receiving customers across over 200 countries and territories. Their average daily package delivery in 2023 was 22.3 million pieces. In July 2026, UPS raised its full-year 2026 guidance to about USD 91.2 billion in revenue, reporting a 12.5 percent rise in second-quarter international revenue.

3. FedEx Corp

FedEx offers a global range of shipping, transportation, e-commerce, and business services that help connect people and possibilities. It offers integrated business applications through the collectively managed operating companies, collectively serving customers with excellent service. FedEx encouraged more than 5,75,000 team members around the globe to have a razor-sharp focus on safety, the highest ethical and professional standards, and the needs of their communities and customers. It is through the 500,000 global team members providing best-in-class customer service that helps in leading the industry. In June 2026, FedEx completed the spin-off of FedEx Freight into an independent publicly traded company and reported fiscal 2026 revenue of USD 94.7 billion.

4. The Emirates  Group

Skycargo, airfreight branch of Emirates, is one of the biggest international cargos airlines globally. They have their operations center at Dubai International Airport and Dubai World Central. Emirates SkyCentral has their world's supply chains through more than 300 destinations spread across 80 countries and 6 continents. Their position allows them to assist in conducting business more quickly and effectively. They have connected individuals with the things that are important for them by offering a variety of destinations. In 2026, Emirates SkyCargo outlined plans to add up to 10 Boeing 777 freighters, aiming to operate at least 21 777Fs by year-end to expand its global air cargo capacity.

5. Cargolux  International Airlines S.A.

Cargolux is one of the world's largest all-cargo airlines in Europe. Cargolux assures its products, from standard cargo to special cargo that require careful handling, keen detail, and professional handling. They have very highly trained personnel who meet the requirements of even the most demanding of clients. Cargolux has excellent scheduled and charter air freight services which operate throughout the world. They have pricing services for moving precious and urgent commodities to more than 90 destinations. In July 2026, Cargolux agreed to purchase four Boeing 747-400 freighters from China Airlines to bridge capacity amid delays to its Boeing 777-8F order.

6. DB Schenker (part of DSV)

DB Schenker is a leader in logistics and transportation on a global scale. They are known for their commitment in helping companies and sectors trade goods around the whole world. From land transportation to air and ocean freight, contract logistics, and supply chain management, at every stage of the supply chain, they use their comprehensive approach to be successful. They are located at a pivotal juncture, where the needs of industry and the flow of products converge. In July 2026, DB Schenker, now part of DSV, contributed to DSV's record quarterly EBIT as its integration progressed across more than 60 countries.

7. Nippon Express Co., Ltd.

The Nippon Express Group, by leveraging its expertise in logistics, was established with the purpose of connecting people, companies, and areas. They have consistently promoted societal progress. Their objective is to move forward to meet the shifting requirements of the globe. They provide cutting-edge solutions at the cutting edge of logistics, without sacrificing safety and keeping a close eye on environmental concerns. In April 2026, Nippon Express opened its Quang Minh Logistics Center in Hanoi, obtaining a container freight station license to strengthen its air cargo handling in northern Vietnam.

8. Kuehne +Nagel International AG

Kuehne+Nagel Group is one of the top logistics companies in the world. They are dominating in contract and road logistics and are also leading the world in air and sea logistics. Kuehne+Nagel has been chosen as a logistics partner by 400,000 clients as their logistics partner of choice. They also offer end-to-end supply chain solutions through its extensive worldwide network to multinational businesses and sectors. In July 2026, Kuehne+Nagel reported a strong second quarter, with Air Logistics EBIT surging 35 percent to CHF 154 million, and raised its full-year 2026 profit outlook.

9. DSV  A/S

DSV is known for maintaining supply networks in a constantly changing world. They deliver and oversee supply chain solutions for thousands of organizations, which can range in size from tiny, family-run enterprises to major international conglomerates. With their first-rate Air Charter Network, they offer cargo capacity and with their virtual cargo airline customers can transport valuable items anywhere in the globe. In July 2026, DSV reported record quarterly EBIT before special items of DKK 6,255 million, with its DB Schenker integration progressing across more than 60 countries.

10. Hellmann Worldwide Logistics SE & Co. KG

Hellmann has grown to be one of the biggest suppliers of global logistics. They offer some best solutions for their customers' complicated logistics needs with their high-performance goods through road & rail, airfreight, and contract logistics. They have cutting-edge digital technologies which provide maximum transparency and more effective supply chains. They offer top-notch airfreight services globally through their airfreight network, made up of a well-balanced arrangement of gateways in important markets and local operations. In March 2026, Hellmann formed a new joint venture with Samvardhana Motherson International to create a global automotive logistics company and appointed a new chief commercial officer.