Industry Overview
The air freight industry in Europe occupies a pivotal place in today’s logistics landscape. Whether moving high-value electronics, perishable goods, or time-critical components, air cargo helps form the backbone of modern supply chains. With the European Union and neighbouring economies undergoing shifts in trade flows, manufacturing patterns and consumer behaviour, air freight remains a crucial transport backbone.

Market Outlook
Forecasts suggest that the Europe air freight market will grow steadily, from about USD 39.7 billion in 2024 to around USD 80.3 billion by 2035—implying a CAGR of 6.6%. This growth reflects a renewed emphasis on speed, reliability and flexibility in logistics, and signals ample opportunity for providers prepared to evolve.

Key Players
Major freight integrators and forwarding companies drive market competition and innovation. DHL Global Forwarding (Germany), Kuehne + Nagel (Switzerland), FedEx and UPS remain significant players. Others—such as DB Schenker, Geodis, Hellmann Worldwide Logistics—play strategic and niche roles in country corridors and specialised air-cargo services.

Segmentation & Growth
In terms of type, the international air freight segment is in the lead, propelled by global trade and cross-border e-commerce flows. Service-wise, door-to-door shipments outpace traditional airport-to-airport services in growth rate, thanks to end-customer demands and full supply-chain visibility. Regionally, Germany stands out as the largest market with ~25.3% of share, anchored by its strong economy and extensive airport network.

Conclusion
The next decade promises evolution more than mere expansion. Air freight providers will need to embrace digitalisation, agile supply-chains and eco-friendly operations. Those who succeed will not only ride the growth wave but help redefine logistics norms in Europe and beyond.