Thailand Air Cargo Market Report Size Share Growth Drivers Trends Opportunities & Forecast 2025–2030

Thailand air cargo market, valued at USD 1.28 billion, handles 1.2 million tons annually, with key drivers including e-commerce surge and airport expansions for enhanced capacity.

Region:Asia

Author(s):Geetanshi

Product Code:KRAA4473

Pages:80

Published On:January 2026

About the Report

Base Year 2024

Thailand Air Cargo Market Industry Analysis

Growth Drivers

  • Increasing E-commerce Demand:The Thai e-commerce market is projected to reach approximately THB 4 trillion (USD 120 billion) in the future, driven by a 20% annual growth rate. This surge in online shopping is significantly boosting air cargo demand, as businesses require rapid delivery solutions to meet consumer expectations. The rise in e-commerce platforms, such as Lazada and Shopee, is further propelling logistics needs, necessitating efficient air cargo services to facilitate timely shipments across the region.
  • Expansion of International Trade:Thailand's international trade volume is expected to exceed THB 22 trillion (USD 660 billion) in the future, reflecting a robust growth trajectory. The country's strategic location in Southeast Asia enhances its role as a logistics hub, facilitating trade with major partners like China, Japan, and the U.S. This expansion necessitates increased air cargo capacity to handle the growing volume of exports and imports, particularly in high-value goods such as electronics and perishables.
  • Infrastructure Development:The Thai government has allocated THB 1.8 trillion (USD 54 billion) for infrastructure projects, including airport expansions and upgrades to logistics facilities. Notable projects include the expansion of Suvarnabhumi Airport, which aims to increase cargo capacity by 50% in the future. Improved infrastructure will enhance connectivity and efficiency in air cargo operations, enabling faster transit times and better service quality, thus attracting more businesses to utilize air freight services.

Market Challenges

  • Regulatory Compliance Issues:The air cargo sector in Thailand faces stringent regulatory compliance requirements, including safety and security standards mandated by the Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand (CAAT). Non-compliance can lead to significant fines, operational delays, and loss of business. In the future, the government is expected to implement stricter regulations, which may increase the burden on air cargo operators, particularly smaller firms that may lack the resources to meet these demands effectively.
  • High Operational Costs:The operational costs for air cargo services in Thailand are rising, with fuel prices projected to average THB 35 per liter (USD 1.05) in the future. Additionally, labor costs are increasing due to a shortage of skilled workers in the logistics sector. These rising costs can squeeze profit margins for air cargo operators, making it challenging to remain competitive, especially against alternative transport modes like sea freight, which generally offers lower costs for bulk shipments.

Thailand Air Cargo Market Future Outlook

The Thailand air cargo market is poised for significant transformation, driven by technological advancements and evolving consumer preferences. The integration of automation and AI in logistics operations is expected to enhance efficiency and reduce costs. Furthermore, the increasing focus on sustainability will likely lead to the adoption of greener practices in air freight. As e-commerce continues to thrive, air cargo services will adapt to meet the demand for faster and more reliable delivery solutions, positioning the sector for robust growth in the coming years.

Market Opportunities

  • Growth in Cold Chain Logistics:The cold chain logistics market in Thailand is projected to reach THB 120 billion (USD 3.6 billion) in the future, driven by the increasing demand for perishable goods. This growth presents a significant opportunity for air cargo operators to expand their services in temperature-sensitive shipments, catering to sectors such as pharmaceuticals and food, which require reliable and efficient logistics solutions.
  • Development of Smart Logistics Solutions:The rise of smart logistics solutions, including IoT and blockchain technology, is set to revolutionize the air cargo industry in Thailand. In the future, investments in these technologies are expected to exceed THB 12 billion (USD 360 million), enhancing tracking, transparency, and efficiency in cargo handling. This trend will create opportunities for air cargo companies to differentiate themselves through improved service offerings and operational excellence.

Scope of the Report

SegmentSub-Segments
By Type

General Cargo

Perishable Goods

Pharmaceuticals

Hazardous Materials

Others

By End-User

Retail

Manufacturing

Healthcare

Automotive

Others

By Cargo Size

Small Packages

Medium Packages

Large Packages

Oversized Cargo

Others

By Delivery Speed

Same-Day Delivery

Next-Day Delivery

Standard Delivery

Scheduled Delivery

Others

By Geographic Coverage

Domestic

International

Regional

Global

Others

By Service Type

Express Services

Standard Services

Freight Forwarding

Charter Services

Others

By Packaging Type

Boxed

Palletized

Crated

Bulk

Others

Key Target Audience

Investors and Venture Capitalist Firms

Government and Regulatory Bodies (e.g., Civil Aviation Authority of Thailand, Ministry of Transport)

Air Cargo Service Providers

Logistics and Supply Chain Companies

Freight Forwarders

Customs Brokers

Airline Operators

Infrastructure Developers

Players Mentioned in the Report:

Thai Airways International Public Co. Ltd.

DHL Express (Thailand) Ltd.

Kuehne + Nagel Ltd.

FedEx Express (Thailand) Ltd.

UPS Thailand

DB Schenker Thailand

Nippon Express (Thailand) Co., Ltd.

CEVA Logistics Thailand

Agility Logistics Thailand

Yusen Logistics (Thailand) Co., Ltd.

Kerry Logistics Network Limited

Panalpina World Transport (Thailand) Ltd.

Toll Group Thailand

Sinotrans Limited

XPO Logistics Thailand

Table of Contents

Market Assessment Phase

1. Executive Summary and Approach


2. Thailand Air Cargo Market Overview

2.1 Key Insights and Strategic Recommendations

2.2 Thailand Air Cargo Market Overview

2.3 Definition and Scope

2.4 Evolution of Market Ecosystem

2.5 Timeline of Key Regulatory Milestones

2.6 Value Chain & Stakeholder Mapping

2.7 Business Cycle Analysis

2.8 Policy & Incentive Landscape


3. Thailand Air Cargo Market Analysis

3.1 Growth Drivers

3.1.1 Increasing E-commerce Demand
3.1.2 Expansion of International Trade
3.1.3 Infrastructure Development
3.1.4 Technological Advancements in Logistics

3.2 Market Challenges

3.2.1 Regulatory Compliance Issues
3.2.2 High Operational Costs
3.2.3 Limited Infrastructure in Remote Areas
3.2.4 Competition from Other Transport Modes

3.3 Market Opportunities

3.3.1 Growth in Cold Chain Logistics
3.3.2 Development of Smart Logistics Solutions
3.3.3 Partnerships with E-commerce Platforms
3.3.4 Expansion into Emerging Markets

3.4 Market Trends

3.4.1 Increasing Use of Drones for Delivery
3.4.2 Adoption of Sustainable Practices
3.4.3 Digital Transformation in Logistics
3.4.4 Growth of Last-Mile Delivery Services

3.5 Government Regulation

3.5.1 Air Cargo Security Regulations
3.5.2 Customs Clearance Procedures
3.5.3 Environmental Regulations
3.5.4 Licensing and Operational Permits

4. SWOT Analysis


5. Stakeholder Analysis


6. Porter's Five Forces Analysis


7. Thailand Air Cargo Market Market Size, 2019-2024

7.1 By Value

7.2 By Volume

7.3 By Average Selling Price


8. Thailand Air Cargo Market Segmentation

8.1 By Type

8.1.1 General Cargo
8.1.2 Perishable Goods
8.1.3 Pharmaceuticals
8.1.4 Hazardous Materials
8.1.5 Others

8.2 By End-User

8.2.1 Retail
8.2.2 Manufacturing
8.2.3 Healthcare
8.2.4 Automotive
8.2.5 Others

8.3 By Cargo Size

8.3.1 Small Packages
8.3.2 Medium Packages
8.3.3 Large Packages
8.3.4 Oversized Cargo
8.3.5 Others

8.4 By Delivery Speed

8.4.1 Same-Day Delivery
8.4.2 Next-Day Delivery
8.4.3 Standard Delivery
8.4.4 Scheduled Delivery
8.4.5 Others

8.5 By Geographic Coverage

8.5.1 Domestic
8.5.2 International
8.5.3 Regional
8.5.4 Global
8.5.5 Others

8.6 By Service Type

8.6.1 Express Services
8.6.2 Standard Services
8.6.3 Freight Forwarding
8.6.4 Charter Services
8.6.5 Others

8.7 By Packaging Type

8.7.1 Boxed
8.7.2 Palletized
8.7.3 Crated
8.7.4 Bulk
8.7.5 Others

9. Thailand Air Cargo Market Competitive Analysis

9.1 Market Share of Key Players

9.2 Cross Comparison of Key Players

9.2.1 Company Name
9.2.2 Group Size (Large, Medium, or Small as per industry convention)
9.2.3 Revenue Growth Rate
9.2.4 Customer Retention Rate
9.2.5 Average Delivery Time
9.2.6 Pricing Strategy
9.2.7 Market Penetration Rate
9.2.8 Operational Efficiency Ratio
9.2.9 Service Quality Index
9.2.10 Innovation Index

9.3 SWOT Analysis of Top Players

9.4 Pricing Analysis

9.5 Detailed Profile of Major Companies

9.5.1 Thai Airways International Public Co. Ltd.
9.5.2 DHL Express (Thailand) Ltd.
9.5.3 Kuehne + Nagel Ltd.
9.5.4 FedEx Express (Thailand) Ltd.
9.5.5 UPS Thailand
9.5.6 DB Schenker Thailand
9.5.7 Nippon Express (Thailand) Co., Ltd.
9.5.8 CEVA Logistics Thailand
9.5.9 Agility Logistics Thailand
9.5.10 Yusen Logistics (Thailand) Co., Ltd.
9.5.11 Kerry Logistics Network Limited
9.5.12 Panalpina World Transport (Thailand) Ltd.
9.5.13 Toll Group Thailand
9.5.14 Sinotrans Limited
9.5.15 XPO Logistics Thailand

10. Thailand Air Cargo Market End-User Analysis

10.1 Procurement Behavior of Key Ministries

10.1.1 Ministry of Transport
10.1.2 Ministry of Commerce
10.1.3 Ministry of Health
10.1.4 Ministry of Agriculture
10.1.5 Others

10.2 Corporate Spend on Infrastructure & Energy

10.2.1 Investment in Logistics Infrastructure
10.2.2 Spending on Technology Upgrades
10.2.3 Budget Allocation for Air Cargo Services
10.2.4 Expenditure on Training and Development
10.2.5 Others

10.3 Pain Point Analysis by End-User Category

10.3.1 Delays in Delivery
10.3.2 High Shipping Costs
10.3.3 Lack of Transparency
10.3.4 Limited Service Options
10.3.5 Others

10.4 User Readiness for Adoption

10.4.1 Awareness of Air Cargo Services
10.4.2 Willingness to Switch Providers
10.4.3 Readiness for Digital Solutions
10.4.4 Training Needs Assessment
10.4.5 Others

10.5 Post-Deployment ROI and Use Case Expansion

10.5.1 Measurement of Cost Savings
10.5.2 Evaluation of Service Improvements
10.5.3 Analysis of Customer Satisfaction
10.5.4 Identification of New Use Cases
10.5.5 Others

11. Thailand Air Cargo Market Future Size, 2025-2030

11.1 By Value

11.2 By Volume

11.3 By Average Selling Price


Go-To-Market Strategy Phase

1. Whitespace Analysis + Business Model Canvas

1.1 Market Gaps Identification

1.2 Value Proposition Development

1.3 Revenue Streams Analysis

1.4 Cost Structure Evaluation

1.5 Key Partnerships Exploration

1.6 Customer Segmentation

1.7 Channels of Distribution


2. Marketing and Positioning Recommendations

2.1 Branding Strategies

2.2 Product USPs

2.3 Target Market Identification

2.4 Communication Strategy

2.5 Digital Marketing Tactics


3. Distribution Plan

3.1 Urban Retail Strategies

3.2 Rural NGO Tie-ups

3.3 Logistics Partnerships

3.4 Distribution Channels Optimization


4. Channel & Pricing Gaps

4.1 Underserved Routes Analysis

4.2 Pricing Bands Evaluation

4.3 Competitor Pricing Comparison


5. Unmet Demand & Latent Needs

5.1 Category Gaps Identification

5.2 Consumer Segments Analysis

5.3 Future Demand Projections


6. Customer Relationship

6.1 Loyalty Programs Development

6.2 After-sales Service Strategies

6.3 Customer Feedback Mechanisms


7. Value Proposition

7.1 Sustainability Initiatives

7.2 Integrated Supply Chains

7.3 Competitive Advantages


8. Key Activities

8.1 Regulatory Compliance

8.2 Branding Initiatives

8.3 Distribution Setup


9. Entry Strategy Evaluation

9.1 Domestic Market Entry Strategy

9.1.1 Product Mix Considerations
9.1.2 Pricing Band Strategy
9.1.3 Packaging Solutions

9.2 Export Entry Strategy

9.2.1 Target Countries Analysis
9.2.2 Compliance Roadmap Development

10. Entry Mode Assessment

10.1 Joint Ventures

10.2 Greenfield Investments

10.3 Mergers & Acquisitions

10.4 Distributor Model Evaluation


11. Capital and Timeline Estimation

11.1 Capital Requirements Analysis

11.2 Timelines for Implementation


12. Control vs Risk Trade-Off

12.1 Ownership vs Partnerships

12.2 Risk Management Strategies


13. Profitability Outlook

13.1 Breakeven Analysis

13.2 Long-term Sustainability Strategies


14. Potential Partner List

14.1 Distributors Identification

14.2 Joint Ventures Opportunities

14.3 Acquisition Targets


15. Execution Roadmap

15.1 Phased Plan for Market Entry

15.1.1 Market Setup
15.1.2 Market Entry
15.1.3 Growth Acceleration
15.1.4 Scale & Stabilize

15.2 Key Activities and Milestones

15.2.1 Milestone Planning
15.2.2 Activity Tracking

Research Methodology

ApproachModellingSample

Phase 1: Approach1

Desk Research

  • Analysis of trade statistics from the Thai Customs Department and international trade databases
  • Review of industry reports from logistics associations and air cargo stakeholders
  • Examination of government publications on transportation infrastructure and air cargo regulations

Primary Research

  • Interviews with executives from major air cargo carriers operating in Thailand
  • Surveys with freight forwarders and logistics service providers to gather operational insights
  • Field interviews with airport authorities and cargo terminal operators to understand capacity and challenges

Validation & Triangulation

  • Cross-validation of findings through multiple data sources, including trade volumes and economic indicators
  • Triangulation of qualitative insights from interviews with quantitative data from desk research
  • Sanity checks through expert panel reviews comprising industry veterans and academic professionals

Phase 2: Market Size Estimation1

Top-down Assessment

  • Estimation of total air cargo market size based on national logistics expenditure and air transport statistics
  • Segmentation of the market by key industries such as electronics, pharmaceuticals, and perishables
  • Incorporation of growth trends influenced by e-commerce and international trade agreements

Bottom-up Modeling

  • Collection of volume data from leading air cargo operators and freight forwarders
  • Analysis of pricing structures and service offerings to estimate revenue generation
  • Calculation of market size based on operational metrics such as tonnage and freight rates

Forecasting & Scenario Analysis

  • Development of forecasting models using historical growth rates and economic indicators
  • Scenario analysis based on potential regulatory changes and global market dynamics
  • Creation of baseline, optimistic, and pessimistic forecasts through 2030

Phase 3: CATI Sample Composition1

Scope Item/SegmentSample SizeTarget Respondent Profiles
Air Cargo Operations100Airline Cargo Managers, Operations Directors
Freight Forwarding Services80Logistics Coordinators, Freight Managers
Regulatory Compliance in Air Cargo60Compliance Officers, Regulatory Affairs Managers
Cold Chain Logistics for Pharmaceuticals70Pharmaceutical Logistics Managers, Quality Assurance Heads
E-commerce Air Freight Solutions90E-commerce Logistics Managers, Supply Chain Analysts

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the current value of the Thailand Air Cargo Market?

The Thailand Air Cargo Market is valued at approximately USD 1.28 billion, driven by increasing e-commerce demand, international trade expansion, and enhanced air freight services. The market is experiencing significant growth due to Thailand's strategic location in Southeast Asia.

Which airports are key players in the Thailand Air Cargo Market?

What are the main segments of the Thailand Air Cargo Market?

How is the Thailand Air Cargo Market expected to grow in the future?

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