US Freighter Aircraft Market

The US Freighter Aircraft Market, valued at USD 5 billion, is growing due to e-commerce logistics, global trade, and technological advancements in aircraft design.

Region:North America

Author(s):Shubham

Product Code:KRAD0714

Pages:93

Published On:August 2025

About the Report

Base Year 2024

US Freighter Aircraft Market Overview

  • The US Freighter Aircraft Market is valued at USD 5 billion, based on a five-year historical analysis. This growth is primarily driven by the increasing demand for e-commerce logistics, which has accelerated the need for efficient air cargo solutions. Additionally, the rise in global trade and the expansion of supply chains have further fueled the market's growth, as businesses seek faster delivery options to meet consumer expectations.
  • Key players in this market include major integrators and cargo airlines. The US dominates the market due to its extensive logistics infrastructure, advanced technology, and a high concentration of leading freight carriers. China follows closely, driven by its manufacturing capabilities and growing e-commerce sector, while Germany serves as a critical hub for European logistics.
  • In 2023, the US government implemented regulations to enhance air cargo security, mandating that all freighter aircraft undergo rigorous screening processes. This regulation aims to ensure the safety of air cargo operations and protect against potential threats, thereby increasing operational costs but also enhancing the overall reliability of air freight services.
US Freighter Aircraft Market Size

US Freighter Aircraft Market Segmentation

By Type:The market is segmented into various types of freighter aircraft, including narrowbody freighters, widebody freighters, regional/feeders, converted passenger-to-freighter (P2F), and factory-built/dedicated freighters. Among these, narrowbody freighters are gaining traction due to their operational efficiency and lower costs, making them a preferred choice for regional and short-haul operations. Widebody freighters, on the other hand, dominate long-haul routes, catering to the growing demand for international cargo transport.

US Freighter Aircraft Market segmentation by Type.

By Operator Type:The operator type segmentation includes integrated express carriers, ACMI/charter operators, regional feeder cargo operators, and government/defense and humanitarian lift. Integrated express carriers dominate the market due to their extensive networks and ability to provide fast delivery services. The rise of e-commerce has further solidified their position, as they are equipped to handle high volumes of packages efficiently.

US Freighter Aircraft Market segmentation by Operator Type.

US Freighter Aircraft Market Competitive Landscape

The US Freighter Aircraft Market is characterized by a dynamic mix of regional and international players. Leading participants such as FedEx Express (FedEx Corporation), UPS Airlines (United Parcel Service, Inc.), Amazon Air (Prime Air), Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings, Inc., Air Transport Services Group, Inc. (ATSG), Kalitta Air, LLC, Western Global Airlines, LLC, Ameriflight, LLC, Empire Airlines, Inc., Sun Country Airlines (cargo operations for Amazon), DHL Express (DHL Aviation / Southern Air legacy operations), The Boeing Company (freighter OEM & BCF programs), Airbus S.A.S. (A330P2F/A321P2F programs), Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI Bedek Aviation Group), Aeronautical Engineers, Inc. (AEI) contribute to innovation, geographic expansion, and service delivery in this space.

FedEx Express

1971

Memphis, Tennessee, USA

UPS Airlines

1988

Louisville, Kentucky, USA

Amazon Air

2016

Hebron, Kentucky, USA

Atlas Air Worldwide

1992

Purchase, New York, USA

Air Transport Services Group

1980

Wilmington, Ohio, USA

Company

Establishment Year

Headquarters

Fleet Size (aircraft count)

Freighter Mix (% narrowbody / widebody / regional)

Average Fleet Age (years)

Annual Block Hours per Aircraft (utilization)

Load Factor / LF (by RTK or FTK)

On?Time Performance (OTP, %)

US Freighter Aircraft Market Industry Analysis

Growth Drivers

  • Increasing E-commerce Demand:The US e-commerce market is projected to reach $1.3 trillion in future, driving the need for efficient air cargo solutions. With online retail sales expected to grow by 15% annually, logistics companies are investing in freighter aircraft to meet delivery expectations. This surge in demand for rapid shipping services is compelling operators to expand their fleets, thereby enhancing the freighter aircraft market's growth potential significantly.
  • Expansion of Global Trade:The US's total exports are anticipated to reach $2 trillion in future, reflecting a 5% increase from previous years. This growth in international trade necessitates robust air cargo capabilities to transport goods swiftly across borders. As businesses seek to capitalize on global markets, the demand for freighter aircraft will rise, supporting the logistics infrastructure essential for efficient trade operations.
  • Technological Advancements in Aircraft Design:Innovations in aircraft technology are leading to the development of more efficient freighter models. For instance, the introduction of composite materials and advanced aerodynamics is expected to reduce operational costs by up to 20% in future. These advancements not only enhance fuel efficiency but also improve payload capacity, making modern freighter aircraft more attractive to operators looking to optimize their logistics operations.

Market Challenges

  • High Initial Investment Costs:The average cost of a new freighter aircraft can exceed $100 million, posing a significant barrier for many operators. This high capital requirement limits entry into the market, particularly for smaller logistics companies. As a result, the financial burden associated with acquiring and maintaining a fleet can hinder overall market growth, especially in a competitive environment where cost efficiency is crucial.
  • Regulatory Compliance Complexity:The US aviation industry is subject to stringent regulations, with the FAA overseeing safety and operational standards. Compliance with these regulations often requires substantial investment in training and technology, which can be a challenge for operators. In future, the cost of compliance is projected to rise by 10%, further complicating operational budgets and potentially stalling fleet expansion efforts in the freighter aircraft market.

US Freighter Aircraft Market Future Outlook

The US freighter aircraft market is poised for significant transformation as e-commerce continues to reshape logistics. With advancements in technology and a growing emphasis on sustainability, operators are likely to adopt more efficient aircraft designs and sustainable fuels. Additionally, the increasing demand for last-mile delivery services will drive innovation in fleet management and operational efficiency. As the market adapts to these trends, stakeholders can expect enhanced collaboration and investment opportunities that will redefine the competitive landscape.

Market Opportunities

  • Growth in Last-Mile Delivery Services:The last-mile delivery segment is projected to grow to $100 billion in future, creating a substantial opportunity for freighter aircraft operators. This growth is driven by consumer demand for faster delivery times, prompting logistics companies to invest in dedicated freighter services to enhance their operational capabilities and meet customer expectations effectively.
  • Development of Sustainable Aviation Fuels:The market for sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs) is expected to reach $15 billion in future, driven by regulatory pressures and environmental concerns. As airlines and logistics companies increasingly adopt SAFs, the freighter aircraft market will benefit from reduced emissions and improved public perception, positioning operators favorably in a competitive landscape focused on sustainability.

Scope of the Report

SegmentSub-Segments
By Type

Narrowbody Freighters (e.g., 737-800BCF, 757-200PF/PCF)

Widebody Freighters (e.g., 767-300F/BCF, 777F, A330-200/300P2F)

Regional/Feeder Freighters (e.g., ATR 72/42F, Cessna 208B Caravan)

Converted Passenger-to-Freighter (P2F)

Factory-Built/Dedicated Freighters

By Operator Type

Integrated Express Carriers (e.g., FedEx, UPS, Amazon Air contractors)

ACMI/Charter Operators

Regional Feeder Cargo Operators

Government/Defense and Humanitarian Lift

By Payload Class

Light: Up to 5 tons

Medium: >5 to 20 tons

Heavy: >20 to 60 tons

Super Heavy: Above 60 tons

By Range Capability

Short-Haul: Up to 1,500 nm

Medium-Haul: 1,501–3,500 nm

Long-Haul: Above 3,500 nm

By Acquisition Channel

Direct OEM Purchase

Passenger-to-Freighter Conversions (via STC providers)

Operating Lease/ACMI

By Maintenance Scope

Airframe & Heavy Checks (C/D checks)

Engine & APU MRO

Components & Modifications (e.g., cargo door, floor strengthening)

By Financing Structure

Operating Lease

Finance Lease

Direct Purchase (Cash/Loan)

Sale-Leaseback

Key Target Audience

Investors and Venture Capitalist Firms

Government and Regulatory Bodies (e.g., Federal Aviation Administration, Department of Transportation)

Freight and Logistics Companies

Aerospace Manufacturers

Air Cargo Service Providers

Airline Operators

Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul (MRO) Service Providers

Insurance Companies Specializing in Aviation

Players Mentioned in the Report:

FedEx Express (FedEx Corporation)

UPS Airlines (United Parcel Service, Inc.)

Amazon Air (Prime Air)

Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings, Inc.

Air Transport Services Group, Inc. (ATSG)

Kalitta Air, LLC

Western Global Airlines, LLC

Ameriflight, LLC

Empire Airlines, Inc.

Sun Country Airlines (cargo operations for Amazon)

DHL Express (DHL Aviation / Southern Air legacy operations)

The Boeing Company (freighter OEM & BCF programs)

Airbus S.A.S. (A330P2F/A321P2F programs)

Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI Bedek Aviation Group)

Aeronautical Engineers, Inc. (AEI)

Table of Contents

Market Assessment Phase

1. Executive Summary and Approach


2. US Freighter Aircraft Market Overview

2.1 Key Insights and Strategic Recommendations

2.2 US Freighter Aircraft 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. US Freighter Aircraft Market Analysis

3.1 Growth Drivers

3.1.1 Increasing E-commerce Demand
3.1.2 Expansion of Global Trade
3.1.3 Technological Advancements in Aircraft Design
3.1.4 Rising Fuel Efficiency Standards

3.2 Market Challenges

3.2.1 High Initial Investment Costs
3.2.2 Regulatory Compliance Complexity
3.2.3 Limited Availability of Skilled Workforce
3.2.4 Fluctuating Fuel Prices

3.3 Market Opportunities

3.3.1 Growth in Last-Mile Delivery Services
3.3.2 Increasing Demand for Air Cargo Services
3.3.3 Development of Sustainable Aviation Fuels
3.3.4 Expansion into Emerging Markets

3.4 Market Trends

3.4.1 Shift Towards Automation in Operations
3.4.2 Increasing Focus on Sustainability
3.4.3 Adoption of Advanced Analytics for Fleet Management
3.4.4 Growth of Charter Services

3.5 Government Regulation

3.5.1 FAA Regulations on Aircraft Safety
3.5.2 Environmental Regulations on Emissions
3.5.3 Import Tariffs on Aircraft Components
3.5.4 Subsidies for Sustainable Aviation Initiatives

4. SWOT Analysis


5. Stakeholder Analysis


6. Porter's Five Forces Analysis


7. US Freighter Aircraft Market Market Size, 2019-2024

7.1 By Value

7.2 By Volume

7.3 By Average Selling Price


8. US Freighter Aircraft Market Segmentation

8.1 By Type

8.1.1 Narrowbody Freighters (e.g., 737-800BCF, 757-200PF/PCF)
8.1.2 Widebody Freighters (e.g., 767-300F/BCF, 777F, A330-200/300P2F)
8.1.3 Regional/Feeder Freighters (e.g., ATR 72/42F, Cessna 208B Caravan)
8.1.4 Converted Passenger-to-Freighter (P2F)
8.1.5 Factory-Built/Dedicated Freighters

8.2 By Operator Type

8.2.1 Integrated Express Carriers (e.g., FedEx, UPS, Amazon Air contractors)
8.2.2 ACMI/Charter Operators
8.2.3 Regional Feeder Cargo Operators
8.2.4 Government/Defense and Humanitarian Lift

8.3 By Payload Class

8.3.1 Light: Up to 5 tons
8.3.2 Medium: >5 to 20 tons
8.3.3 Heavy: >20 to 60 tons
8.3.4 Super Heavy: Above 60 tons

8.4 By Range Capability

8.4.1 Short-Haul: Up to 1,500 nm
8.4.2 Medium-Haul: 1,501–3,500 nm
8.4.3 Long-Haul: Above 3,500 nm

8.5 By Acquisition Channel

8.5.1 Direct OEM Purchase
8.5.2 Passenger-to-Freighter Conversions (via STC providers)
8.5.3 Operating Lease/ACMI

8.6 By Maintenance Scope

8.6.1 Airframe & Heavy Checks (C/D checks)
8.6.2 Engine & APU MRO
8.6.3 Components & Modifications (e.g., cargo door, floor strengthening)

8.7 By Financing Structure

8.7.1 Operating Lease
8.7.2 Finance Lease
8.7.3 Direct Purchase (Cash/Loan)
8.7.4 Sale-Leaseback

9. US Freighter Aircraft 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 Fleet Size (aircraft count)
9.2.3 Freighter Mix (% narrowbody / widebody / regional)
9.2.4 Average Fleet Age (years)
9.2.5 Annual Block Hours per Aircraft (utilization)
9.2.6 Load Factor / LF (by RTK or FTK)
9.2.7 On?Time Performance (OTP, %)
9.2.8 Yield (¢ per freight tonne?kilometer)
9.2.9 Unit Cost – CASK/CAC (cost per ATK or FTK)
9.2.10 Network Reach (US hubs, intl. gateways)
9.2.11 Conversion Pipeline (P2F slots on order)
9.2.12 Capital Intensity (capex per aircraft or per ATK)
9.2.13 Lease vs Owned Ratio (%)
9.2.14 Revenue Mix (% express, ACMI/CMI, charter, postal/defense)
9.2.15 Safety & Compliance (IOSA/FAA metrics, incidents per 100k cycles)

9.3 SWOT Analysis of Top Players

9.4 Pricing Analysis

9.5 Detailed Profile of Major Companies

9.5.1 FedEx Express (FedEx Corporation)
9.5.2 UPS Airlines (United Parcel Service, Inc.)
9.5.3 Amazon Air (Prime Air)
9.5.4 Atlas Air Worldwide Holdings, Inc.
9.5.5 Air Transport Services Group, Inc. (ATSG)
9.5.6 Kalitta Air, LLC
9.5.7 Western Global Airlines, LLC
9.5.8 Ameriflight, LLC
9.5.9 Empire Airlines, Inc.
9.5.10 Sun Country Airlines (cargo operations for Amazon)
9.5.11 DHL Express (DHL Aviation / Southern Air legacy operations)
9.5.12 The Boeing Company (freighter OEM & BCF programs)
9.5.13 Airbus S.A.S. (A330P2F/A321P2F programs)
9.5.14 Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI Bedek Aviation Group)
9.5.15 Aeronautical Engineers, Inc. (AEI)

10. US Freighter Aircraft Market End-User Analysis

10.1 Procurement Behavior of Key Ministries

10.1.1 Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
10.1.2 Department of Defense (DoD)
10.1.3 Department of Transportation (DoT)

10.2 Corporate Spend on Infrastructure & Energy

10.2.1 Investment in Air Cargo Infrastructure
10.2.2 Budget Allocation for Fleet Expansion

10.3 Pain Point Analysis by End-User Category

10.3.1 Cost Management Challenges
10.3.2 Regulatory Compliance Issues
10.3.3 Service Reliability Concerns

10.4 User Readiness for Adoption

10.4.1 Technology Adoption Rates
10.4.2 Training and Skill Development Needs

10.5 Post-Deployment ROI and Use Case Expansion

10.5.1 Performance Metrics Tracking
10.5.2 Expansion into New Markets

11. US Freighter Aircraft 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


3. Distribution Plan

3.1 Urban Retail vs Rural NGO Tie-ups


4. Channel & Pricing Gaps

4.1 Underserved Routes

4.2 Pricing Bands


5. Unmet Demand & Latent Needs

5.1 Category Gaps

5.2 Consumer Segments


6. Customer Relationship

6.1 Loyalty Programs

6.2 After-sales Service


7. Value Proposition

7.1 Sustainability

7.2 Integrated Supply Chains


8. Key Activities

8.1 Regulatory Compliance

8.2 Branding

8.3 Distribution Setup


9. Entry Strategy Evaluation

9.1 Domestic Market Entry Strategy

9.1.1 Product Mix
9.1.2 Pricing Band
9.1.3 Packaging

9.2 Export Entry Strategy

9.2.1 Target Countries
9.2.2 Compliance Roadmap

10. Entry Mode Assessment

10.1 JV

10.2 Greenfield

10.3 M&A

10.4 Distributor Model


11. Capital and Timeline Estimation

11.1 Capital Requirements

11.2 Timelines


12. Control vs Risk Trade-Off

12.1 Ownership vs Partnerships


13. Profitability Outlook

13.1 Breakeven Analysis

13.2 Long-term Sustainability


14. Potential Partner List

14.1 Distributors

14.2 JVs

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 Activity Planning
15.2.2 Milestone Tracking

Research Methodology

ApproachModellingSample

Phase 1: Approach1

Desk Research

  • Analysis of industry reports from aviation authorities and trade associations
  • Review of historical data on freighter aircraft registrations and deliveries
  • Examination of regulatory frameworks and safety standards impacting freighter operations

Primary Research

  • Interviews with fleet managers at major cargo airlines
  • Surveys with aircraft manufacturers and suppliers
  • Field interviews with logistics and freight forwarding experts

Validation & Triangulation

  • Cross-validation of data from multiple industry sources and reports
  • Triangulation of insights from primary interviews with secondary data findings
  • Sanity checks through expert panel discussions and feedback sessions

Phase 2: Market Size Estimation1

Top-down Assessment

  • Estimation of total air cargo market size and growth trends
  • Segmentation by aircraft type, including dedicated freighters and converted passenger aircraft
  • Incorporation of economic indicators affecting air freight demand

Bottom-up Modeling

  • Analysis of fleet composition and operational capacity of leading cargo airlines
  • Cost structure analysis based on maintenance, fuel, and operational expenses
  • Volume of cargo transported per aircraft type and associated revenue generation

Forecasting & Scenario Analysis

  • Multi-variable forecasting using economic growth, trade volumes, and e-commerce trends
  • Scenario modeling based on potential regulatory changes and environmental policies
  • Development of baseline, optimistic, and pessimistic market projections through 2030

Phase 3: CATI Sample Composition1

Scope Item/SegmentSample SizeTarget Respondent Profiles
Cargo Airlines Operations120Fleet Managers, Operations Directors
Aircraft Manufacturing Insights90Product Development Managers, Sales Executives
Logistics and Freight Forwarding80Logistics Coordinators, Supply Chain Analysts
Regulatory Compliance and Safety70Compliance Officers, Safety Managers
Market Trends and Forecasting60Market Analysts, Economic Advisors

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the current value of the US Freighter Aircraft Market?

The US Freighter Aircraft Market is valued at approximately USD 5 billion, driven by increasing demand for e-commerce logistics and global trade expansion. This market is expected to grow as businesses seek efficient air cargo solutions to meet consumer expectations.

What factors are driving growth in the US Freighter Aircraft Market?

Who are the major players in the US Freighter Aircraft Market?

What types of freighter aircraft are available in the market?

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