Latin America Air Freight Market

Latin America Air Freight Market Size and Share:

The Latin America air freight market size was valued at USD 20.12 Billion in 2024. Looking forward, the market is expected to reach USD 32.58 Billion by 2033, exhibiting a CAGR of 5.20% during 2025-2033  The market is spurred by e-commerce growth, intra-regional trade, and robust demand for perishable and high-value commodities such as seafood, flowers, and pharmaceuticals. Growing logistics infrastructure, digitalization, and better air connectivity among major countries like Brazil, Mexico, and Colombia also sustain market growth. Trade agreements and official investment in airport cargo terminals boosting operational efficiency, higher deployment of temperature-controlled logistics and last-mile delivery services enhances reliability are further contributing to the increasing Latin America air freight market share.

One of the major drivers of the Latin American air freight market is the fast growth of e-commerce in the region, supported by growing intra-regional and international trade. Brazil and Mexico are experiencing high growth in online purchases, fueled by rising internet penetration, high internet-based consumer base, and uptake of digital payments. This has created demand for quicker and more efficient logistics services, leading to air freight as the mode of choice to delivery time-sensitive orders. Cross-border commerce in Latin America is also on the rise with regional integration programs and blocs including Mercosur and the Pacific Alliance. These pacts promote increased flow of goods across nations like Argentina, Chile, Peru, and Colombia. As small and medium-sized businesses engage more aggressively in regional and international markets, air freight is being used more frequently to transport smaller, high-value shipments. This changing trade and retail environment is amplifying the contribution of air cargo to regional economic development and supply chain effectiveness.

Latin America's dense natural resources and agricultural variance are also the primary drivers of its air freight sector, especially through the shipment of perishable and high-value commodities. Colombia and Ecuador are prominent world exporters of flowers, while Peru and Chile are prominent in fresh fruit and seafood exports. These commodities demand quick, temperature-controlled transport to preserve quality and freshness, for which air freight is crucial to their value chain. Air cargo airports in Bogotá, Santiago, and Lima have invested in specialized cold chain facilities to handle these exports, further enhancing the region's position in export markets. In addition to perishables, Latin America also exports high-value products like pharmaceuticals and electronics, which require secure, time-sensitive shipping. As access to international markets opens in North America, Europe, and Asia, air freight provides exporters with a consistent pipeline to ensure delivery requirements and regulatory compliance. This symbiosis between export specialization and logistic specialization is a strong impulse behind continuing investment and investment in the region's air freight infrastructure.

Latin America Air Freight Market Trends:

E-commerce Growth

Latin America's boom in e-commerce due to rising customer preferences for faster shipping and cross-border shopping is immensely fueling the Latin America air freight market growth. This move toward accelerated gratification is compelling companies to embrace more timely shipping techniques such as air freight since it can offer speed along with dependability. Companies are focusing on air cargo to transport goods instantly and securely for high-demand items like electronics, fashion and healthcare products which is impelling the Latin America air freight market growth. Moreover, the expansion in e-commerce applications and websites is boosting the volume of goods needing transportation. As a result, e-commerce is thriving to meet consumer expectations for faster deliveries and seamless cross-border shipping which is propelling the market forward. For instance, in May 2024, DHL Supply Chain announced its plans to launch a dedicated cargo aircraft operation in Brazil investing BRL1 Billion with Levu Air Cargo for four Airbus planes. This initiative aims to enhance cargo flexibility addressing the growing demand from ecommerce. Initial routes include daily flights from Campinas to Manaus and three weekly to Recife.

Technological Advancements

According to the Latin America air freight market forecast, the adoption of new technologies is transforming the industry by improving efficiency, transparency and security. The integration of advanced tracking systems, artificial intelligence (AI) and the Internet of Things (IoT) has enhanced operational efficiency enabling businesses to trace shipments in real-time to optimize delivery routes and minimize the risk of delays. These technological improvements are ensuring faster processing of shipments by facilitating seamless communication between airlines, logistics providers and customers. These advancements are strengthening the Latin America air freight market share by enhancing supply chain reliability, reducing transit times and improving cost efficiency for businesses across the region. Moreover, ongoing technological advancements in cargo aircraft have led to more fuel-efficient planes and larger cargo holds to meet the growing demand for air freight in the region. For instance, in September 2023, Brazil launched the CCT Import – Air Mode system cutting air cargo clearance times from five days to just one. Implemented via the SISCOMEX portal this new system enhances efficiency, reduces manual intervention by 90% and aims to boost air cargo volumes potentially doubling in two years. These innovations cut operational costs, helping airlines to improve their environmental footprint and making air freight more attractive to businesses which is supporting the market expansion.

Growth in Regional Trade and Infrastructure Development

Some of the prominent Latin America air freight market trends, include greater regional trade and improved infrastructure. Trade pacts such as the Pacific Alliance and Bienvenidos al Mercado Común del Sur (MERCOSUR) are enhancing economic links between Latin American nations and stimulating cross-border shipments. With the movement of goods more freely across nations in the region air freight plays a vital role in delivering perishable products and high-value commodities on time. Ongoing improvements in infrastructure in the form of upgrading airports and capacity addition to cargo terminals is increasing the region's ability to carry additional air freight traffic. As such, Brazil launched a massive airport upgrade program covering 130 airports, including 30 regional renovations and 20 new airports. The plan prioritizes regional development, with significant investments in Sao Paulo’s GRU and CGH airports, totaling USD 350 Million for Congonhas. These developments have made Latin America more attractive for domestic and international air cargo operations creating a positive Latin America air freight market outlook.

Latin America Air Freight Industry Segmentation:

IMARC Group provides an analysis of the key trends in each segment of the Latin America air freight market, along with forecasts at the regional and country levels from 2025-2033. The market has been categorized based on service, destination, and end user.

Analysis by Service:

• Freight
• Express
• Mail
• Others

For the air freight business in Latin America, the freight sector mainly comprises commercial cargo transportation of consumer products, automotive accessories, electronics, machinery, and raw materials. The segment is spurred by foreign trade, regional manufacturing centers, and growing demand for time-sensitive deliveries. Main routes link Latin American nations to North America, Europe, and Asia. Principal regional airports in Brazil, Mexico, and Colombia serve as freight hubs. The development of e-commerce and free trade agreements further support this segment's validity and growth.

The express segment addresses time-sensitive shipments, usually providing door-to-door delivery. This covers documents, parcels, and high-value products that demand quick transport, including pharmaceuticals and electronics. Air freight logistics businesses operate through strategic air nodes and last-mile coverage networks to address tight schedules. The growth of e-commerce, the desire for same-day delivery, and the increasing number of small companies involved in cross-border commerce are driving demand in this segment. Express services are particularly robust in urban areas such as São Paulo and Mexico City.

Mail service in Latin America's air freight industry entails carrying postal items, such as letters, small packages, and government documents. These are usually managed by post offices of countries in coordination with commercial carriers. This segment is still important in providing communication materials to rural and remote communities where infrastructure through the ground is scarce. In nations such as Peru and Argentina, air mail is still an essential medium for ensuring connectivity. Even with a decline in mail at the global level, this segment continues to grow with the addition of small parcel delivery for e-commerce.

Analysis by Destination:

• Domestic
• International

The domestic segment of Latin America's air freight industry entails the transportation of cargo within domestic borders, covering cities and rural areas across large and sometimes harsh landscapes. Brazil, Argentina, and Mexico are some of the countries heavily dependent on domestic air freight in linking economic centers with remote interior areas. This segment plays a significant role in time-sensitive products like medical equipment, perishables, and critical consumer goods. Expanding e-commerce and intra-regional trade have put a premium on speedier intra-country logistics, driving investment in domestic cargo infrastructure and regional airports.

The international sector transports cargo transported across border lines, connecting the region with international markets in North America, Europe, and Asia. This is done by transporting high-value exports such as pharmaceuticals, electronics, and perishables of flowers and fruits. Major countries such as Chile, Colombia, and Mexico are primary export hubs. The sector is favored by trade agreements, integration in the global supply chain, and growing cross-border e-commerce, prompting continued investment in air corridors and customs clearance.

Analysis by End User:

• Private
• Commercial

The private end-user category consists of companies and individuals who own or lease dedicated cargo services for tailored logistical requirements. Some examples include manufacturers, agricultural commodity exporters, mining companies, and large retailers with proprietary supply chains. Frequently needing tailored transport solutions for high-value, time-sensitive, or specialized freight, private users like to have direct control and predictability. Industries such as floriculture in Colombia and Chilean fresh produce depend on private freight for fulfillment of short delivery windows and keeping the product fresh during transport.

The commercial segment consists of freight forwarders, courier firms, national postal organizations, and logistics companies that carry goods for a wide customer base. These organizations consolidate cargo from various customers and fly on scheduled or chartered planes, providing scalable and economical services. Commercial users are the market leaders by facilitating the movement of consumer items, industrial parts, and e-commerce shipments. Large players partner with local airlines and use major air cargo gateways in Brazil, Mexico, and Panama to facilitate cross-border and last-mile delivery operations in Latin America.

Country Analysis:

• Brazil
• Mexico
• Argentina
• Colombia
• Chile
• Peru
• Others

Brazil dominates Latin America's air freight market with long-haul domestic networks and international trade connections. High cargo demand is fueled by its wide geography and robust agricultural and industrial exports.

Mexico is favored by location near the U.S. and key manufacturing centers. Automotive, electronics, and cross-border e-commerce cargo fuel its air freight market, which is served by solid airport infrastructure.

Argentina's air freight sector serves agricultural exports and pharma logistics. Domestic connectivity and European and regional trade drive the expansion of air cargo services.

Colombia's flower exports and increasing e-commerce volumes drive air freight demand. Bogotá is an important air cargo center, backed by solid connections throughout the Americas and Europe.

Chile is greatly dependent on air freight for the export of fresh products such as seafood and fruits. Santiago's strategic airport system and trade ties augment its position in regional cargo flows.

Peruvian air freight market growth is propelled by mining machinery, agri-exports, and time-critical products. Lima is a key logistics gateway, facilitating trade within Latin America and abroad.

Competitive Landscape:

Leading players in the Latin America air freight market are making significant investments in infrastructure, digitalization, and strategic alliances to expand growth and enhance efficiency. Leading carriers like LATAM Cargo, Avianca Cargo, and Aeromexico Cargo are growing their dedicated cargo fleets and refining route networks to address increasing demand on domestic as well as international fronts. They are also modernizing cargo terminals in key airports, such as São Paulo-Guarulhos, Bogotá El Dorado, and Mexico City, to accommodate higher volumes and sophisticated products such as perishables, pharma, and electronics. In order to improve transparency and the customer experience, key firms are using advanced cargo tracking systems, automated warehousing solutions, and integrated logistics platforms. Digitalization is also highly valued. E-commerce expansion has led to the development of partnerships between airlines and logistics companies to provide quicker and more consistent last-mile delivery services. Environmental sustainability is also increasingly becoming a point of concern, with initiatives to make fleets more fuel efficient and examine carbon offsetting programs. Furthermore, collaborations with customs agencies and regulatory authorities are being explored to improve cross-border processes and decrease turnaround times. Together, these initiatives by top operators are consolidating the region's air freight capacity and setting Latin America up as a more competitive contender in the global supply chain space.

The report provides a comprehensive analysis of the competitive landscape in the Latin America air freight market with detailed profiles of all major companies, including:

Latest News and Developments:

• April 2025: Air Europa joined WebCargo by Freightos, enhancing digital air cargo access between Spain and Latin America. Freight forwarders can now instantly book shipments on Air Europa’s extensive network, improving supply chain efficiency and providing real-time capacity and pricing visibility for international cargo.
• April 2025: TIBA announced its acquisition of Total Freight Worldwide, strengthening its air freight capabilities and global strategy. The move enhances TIBA's position as a logistics bridge between Latin America, Europe, and Asia. Francisco Marquínez will continue leading Total Freight, ensuring ongoing reliability and expertise.
• April 2025: Blu Logistics LATAM officially rebranded to Rhenus Logistics following its 2023 acquisition. The rebrand enhances Rhenus' footprint across Latin America, expanding its Air & Ocean services and warehousing solutions. The integration strengthens regional operations, with a 16.67% increase in container shipments in 2024.
• December 2024: Modern Logistics partnered with ATC Aviation to expand in Latin America, focusing on markets like Chile, Argentina, and Colombia. The collaboration supports the company's international growth strategy, enhanced by the acquisition of two Boeing 737-800 freighters, improving capacity and operational efficiency in the region.
• November 2024: FedEx launched two new flights connecting Latin America with Miami, enhancing regional connectivity. A Boeing 767-300 links Buenos Aires, Santiago, and Quito to Miami, while a Boeing 757 connects Guatemala and Honduras to Miami. These routes strengthen FedEx’s capacity for key industries like textiles and automotive.

Latin America Air Freight Market Report Scope:

Key Benefits for Stakeholders:

• IMARC’s industry report offers a comprehensive quantitative analysis of various market segments, historical and current market trends, market forecasts, and dynamics of the Latin America air freight market from 2019-2033.
• The research report provides the latest information on the market drivers, challenges, and opportunities in the Latin America air freight market.
• Porter's five forces analysis assist stakeholders in assessing the impact of new entrants, competitive rivalry, supplier power, buyer power, and the threat of substitution. It helps stakeholders to analyze the level of competition within the Latin America air freight industry and its attractiveness.
• Competitive landscape allows stakeholders to understand their competitive environment and provides an insight into the current positions of key players in the market.