Description
The global ground and cargo handling services market is growing due to increased air freight demand and rising passenger numbers. It is projected to reach USD 41.45 billion by 2029 with a CAGR of 4.1%. Technological advancements improve efficiency and data flow. Air freight cargo is in high demand due to changing consumer preferences and e-commerce growth. Fast delivery options are popular, leading to increased demand for ground and cargo handling services in passenger airlines. Efficient services are vital for airport operations. Airports invest in infrastructure projects to attract more passengers and traffic, requiring reliable systems. Transportation of temperature-sensitive goods also drives demand for cargo services.
Market Segmentation
The market is segmented based on various factors, including service, airline, and geography.
Segmentation by Service
Ground Handling - Passengers & Baggage Handling Service, Aircraft & Apron Handling Service
Cargo Handling - Cargo & Freight Handling Service, Logistics Handling Service
Segmentation by Airline
Passengers Airline - Ground Handling, Cargo Handling
Cargo Airline - Ground Handling, Cargo Handling
Charter Airline - Ground Handling, Cargo Handling
Segmentation by Geography
North America - US, Canada
Europe - Germany, France, UK, Italy, Spain, Russia
Asia-Pacific - China, Japan, India, South Korea, Australia, Indonesia, Malaysia
Latin America - Brazil, Mexico, Argentina
Middle East & Africa - South Africa, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, UAE
The global ground and cargo handling services market is primarily driven by the demand for ground handling services, which has increased due to the growing number of scheduled passengers. The growth of scheduled international passengers, new airport construction, and existing airport facility expansions will further benefit the ground handling segment. Conversely, the rising air freight industry will drive the demand for cargo handling services. The cargo handling market is expected to exhibit the highest growth rate in the service type segment. Airlines typically outsource cargo handling services as they transport goods via air. Passenger airlines hold a dominant market share in the global ground and cargo handling services market, as they transport the largest number of passengers and baggage, generating significant revenue for service providers. Combination airlines, which partner with e-commerce companies to offer belly cargo space for express shipments, including perishable and time-sensitive products, are an important revenue driver.
North America dominates the global ground and cargo handling services market due to its advanced airports and infrastructure. The region has seen significant investments in cargo handling and air logistics capacity, with secondary and cargo-focused airports benefiting from increased freighter traffic and congestion at major hubs. Major hub airports are expanding their facilities to meet the demands of the growing cargo sector, highlighting the potential for logistics investments. Europe, with its strong economies such as the UK, Germany, France, Italy, and Spain, remains an important region for airline businesses and investors. The region's economic growth positively impacts the aviation industry and benefits service providers in the ground and cargo handling services market. The APAC region is experiencing rapid urbanization, particularly in China, Japan, South Korea, and India. These countries are expected to see increased demand for ground and cargo handling services due to improvements in quality of life and higher disposable income, resulting in more air passengers and cargo.
Competitive Landscape
The global ground and cargo handling services market is highly concentrated, with many local and international players. Competition among these participants is intense, resulting in a combination of monopolistic and fair competition. Entry into the market is regulated by airport authorities, with governments implementing barriers to protect local airline subsidiaries. Key vendors in the market include Swissport, Dnata, Menzies Aviation, and Worldwide Flight Services. Manufacturers focus on identifying market opportunities, setting specific goals to improve productivity, and effectively using capital resources. To establish a strong presence, vendors must continuously adapt and refine their unique value propositions by offering innovative solutions. This allows them to gain a competitive advantage over rivals. Key companies profiled in this report include Swissport, Dnata, Menzies Aviation, Worldwide Flight Services (WFS), Bird Group Aviation, Celebi Aviation, SATS, Aviapartner, BBA Aviation, DHL, Fraport, Glamco Aviation, PrimeFlight Aviation Services, Havaş, Transworld Aviation, Qatar Aviation Services, Jardine Aviation Services, Gategroup, POS Aviation, Goldair Handling, Aeromexico Services, Airline Assistance Switzerland, and Acciona.