South and Central America Air Cargo Services Market Outlook (2022-2033)

The South and Central America air cargo services market size is expected to reach US$ 12,676.1 million by 2033 from US$ 9,717.8 million in 2024. The market is estimated to record a CAGR of 3.1% from 2025 to 2033.

Executive Summary and South and Central America Air Cargo Services Market Analysis:

The South and Central America air cargo services market is emerging as a vital link in global logistics, supported by expanding airport infrastructure, improved trade routes, and growing demand for time-sensitive shipments. Countries such as Brazil, Argentina, Peru, Chile, and Colombia are strengthening their positions through strategic logistics investments, increased participation in e-commerce, and modernization of customs procedures. These developments are enabling smoother cargo flows within the Americas and with major trade partners in North America, Europe, and Asia.

Brazil leads the region’s air cargo operations with São Paulo–Guarulhos and Viracopos airports serving as key hubs for express and international cargo. Significant investments in cold chain capabilities and automation are driving efficiency in sectors such as pharmaceuticals, electronics, and perishables.

Argentina is developing its air freight capacity through airport modernization programs and enhanced logistics corridors connecting Buenos Aires to regional trade networks. Emphasis on infrastructure upgrades and private sector involvement is improving cargo handling performance.

Peru is emerging as a growing player in the region’s cargo landscape, with Lima’s Jorge Chávez International Airport serving as a strategic node for both regional and international freight. The country is investing in digital freight platforms and customs simplification to reduce turnaround times and facilitate trade.

Chile is leveraging its strategic Pacific Coast location, emphasizing connectivity with Asia-Pacific markets. Santiago International Airport is becoming a regional cargo hub, supported by growing exports of perishables and high-value goods such as seafood and agricultural products.

Colombia is strengthening its logistics infrastructure through airport upgrades in Bogotá and Medellín, aiming to increase its role in Latin America’s trade corridor. The country’s expanding e-commerce sector and logistics reforms are fueling demand for efficient, fast cargo solutions.

South and Central America Air Cargo Services Market Segmentation Analysis

Key segments that contributed to the derivation of the air cargo services market analysis are type, destination and end user.

• By type, the air cargo services market is bifurcated into regular and express. The regular segment dominated the market in 2024.
• By destination, the market is bifurcated into international and domestic. The international segment held the largest share of the market in 2024.
• By end user, the market is segmented into retail, pharmaceutical/healthcare, food/beverage, consumer electronics, automotive, and others. The pharmaceutical/healthcare segment held the largest share of the market in 2024.

South and Central America Air Cargo Services Market Outlook

The South and Central America air cargo services market is poised for significant growth, driven by rising demand for faster logistics solutions, growing e-commerce activity, and continued investment in multimodal infrastructure. The region serves as a strategic bridge between North and South America, and benefits from increasing trade links with Europe and Asia. Countries such as Brazil, Argentina, Peru, Chile, and Colombia are investing in air cargo modernization through airport upgrades, digital logistics solutions, and streamlined customs processes.

A key market driver is the growing emphasis on automation, sustainability, and digitization. Airlines and logistics providers across the region are adopting AI-powered platforms, electric ground support systems, and green aviation technologies to improve efficiency and reduce emissions. Investments in cold chain capabilities are also expanding to support the region’s rising export of pharmaceuticals, seafood, and perishable agricultural products.

Governments across South and Central America are facilitating growth by supporting logistics reforms, developing bonded logistics parks, and strengthening public-private partnerships to improve air cargo connectivity. As global trade continues to evolve, the region is well-positioned to become a dynamic player in the global air freight network, offering competitive transit times and increasing cargo capacity across strategic corridors.

South and Central America Air Cargo Services Market Country Insights

Based on country, the South and Central America air cargo services market is witnessing dynamic growth, supported by expanding trade volumes, digital transformation, and infrastructure upgrades across key economies such as Brazil, Argentina, Peru, Chile, and Colombia. These countries are enhancing their positions in the global air cargo network by investing in airport modernization, green logistics solutions, and improved customs efficiency.

Brazil leads the region’s air cargo activity, supported by São Paulo–Guarulhos and Viracopos airports, which serve as major cargo gateways. The country is investing heavily in automation, bonded logistics zones, and cold chain facilities to support exports of pharmaceuticals, automotive parts, and agricultural products.

Argentina is advancing its air cargo capabilities through upgrades at Ezeiza International Airport and regulatory reforms to simplify cargo handling. The country plays a strategic role in temperature-sensitive cargo, including food and wine exports, supported by growing logistics partnerships.

Peru is emerging as a key air freight hub on the Pacific coast, with Lima’s Jorge Chávez International Airport expanding to handle higher volumes of time-critical and high-value shipments. Government initiatives are focused on improving customs clearance processes and boosting regional connectivity.

Chile continues to strengthen its role in perishable cargo logistics, particularly in the export of seafood and fresh produce. Investments in Santiago International Airport and digital air cargo platforms are helping reduce transit times and ensure cold chain integrity.

Colombia is experiencing robust air cargo growth, driven by flower exports, textiles, and e-commerce. Bogotá’s El Dorado International Airport is a critical cargo hub, with increasing capacity, AI-enabled cargo management, and strong linkages to North American and European markets.

The South and Central America air cargo services market is expected to continue expanding as countries boost investment in automation, green freight solutions, and air cargo infrastructure. These developments are reinforcing the region’s leadership role in global air cargo logistics.

South and Central America Air Cargo Services Market Company Profiles

ANA Cargo, Cargolux Airlines International S.A., Cathay Pacific Airways Limited, Emirates SkyCargo, Etihad Cargo, FedEx Corp, United Parcel Service Inc, Zela Aviation The Air Charter Company, Lufthansa Group, and Deutsche Post AG are among the key players operating in the market. These players adopt strategies such as expansion, product innovation, and mergers and acquisitions to stay competitive in the market and offer innovative products to their consumers.

South and Central America Air Cargo Services Market Research Methodology:

The following methodology has been followed for the collection and analysis of data presented in this report:

Secondary Research

The research process begins with comprehensive secondary research, utilizing both internal and external sources to gather qualitative and quantitative data for each market. Commonly referenced secondary research sources include, but are not limited to:

• Company websites, annual reports, financial statements, broker analyses, and investor presentations
• Industry trade journals and other relevant publications
• Government documents, statistical databases, and market reports
• News articles, press releases, and webcasts specific to companies operating in the market

Note: All financial data included in the Company Profiles section has been standardized to US$. For companies reporting in other currencies, figures have been converted to US$ using the relevant exchange rates for the corresponding year.

Primary Research

Business Market Insights conducts a significant number of primary interviews each year with industry stakeholders and experts to validate and analyze the data and gain valuable insights. These research interviews are designed to:

• Refine findings from secondary research
• Enhance the expertise and market understanding of the analysis team
• Gain insights into market size, trends, growth patterns, competitive dynamics, and future prospects

Primary research is conducted via email interactions and telephone interviews with industry experts across various markets, categories, segments, and sub-segments in different regions. Participants typically include:

• Industry stakeholders: Vice Presidents, business development managers, market intelligence managers, and national sales managers
• External experts: Valuation specialists, research analysts, and key opinion leaders with industry-specific expertise

South and Central America Air Cargo Services Key Sources Referred:

• The International Air Transport Association (IATA)
• The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO)
• World Bank – Global Trade Indicators
• World Trade Organization (WTO)
• World Bank – South and Central America Logistics Performance Index
• Airports Council International (ACI) – South and Central America Region
• International Trade Administration (ITA)
• Company website
• Company annual reports
• Company investor presentations