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Market Overview

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The global ground and cargo handling services market is experiencing significant growth and is projected to reach USD 43.80 billion by 2028 with a CAGR of 5.65%. This growth can be attributed to the increasing demand for air freights and the rising number of air passengers. Technological advancements in ground and cargo handling systems have also contributed to this market growth by improving efficiency and providing timely data throughout the value chain.

Air freight cargo, which involves the shipment of goods via air carriers, has seen a surge in demand due to changing consumer preferences and the growth of e-commerce industries. Fast and same-day delivery services offered by air freight cargo have become popular, especially with the rise of e-commerce platforms. The global air cargo tonnage increased by 3% in 2022 compared to the previous year, driven by the expansion of the e-commerce industry and increased cross-border online purchases. Consequently, the demand for ground and cargo handling services in passenger airlines has also increased.

Efficient ground and cargo handling services are crucial for the smooth operations of airports worldwide. These services encompass various activities related to aircraft preparation and repositioning. Airports are investing in infrastructure modernization projects to improve their services, attracting more passengers and air traffic. For example, the Sapa Domestic Airport Development project in Vietnam aims to construct an airport capable of handling 3 million passengers per year. Such projects require reliable ground and cargo handling systems, further driving the market growth. Additionally, the transportation of temperature-sensitive goods such as drugs and chemicals has contributed to the increased demand for cargo transportation services.

The aviation industry is witnessing a trend of larger airplanes, longer air routes, and more affordable ticket prices. Airlines are investing heavily in customer experience and comfort to attract more passengers. The travel industry’s contribution to the global GDP reached 10.3%, amounting to USD 9.6 trillion, with a significant increase in 2021. This recovery has led to a rise in airline services, thereby boosting the demand for ground and cargo handling services.

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Market Segmentation

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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 ground handling services, which have seen a significant increase in demand due to the growing number of scheduled passengers. In 2021, the estimated worldwide passenger count reached 22.2 million, making passenger and baggage handling the largest revenue segment for service providers. The ground handling segment is further expected to benefit from the growth in scheduled international passengers, the construction of new airports, and the expansion of existing airport facilities. Conversely, the rising air freight industry is anticipated to drive the demand for cargo handling services, with the cargo handling market projected to exhibit the highest growth rate of over 5% in the service type segment during the forecast period. Airlines typically outsource cargo handling services as they deal with the transportation of goods via air.

In terms of market share, passenger airlines play a dominant role in the global ground and cargo handling services market. Given that passenger airlines transport the largest number of passengers and baggage, they serve as the primary source of revenue for service providers. An important revenue driver is the increasing trend of combination airlines, where airlines partner with e-commerce companies to offer belly cargo space for express shipments, including perishable items and time-sensitive, temperature-controlled products.

North America currently holds the leading position in the global ground and cargo handling services market, primarily due to its well-developed airports equipped with state-of-the-art infrastructure to handle high passenger volumes. The region has witnessed substantial investments in new cargo handling and air logistics capacity. The surge in freighter traffic and congestion at major hubs have provided a significant boost for secondary and cargo-focused airports. Additionally, several major hub airports are expanding their facilities in response to the strong performance of the cargo sector, which has highlighted the potential for logistics investments and exposed shortcomings in some airports’ cargo facilities and infrastructure. For example, Realterm, the parent company of air cargo facility developer Aeroterm, is gearing up for more cargo projects.

Europe, characterized by its large and prosperous economies such as the UK, Germany, France, Italy, and Spain, remains a key region for airline businesses and investors in the years ahead. The economic growth of the region is an influential factor as improvements in the economy have a positive impact on the overall aviation industry, benefiting service providers in the ground and cargo handling services market. The APAC region is witnessing rapid urbanization compared to other regions. While China and Japan represent major ground and cargo handling service markets, South Korea and India are expected to experience increased demand due to enhancements in quality of life and higher per capita disposable income over the next few years, leading to a significant increase in both air passengers and air cargo.

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Competitive Landscape

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The global ground and cargo handling services market displays a high degree of concentration, with numerous local and international players. Competition among these participants is fierce, resulting in a mix of monopolistic and fair competition within the industry. Entry into the market is typically regulated by airport authorities, with state or federal governments implementing barriers to entry for multinational ground and cargo handling service providers in order to protect local airline subsidiaries. Key vendors operating in the global ground and cargo handling services market include Swissport, Dnata, Menzies Aviation, and Worldwide Flight Services.

Manufacturers place significant emphasis on identifying various market opportunities, establishing specific goals to enhance productivity, and effectively utilizing capital resources. The current industry landscape compels vendors to continuously adapt and refine their unique value propositions in order to establish a strong presence in the market. Manufacturers achieve this by offering and expanding their range of services through the introduction of innovative solutions, thereby gaining a competitive advantage over their 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, Acciona.

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Key Questions Answered

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How large is the market for ground and cargo handling services globally?

The global ground and cargo handling services market had a valuation of USD 31.50 billion in 2022 and is projected to reach USD 43.80 billion by 2028.

What is the growth rate of the global ground and cargo handling services market?

The global ground and cargo handling services market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 5.65% from 2022 to 2028.

Who are the key players in the global ground and cargo handling services market?

The key players in the global ground and cargo handling services market include Swissport, Dnata, Menzies Aviation, and Worldwide Flight Services (WFS).

Which region dominates the global ground and cargo handling services market share?

North America holds the largest market share in the global ground and cargo handling services market, accounting for over 30% in 2022.

What are the significant trends in the ground and cargo handling services market?

Some significant trends in the ground and cargo handling services market include innovation in group and cargo handling systems, the increasing volume of freight in airlines, and the expansion of the aviation industry.