Passenger to Freighter Market

Growing aircraft conversion facilities are driving market growth

Market CAGR for passenger to freighter is driven by the rising demand for aircraft conversion facilities infrastructure due to rising conversion slots conversion of smaller narrow-body and standard aircraft by key players. This aircraft will require a new build conversion family because it will be a fresh conversion.

Additionally, the need for air freight services for the quick delivery of a variety of goods with a high level of security and little packaging to maintain weight restrictions is a driver of the market for aviation freight systems. In the long run, traffic should rise. Still, air freight will be more integrated into multimodal supply chains that provide superior cost-to-time ratios. Air freight will aid in expanding markets by providing prompt and dependable service for initial product delivery. Air freight will keep supporting the provision of necessary spare parts, high-value inputs, and sample exchange.

In support of reverse logistics, such as warranty and repair services for electronics and other items, air freight will become more dependent on air freight.

Worldwide freighter operators are scrambling to find recently converted freighters and will stop at nothing to see recently converted freighters and will stop at nothing to find a P2F freighter that perfectly suits their requirements; these P2F freighters revolutionize the freight market and are an excellent option for freighter operators.

For instance, Embraer inked its first official deal with an undisclosed customer to convert 10 E-Jets into freighters. The freighter’s delivery is anticipated to start in 2024. The main deck front door will be reformed, the cabin door will be strengthened, a smoke detection system will be installed, and the interior air management system will undergo alternations. This conversion takes place at the manufacturing facility in Brazil. As a result, it is anticipated that throughout the projection period, demand for a passenger to freight will increase due to the rising demand for aircraft conversion facilities.

Thus driving the Passenger to Freighter market revenue.

The first Boeing 777-200LR conversion (MSN 32222) at the STS Aviation Services plant in Manchester, UK, is one of the milestones that Mammoth Freighters' 2024 passenger-to-freighter (P2F) conversion program has attained in recent weeks. The STS arrangement is crucial, according to Fort Worth, Texas-based Mammoth, since Manchester offers a handy location that can readily service larger Europe and will function as a core product support hub for Mammoth customers in that area.

USC GmbH (USC) has been named the launch customer for Avensis Aviation's (Avensis), the cutting-edge provider of passenger-to-freighter (PTF) conversion solutions, for its NAVIS PTF main deck cargo door conversion, which will be installed in its Airbus A340-300 and A340-600 aircraft in 2023. Early this summer, USC, a brand-new German airline, will begin operations with a fleet of A340-300s and A340-600s. The aircraft will be converted as soon as possible to an Avensis full-size cargo door after being originally employed in passenger (ACMI) service.

The surge in e-commerce activities globally is a primary driver for the Global Passenger to Freighter Industry. As online shopping continues to expand, the need for efficient cargo transport rises. This trend is evidenced by the projected market size of 2.78 USD Billion in 2024, reflecting the increasing demand for air freight services. Companies are adapting their logistics strategies to accommodate rapid delivery expectations, leading to a higher conversion of passenger aircraft into freighters. This shift not only optimizes cargo capacity but also enhances delivery speed, which is crucial in meeting consumer expectations in the e-commerce sector.

The Global Passenger to Freighter Industry is poised for substantial growth, with projections indicating a market size of 2.78 USD Billion in 2024 and an anticipated increase to 9.04 USD Billion by 2035. This growth reflects a robust CAGR of 11.31% from 2025 to 2035, driven by various factors such as rising e-commerce demand, cost efficiency, and technological advancements. The market's expansion is indicative of the increasing reliance on air freight for global logistics, as companies adapt to changing consumer behaviors and trade dynamics. These projections highlight the potential for investment and innovation within the industry.

The rise in global trade activities is significantly impacting the Global Passenger to Freighter Industry. As international trade expands, the demand for efficient air freight services increases correspondingly. This trend is evident in the growing number of converted freighters, which are essential for transporting goods across borders swiftly. The market's growth trajectory, with a forecasted increase to 9.04 USD Billion by 2035, underscores the importance of air cargo in facilitating global commerce. Companies are increasingly recognizing the value of air freight as a reliable mode of transport, further driving the conversion of passenger aircraft into freighters.

The conversion of passenger aircraft into freighters offers a cost-effective solution for airlines and cargo operators. The Global Passenger to Freighter Industry benefits from the lower operational costs associated with utilizing existing aircraft. Converting older passenger planes into freighters allows companies to maximize asset utilization without the substantial investment required for new freighter aircraft. This strategy is particularly appealing in a market projected to grow to 9.04 USD Billion by 2035, as it enables operators to maintain competitive pricing while expanding their cargo capabilities. The financial advantages of these conversions are likely to drive further interest in the market.

Increasing environmental regulations and a global push for sustainability are influencing the Global Passenger to Freighter Industry. Airlines are under pressure to reduce their carbon footprints, and converting passenger aircraft to freighters can be a more sustainable option. These conversions often involve retrofitting aircraft with more fuel-efficient technologies, which aligns with global sustainability goals. As the market evolves, companies that prioritize environmentally friendly practices may gain a competitive edge. This trend is expected to contribute to the market's growth, as stakeholders seek solutions that balance operational efficiency with environmental responsibility.

Technological advancements in aircraft conversion processes are enhancing the efficiency and feasibility of transforming passenger planes into freighters. Innovations in engineering and design allow for quicker and more cost-effective modifications, which is beneficial for the Global Passenger to Freighter Industry. These advancements not only streamline the conversion process but also improve the performance and safety of converted aircraft. As the market continues to grow, driven by a projected CAGR of 11.31% from 2025 to 2035, these technological improvements are likely to play a crucial role in attracting new players and expanding existing operations.

By region, the study provides market insights into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and the Rest of the World. The North American Passenger Freighter market area will dominate this market, owing to an increase in e-commerce brought on by a lack of consumer mobility and an important infusion of government stimulus. In addition, the growing demand for hi-tech appliances will boost market growth in this region.

Further, the major countries studied in the market report are The US, Canada, Germany, France, the UK, Italy, Spain, China, Japan, India, Australia, South Korea, and Brazil.

Figure 2: PASSENGER TO FREIGHTER MARKET SHARE BY REGION 2022 (USD Billion)

Source Secondary Research, Primary Research, Market Research Future Database and Analyst Review

Europe's Freighter market accounts for the second-largest market share due to the rise in adoption of passenger-to-freighter conversion due to low cost, economic advantage, and rise in the economic life of aircraft. Further, the German Passenger Freighter market held the largest market share, and the UK Passenger Freighter market was the fastest growing market in the European region.

The Asia-Pacific Passenger Freighter Market is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR from 2023 to 2032 due to the rise in cargo activities, expansion of international trade, and others. Moreover, China’s Passenger Freighter market held the largest market share, and the Indian Passenger Freighter market was the fastest growing market in the Asia-Pacific region.

Leading market players are investing heavily in research and development in order to expand their product lines, which will help the Passenger-to-fighter market grow even more. Market participants are also undertaking a variety of strategic activities to expand their footprint, with important market developments including new product launches, contractual agreements, mergers and acquisitions, higher investments, and collaboration with other organizations. To expand and survive in a more competitive and rising market climate, the Passenger Freighter industry must offer cost-effective items.

Manufacturing locally to minimize operational costs is one of the key business tactics used by manufacturers in the Passenger Freighter industry to benefit clients and increase the market sector. In recent years, the Passenger to Freighter industry has offered some of the most significant advantages to passengers in freighter market.

Major players in the Passenger Freighter market, including AerCap (Ireland), Aeronautical Engineers, Inc. (US), Airbus SE (Netherlands), Boeing Company (US), Bombardier, Inc. (Canada), Elbe Flugzeugwerke GmbH (Germany), Embraer SA (Brazil), HAECO Group (Hong Kong), Precision Aircrfat Solutions (US), ST Engineering (Singapore), and others, are attempting to increase market demand by investing in research and development operations.

Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) is the primary aerospace and aviation manufacturer in Israel, which creates aerial and astronautics systems for both military and commercial applications. IAI Creates, develops, manufactures, and maintains fighter jets, drones, civil aircraft, avionics, and space-based technologies.

In order to sustain the plane of the Israel Defense Forces, Shimon Peres, the then-director general of the Ministry of Defense, spearheaded the founding of Israel Aerospace Industries in 1953 as Bedek Aviation Company.  Although engineering, aviation, and advanced electronics are IAI’s primary areas of focus, the company also produces military systems for land and sea troops/While some of these products are marketed to the international military as well, many of them are specifically designed for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) requirements.

In February 2022, IAI declared its intention to partner with Sharp Technics to build a new facility at Incheon Airport in South Korea for the conversion of Boeing 777s in 2024. To develop a Passenger 2 Cargo (P2F) conversion site in South Korea, IAI Aviation Group, Incheon International Airport, and Sharp Technics signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA).

Textron Aviation Inc. is the general aviation division of the conglomerate Textron. It was established in March 2014 as a result of the purchase of Beech Holdings, which included the Beechcraft and Hawker Aircraft businesses. Textron Aviation Inc., the Cessna, owned by Textron, is a part of the new business unit. Selling branded aircraft under the Beechcraft and Cessna, name is Textron Aviation. Textron Aviation continues to serve the current Hawker aircraft fleet through its service centers while no longer offering brand-new Hawker aircraft for sale.

The corporation views the many lines of aircraft produced by Textron Aviation, such as the Cessna single-engine piston and turboprop aircraft and jets and the Beechcraft piston and turboprop aircraft, as complementary to one another rather than as rivals. In March 2022, Textron Aviation reported that FedEx Express received the first Cessna SkyCourier twin utility turboprop. Cessna SkyCourier  is the first of 50 cargo planes that FedEx Express, a major worldwide logistics company, ordered as the Cessna SkyCourier’s first customer.