In 2004 it was estimated that the UK Air Freight market was worth £726.1m and most of this was attributed to international services and the domestic service is very limited as it is dominated by road transport operators.

British Airways which offers an air freight service as a by product of its passenger operations are the biggest provider of air freight capacity, but non-scheduled operations are beginning to grow quickly as well.

There are a number of positive influences in relation to the UK air freight companies and these are as follows:-

1. Growth in world trade and the chance of new markets opening up to businesses in the UK.
2. A reduction in the price of air freight rates as a result of competition between the various air freight companies.
3. The need for people to move goods around the world faster and more reliably.
4. The change in manufacturing processes which require the widespread adoption of just-in-time working practices.

Also the services provided by UK air freight companies have become an integral part of the efficient operation of the UK's economy today which is less vulnerable than some other markets due to recession.

Many of the UK Air Freight Company services can offer such things as door to door services as well as the more typical arrival airport only variations to many parts of the world. These companies are also likely to have specialist systems set up in order to handle hazardous commodities for some customers and will usually have an extensive network of agents around the world to ensure the smooth clearance of goods through Customs, as well as being able to deliver the goods almost anywhere that a customer wants.

Also many UK air freight companies have benefited from the growth in passenger travel as this now increases the amount of cargo capacity available. Because of this a worldwide network of cargo services has been created that offer the customer more ways to get their goods to the destination more quickly and efficiently.

Although the UK air freight company service market took a down turn after the attacks on the US in September 2001 but growth has resumed again and more people are looking at this as a viable way of transporting their goods efficiently and quickly.