Amazon Air has officially surpassed UPS Airlines in total cargo volume to become the fifth-largest cargo airline in the world, according to annual statistics from the International Air Transport Association (IATA). The e-commerce giant’s aviation arm now operates a fleet of 120 Boeing 767 and 737-800 freighters, flying to 74 airports across the United States and 12 international destinations.
Amazon’s rapid ascent in air cargo โ launching just eight years ago โ reflects the company’s strategic decision to control its own logistics destiny rather than depending entirely on third-party carriers. The airline now handles approximately 65% of Amazon’s overnight air shipments in the US.
The company is now investing in next-generation electric cargo aircraft, having placed an order for 100 Heart Aerospace ES-30 electric regional aircraft for short-haul routes of under 200 km, targeted for delivery from 2027.
