Air Cargo
Air Freight Specialist — Global Hiring Overview
Air Freight Specialists manage air freight bookings, routing, and capacity for forwarders, airlines, and integrators.
Median Salary
$58.0k
$41.8k – $81.2k
Demand Score
92/100
Very High
Monthly Openings
6.2K
tracked globally
YoY Growth
+14%
rolling 12 months
Market Outlook
Demand for air freight specialists in the global aviation market is exceptionally strong. Aviation employers report a 14% year-on-year increase in Air Freight Specialist mandates, driven by e-commerce growth, freighter fleet expansion, and integrator network buildout.
Salary Trend
Air Freight Specialist compensation typically falls between $41.8k and $81.2k, with experienced air freights in the global aviation market commanding $81.2k+ at flagship airlines, top-tier MROs, and leading aerospace employers. Total compensation often includes housing, schooling, transport, per-diems, profit-share, type-rating bonds, and relocation support.
Career Path
Air Freight Specialists typically progress to Cargo Operations Manager, Aviation Logistics Coordinator roles, or into cargo operations manager, freight director, and air cargo leadership across the global hiring aviation market.
Key Responsibilities
- •Book and route air freight shipments
- •Negotiate rates with airlines and GSAs
- •Manage shipment milestones
Qualifications
- •Logistics / SCM degree
- •2+ years air freight experience
- •IATA Air Cargo certification
For Airlines, Airports & Aviation Employers
Hire qualified air freight specialists on CosmoQuick
Airlines, airports, cargo carriers, MROs, aerospace OEMs, ATOs, ANSPs, and business aviation operators use CosmoQuick to match with vetted air freight specialists worldwide.
Air Freight Specialist jobs by city
Air Freight Specialist jobs in Dubai
11.5K openings · $75.4k
Air Freight Specialist jobs in Abu Dhabi
9.6K openings · $74.2k
Air Freight Specialist jobs in Sharjah
6.8K openings · $63.8k
Air Freight Specialist jobs in Doha
10.2K openings · $75.4k
Air Freight Specialist jobs in Riyadh
9.0K openings · $68.4k
Air Freight Specialist jobs in Jeddah
8.1K openings · $63.8k
Air Freight Specialist jobs in Muscat
6.2K openings · $60.9k
Air Freight Specialist jobs in Manama
5.9K openings · $63.8k
Air Freight Specialist jobs in Kuwait City
6.5K openings · $69.6k
Air Freight Specialist salary insights
Air Freight Specialist salary in Dubai
$75.4k
Air Freight Specialist salary in Abu Dhabi
$74.2k
Air Freight Specialist salary in Sharjah
$63.8k
Air Freight Specialist salary in Doha
$75.4k
Air Freight Specialist salary in Riyadh
$68.4k
Air Freight Specialist salary in Jeddah
$63.8k
Air Freight Specialist salary in Muscat
$60.9k
Air Freight Specialist salary in Manama
$63.8k
Air Freight Specialist salary in Kuwait City
$69.6k
Hiring by aviation industry
Commercial Airlines hiring Air Freight Specialists
Full-service and low-cost passenger airlines hiring pilots, cabin crew, engineers, and ground staff at scale
Cargo Airlines hiring Air Freight Specialists
Dedicated cargo airlines and integrators hiring across freighter operations, cargo handling, and logistics
Charter Airlines hiring Air Freight Specialists
Charter operators and ACMI providers hiring across on-demand and seasonal flight operations
Private Aviation Operators hiring Air Freight Specialists
Private jet operators, VVIP fleets, and fractional companies hiring across business jet operations
Business Aviation Companies hiring Air Freight Specialists
Corporate flight departments and business jet operators hiring across crew, dispatch, and management
Airports hiring Air Freight Specialists
International, regional, and cargo airports hiring across operations, terminal, and commercial functions
Airport Service Companies hiring Air Freight Specialists
Airport concessionaires and service providers hiring across passenger services, retail, and F&B
Ground Handling Companies hiring Air Freight Specialists
Independent ground handlers and airline subsidiaries hiring ramp, passenger, and cargo handling staff
MRO Providers hiring Air Freight Specialists
MRO providers — airframe, engine, component — hiring engineers, technicians, and avionics specialists
Related specialties
Related aviation roles
Frequently Asked Questions
The median salary for a Air Freight Specialist in the global aviation market is around $58.0k, typically ranging from $41.8k to $81.2k based on experience, type ratings, and the type of aviation employer.