What is Air Freight

Most air cargoes are carried on passenger airliner. About 80% to 90% of air cargoes are transported by IATA (International Air Transport Association) members. IATA standardizes the rules and regulations for air carriers throughout the world.

Air freighters like the Boeing 747-400F can carry loads weighing up to 110.67 metric tons. It can carry 30 IATA Type 2H pallets or containers (10'-high main deck pallet or container, dimension is 96" x 125" x 118") and 32 IATA Type 8 containers (lower deck container, dimension is 60.4" x 61.5" x 64"). The air container permits cargo transport linking air, land and ocean freight without intermediate reloading, using a multimodal transport document.

Air freight is often used for high value but low volume cargo. It is generally perceived as expensive. The higher transport charges of air freight, compared to the charges of land and ocean freight, are compensated for by various benefits (of air freight).

Airlines or air cargo companies or their agents issue an air waybill (AWB), which is often a straight waybill, that is, the buyer is named the consignee on the waybill and he/she can claim the consignment from the carrier by simply showing proof of identity. Unless the goods are consigned to a third party like a bank or a cash payment has been received, or the buyer's integrity is unquestionable, it is risky to use a straight waybill in export shipments even if the means of payment is by a letter of credit (L/C) or a cheque (check).