Air Freight: everything you need to know
When time is of the essence, air freight is the quickest and most efficient way to move cargo across the globe. Whether you’re shipping high-value products, perishable goods, or time-sensitive materials, air transport offers speed, reliability, and security.
Used across industries like manufacturing, pharmaceuticals, retail, healthcare, and technology, air freight ensures that shipments reach their destinations fast and efficiently.
What is air freight?
Air Freight is the transportation of bulk goods by air travel. The terms ‘air freight’ and ‘air cargo’ are used interchangeably but have slightly different meanings:
- Air freight: used to describe commercial exports, typically of large quantity, size, or weight.
- Cargo: describes any items which are being transported, including air freight, as well as domestic items, such as Air Mail.
What are the different types of air freight?
There are several ways to transport cargo internationally by opting for Air Freight, depending on the needs of the delivery, including cost considerations, space needed, and speed of transportation. There are different ways that this can be done, the common options are via commercial planes, freight planes and chartering.
Cargo can be transported internationally by being placed on a commercial plane alongside passengers’ luggage. This is known as a combi aircraft and is much more cost effective as it leverages existing flight routes and schedules. The airline will safely load the delivery onto the flight and store it separately to commercial passenger suitcases.
Freight planes are specifically designed for the transportation of cargo and exclusively move large quantities overseas. They maximise capacity and make use of more efficient loading and unloading methods.
If the needs of the delivery require it, it is possible to charter a flight specifically to the delivery. The on-demand service is tailored to the needs of the job and is customised and expedited for efficiency.
When should you choose air freight?
When choosing between land, sea, and air travel, it is important to consider the following factors:
- Speed is critical: Air transport is the fastest option, making it perfect for urgent shipments.
- Value and weight matter: Pricing is based on weight and volume, so it’s best suited for high-value goods.
- Security is a priority: Airports have strict safety protocols, reducing the risk of theft or damage.
- Perishable or fragile goods need special handling: Air freight minimises transit time, preserving product quality.
- Other transport options are limited: If land or sea freight isn’t practical, air shipping may be the best alternative.
What is the process to send something using a means of air freight?
1. Booking
First, contact the transportation logistics company to book shipment by air freight. At this stage, you can discuss different freight options and the needs of the delivery.
2. Documentation
Appropriate documentation is required for the shipment, depending on the specific demands of the cargo being shipped. This includes a Bill of Lading (a detailed list of the exact cargo being shipped), commercial invoice, packing list, and permits.
3. Transportation
Depending on the details of the booking, the courier will handle the cargo from the company to the airport. After security screenings at the airport, the delivery is carefully loaded onto the flight according to instructions. Keep in mind that during the flight, the cargo is susceptible to temperature and pressure changes.
4. Delivery
Once the flight has landed, the cargo goes through customs, and upon careful inspection and document verifications, duties, taxes and tariffs will be assessed. Once the delivery has passed customs, the cargo goes on its way to the end destination.
Benefits of choosing air transportation of your goods
- Speed: Air freight is the fastest overseas transport option, making it suitable for urgent requirements and strict deadlines, taking 1-5 days on average for a door-to-door delivery.
- Reliability: Airports are extremely specific with scheduling flights, meaning timings of delivery can be more accurate, and tracking information is readily available.
- Frequency: With 6.3 million commercial flights in Europe in 2023, there is constant guaranteed flights. This means that if a flight is missed or cancelled, the cargo can likely go onto the next flight within the next few hours, rather than experiencing days of delays.
- Lower insurance premium: Due to the shortened travel time, there is less risk for the cargo. This lowers the insurance premium for the cargo, as well as reducing the likelihood of needing to repair or replace the items being shipped.
- Tracking: Detailed tracking is available for air freight delivery, with easily accessible flight information, including departure and arrival times and flight paths. This is beneficial for clear and effective communication.
- Reduced damage risk: Airport safety measures are tightly managed, meaning the cargo is more likely to be safe and secure. With the speed of transport and the limited human interaction, the goods are less susceptible to theft, damage and loss.
Drawbacks of using air freight for the transportation of your goods
- Costs: Air freight is the costliest delivery option, so it is not suitable for low value shipments. The costs of air freight changes seasonally, is calculated by weight/ volumetric weight, and depends on the arrival destination and distance. However, this can be balanced with the consideration of lower insurance premium costs and less replacements/ repairs.
- Capacity: Capacity on a plane is significantly reduced in comparison to other modes of shipment. The maximum dimension for a standard shipment is 2.44m x 3.15m.
- Unpredictable: If you have travelled on a commercial flight before, you know that delays are sometimes inevitable. Weather, air traffic, and other unpredictable factors can delay or cancel a flight, and, unfortunately, these are often factors out of anyone’s control.
How can OSE European help?
We incorporate a range of options in our international air freight services meaning you can have a bespoke solution to your shipping requirements to suit your demands, timescale, and budget.
Whatever you need, we have the ideal air freight service to suit you, and our specialist team will be on hand to offer advice and answer any queries.
Get in touch today for a quote from our expert logistics solutions team.