# Aerial Cargo Transport

*Last updated: 2026-06-23*

> A pharmaceutical company waiting on an active ingredient from Singapore, a carmaker needing spare parts within 48 hours – these are the scenarios where air cargo becomes the only realistic choice.

A pharmaceutical company waiting on an active ingredient from Singapore, a carmaker needing spare parts within 48 hours – these are the scenarios where air cargo becomes the only realistic choice. Air cargo transport is the commercial movement of goods by dedicated freighter aircraft or in the belly hold of passenger planes, covering the full logistics chain from shipper through airport handling and customs clearance to final delivery at destination. Compared to ocean or road freight, it offers significantly shorter transit times on a global scale, but at a substantially higher cost per kilogram. The key document is the Air Waybill (AWB), which functions simultaneously as consignment note, receipt, and contract of carriage. Primary users include industries with high-value goods, perishables, or time-critical delivery obligations: pharmaceuticals, electronics, fashion, and automotive. Freight charges are assessed on the greater of actual weight and volumetric (dimensional) weight – a distinction that has a direct impact on cost planning.

**Source:** [https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Air_cargo](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Air_cargo)

## Quick Facts

| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Term | Aerial Cargo Transport |
| Language | EN |
| Word count | 155 |
| Last updated | 2026-06-23 |
| Source | https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Air_cargo |

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