# Air freight

*Last updated: 2026-06-22*

> Shippers and freight forwarders turn to air freight when delivery speed outweighs transport cost: it is the commercial carriage of goods by aircraft and the fastest mode in international cargo transport.

Shippers and freight forwarders turn to air freight when delivery speed outweighs transport cost: it is the commercial carriage of goods by aircraft and the fastest mode in international cargo transport. Against ocean and road, it compresses intercontinental transit times from weeks to days. Typical applications include time-sensitive consignments, perishables, high-value electronics, pharmaceuticals, and emergency shipments. Cargo is processed at dedicated terminals under IATA regulations, applicable dangerous goods rules, and the customs requirements of the destination country. Cost per kilogram is substantially higher than ocean freight, making air freight economically viable mainly for low-volume, high-value, or tight-deadline shipments.

**Source:** [https://www.iata.org/en/programs/cargo/](https://www.iata.org/en/programs/cargo/)

## Quick Facts

| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Term | Air freight |
| Language | EN |
| Word count | 98 |
| Last updated | 2026-06-22 |
| Source | https://www.iata.org/en/programs/cargo/ |

## Related Pages

* ['S Gravenvoeren Heliport](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/s-gravenvoeren-heliport-airport-3)
* [(Old) Awasa Airport](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/old-awasa-airport-2073)
* [108 Hospital Northeast Heliport](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/108-hospital-northeast-heliport-airport-13065)
* [1101 East Blvd Deer Park Heliport](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/1101-east-blvd-deer-park-heliport-airport-8404)
* [14400 Ranch Airport](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/information/airports/14400-ranch-airport-4522)

---

*Logistics Glossary — Freight Academy: [https://www.freight-academy.com/en/glossary/air-freight-2](https://www.freight-academy.com/en/glossary/air-freight-2)*

*Markdown mirror: [https://www.freight-academy.com/api/md/glossary/en/air-freight-2](https://www.freight-academy.com/api/md/glossary/en/air-freight-2)*

*JSON summary: [https://www.freight-academy.com/api/v1/glossary/air-freight-2/llm-summary?lang=en](https://www.freight-academy.com/api/v1/glossary/air-freight-2/llm-summary?lang=en)*