GlossaryEN1 min readUpdated: Jun 13, 2026

Air Waybill

Last updated: 13 June 2026Published: 19 June 2025

Source: https://www.iata.org/en/programs/cargo/e/awb/

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Logistics Concept

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When goods are tendered to an airline or handling agent, an Air Waybill (AWB) is issued on the spot: it functions simultaneously as the contract of carriage between shipper and carrier, a receipt for the goods accepted, and the primary customs document at the destination airport. The AWB records shipper and consignee details, weight, dimensions, commodity description, freight charges, and any dangerous goods or special handling codes. Unlike a bill of lading, the AWB is non-negotiable—it confers no title to the goods and therefore cannot be used to transfer ownership during transit, which limits its role in documentary credit financing. Shipment tracking is linked to the unique AWB number. A key distinction exists between the Master Air Waybill (MAWB), issued by the airline, and the House Air Waybill (HAWB), issued by a freight forwarder to its own client.

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