GlossaryEN1 min readUpdated: Jun 26, 2026

Air Waybill

Unlike a negotiable bill of lading, the Air Waybill (AWB) confers no title to goods and cannot be endorsed or transferred to a third party.

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Last updated: 26 June 2026Published: 27 January 2026

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

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Logistics concept

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Definition & Explanation

Unlike a negotiable bill of lading, the Air Waybill (AWB) confers no title to goods and cannot be endorsed or transferred to a third party. It is issued by the airline or its handling agent upon acceptance of the shipment and accompanies the cargo through every stage of transit to final delivery. A single document, the AWB combines the contract of carriage, receipt of goods, basis for freight invoicing, and liability terms under the Montreal Convention. It is indispensable for customs clearance, terminal handling, and claims settlement. The IATA-assigned AWB number functions as the universal shipment identifier, linking shipper, consignee, carrier, forwarder, and customs authority to one shared data record.

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Air Waybill

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