GlossaryEN1 min readUpdated: Jun 19, 2026
Air Waybill
No airline accepts a shipment without an Air Waybill (AWB): the document is created when goods are handed over to the carrier and stays with the consignment through to final delivery.
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Source: https://www.iata.org/en/programs/cargo/e/eawb/
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Definition & Explanation
No airline accepts a shipment without an Air Waybill (AWB): the document is created when goods are handed over to the carrier and stays with the consignment through to final delivery. It records shipper and consignee details, commodity description, weight, routing, freight charges, and carriage terms. At first glance the AWB resembles a bill of lading, but the key distinction is clear: the AWB is non-negotiable, conveys no title to the goods, and cannot function as a document of title. Customs processing, terminal handling, and any subsequent claims are all managed by reference to the AWB number.
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