GlossaryEN1 min readUpdated: Jun 16, 2026
Airline
In air cargo, an airline operates in one of two distinct roles: as a passenger carrier offering belly-cargo capacity in the lower deck, or as a dedicated freighter operator running all-cargo aircraft.
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Source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Airline
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In air cargo, an airline operates in one of two distinct roles: as a passenger carrier offering belly-cargo capacity in the lower deck, or as a dedicated freighter operator running all-cargo aircraft. For freight forwarders, the key variables are available payload on a specific route, commercial terms, and whether cargo moves direct or via a hub transfer. Major carriers such as Lufthansa Cargo, Emirates SkyCargo, or FedEx are often contracted directly; smaller operators typically reach the market through general sales agents (GSAs) or consolidators. Fleet composition determines capacity: a Boeing 747-8F freighter offers substantially greater payload and volume than a narrowbody aircraft with limited belly space. An airline's operating licence — issued under EU regulations, by the FAA, the CAAC, or an equivalent authority — governs which markets it may serve and which cargo types it is authorised to carry.
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