GlossaryEN1 min readUpdated: Jun 26, 2026

FFM Message

By the time an aircraft lands, the receiving station must already know what cargo is on board – that is precisely what the FFM message delivers.

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Last updated: 26 June 2026Published: 27 January 2026

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

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Logistics Concept

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Definition & Explanation

By the time an aircraft lands, the receiving station must already know what cargo is on board – that is precisely what the FFM message delivers. FFM stands for Freight Flight Manifest; the format is part of the standardized IATA Cargo-IMP messaging system and is sent by the departing carrier to the destination station before the flight arrives. It covers all cargo booked on the flight, including shipment numbers, weights, piece counts, routing, and special handling codes. Ground handlers and warehouse staff use the FFM to plan offloading and prepare connecting shipments in time. Unlike the FWB, which describes a single consignment, the FFM is a flight-level summary of all cargo on board.

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