GlossaryEN1 min readUpdated: Jun 25, 2026

Interline Air Freight Agreements

Airlines and air cargo operators conclude Interline Air Freight Agreements to carry shipments on a single air waybill (AWB) across the networks of multiple carriers.

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Last updated: 25 June 2026Published: 19 June 2025

Source: https://www.iata.org/en/programs/cargo/cargo-interline-prorate/

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Logistics concept

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1 min

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110

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Definition & Explanation

Airlines and air cargo operators conclude Interline Air Freight Agreements to carry shipments on a single air waybill (AWB) across the networks of multiple carriers. These bilateral or multilateral contracts govern cargo acceptance procedures, revenue proration between partners, and liability allocation in the event of damage or loss. Unlike block-space or capacity-purchase arrangements, interline agreements commit all parties to standardised handover processes and uniform documentation – freight is physically transferred between carriers, not rebooked. On long-haul or thin-route markets where no single airline operates end-to-end, these agreements form the operational backbone of the network. For the shipper, the practical outcome is a single contract, one AWB, and uninterrupted shipment tracking.