GlossaryEN1 min readUpdated: Jun 15, 2026
Air freight
Shippers, freight forwarders, and airlines turn to air freight when delivery speed outweighs transport cost: it is the carriage of goods by aircraft and the fastest mode in international cargo transport.
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Source: https://www.iata.org/en/programs/cargo/
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Shippers, freight forwarders, and airlines turn to air freight when delivery speed outweighs transport cost: it is the carriage of goods by aircraft and the fastest mode in international cargo transport. Compared to ocean and road, it cuts transit times across intercontinental routes from weeks to days. Typical applications include time-sensitive consignments, perishables, high-value electronics, pharmaceuticals, and emergency shipments. Cargo is processed at dedicated terminals under IATA regulations, dangerous goods rules, and applicable customs requirements. Cost per kilogram is substantially higher than ocean freight, making air freight economically viable mainly for low-volume, high-value, or tight-deadline shipments.
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