How much does air freight cost per kg?

Air freight costs vary greatly by route, weight and service: Standard air freight approx. EUR 2–8/kg, Express (24–48h) approx. EUR 5–15/kg, Same Day / NFO approx. EUR 10–30/kg. Additional charges include fuel surcharge (FSC), security surcharge (SSC) and customs clearance. Chargeable weight (volumetric weight: L×W×H/6000 vs. actual weight) determines billing.

What is an AWB (Air Waybill)?

An AWB (Air Waybill) is the key document in air freight. It acts as a contract of carriage, receipt, and tracking document. Unlike the Bill of Lading (sea freight), the AWB is non-negotiable. The MAWB (Master AWB) is issued by the airline, the HAWB (House AWB) by the freight forwarder. The 11-digit AWB number enables worldwide real-time tracking.

How is chargeable weight calculated?

Chargeable weight in air freight is the greater of: actual gross weight (kg) vs. volumetric weight (cm³ / 6,000). Example: A shipment 80×60×50 cm has volumetric weight 80×60×50/6000 = 40 kg. If actual weight is only 25 kg, billing is at 40 kg (chargeable weight). Courier services often use divisor 5,000.

What is the difference between express and standard air freight?

Standard air freight (Economy Air): 3–5 business days, cheapest option, space subject to availability. Express (24–48h): prioritised space on direct flights. Same Day / NFO (Next Flight Out): next available flight, 6–24h. AOG (Aircraft on Ground): emergency service for aircraft parts, 2–6h. Hand Carry: human courier personally accompanies the shipment.

What is IATA Dangerous Goods (DGR) in air freight?

IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) govern the air transport of hazardous materials. There are 9 classes (explosives, gases, flammables, solids, oxidisers, toxic, radioactive, corrosive, miscellaneous). Shippers must complete a Shipper's Declaration, use approved packaging and apply specific markings. IATA DGR regulations are stricter than ADR (road) or IMDG (sea).

What is a charter flight in air freight?

An air freight charter means the exclusive booking of an entire cargo aircraft (full freighter). Charter types: Ad-hoc charter (single flight), ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, Insurance – wet lease), Time Charter (long-term rental). Suitable for shipments from approximately 30–50 tonnes, time-critical express deliveries or destinations with no regular scheduled service. Full freighter types: Boeing 747F (approx. 110t), B777F (approx. 102t), MD-11F (approx. 90t).

How long does air freight from China to Europe take?

Air freight from China (e.g. Shanghai, Shenzhen) to Europe (Frankfurt, Amsterdam): Direct flight 11–13 hours flight time. Including pre-carriage, handling at origin airport and customs clearance at destination airport, door-to-door time is typically 3–5 business days for standard express. Same Day or NFO can be delivered within 24–36h. Economy Air takes 5–7 business days.

What documents do I need for air freight?

Mandatory documents for international air freight: 1) AWB (Air Waybill), 2) Commercial Invoice with cargo value and HS code, 3) Packing List, 4) Export Customs Declaration (EXA/AES), 5) for dangerous goods: Shipper's Declaration for Dangerous Goods (SDDG). Optional: Certificate of Origin, Phytosanitary Certificate, CITES permit for protected species. For letter of credit transactions: complete document set.

What are FSC and SSC in air freight?

FSC (Fuel Surcharge) varies weekly or monthly based on jet fuel prices, usually EUR 0.50–2.00/kg. SSC (Security Surcharge / Security and Cargo Screening) covers airport security screening measures, usually EUR 0.10–0.30/kg. Both surcharges are additional to the base rate and applied to chargeable weight. Other surcharges: SCC (screening), AMS (US pre-notification), PCA (Peak Congestion Add-on).

Can lithium batteries be sent by air freight?

Lithium batteries are IATA Dangerous Goods Class 9 (Miscellaneous dangerous substances). Lithium-ion batteries (UN 3480) and lithium metal batteries (UN 3090) may be shipped by air freight under strict conditions: state of charge maximum 30% for UN 3480, original packaging or UN-approved packaging, hazard label marking, Shipper's Declaration. Passenger aircraft have stricter quantity limits than cargo-only aircraft.

What is Belly Cargo vs. Full Freighter?

Belly Cargo: freight transported in the lower deck of a passenger aircraft. Cheaper option, dependent on passenger flight routes and capacities. Capacity of an A380: approx. 20–23t belly cargo. Full Freighter: Dedicated cargo aircraft (no passenger cabin). Higher capacity (Boeing 747F: approx. 110t), more route and schedule flexibility, ideal for heavy or bulky freight, dangerous goods and large charter volumes.

What is the difference between Belly Cargo and Full Freighter?

Belly cargo is transported in the lower deck of a passenger aircraft. Cheaper option (5–15% less expensive), dependent on passenger flight routes. Limited capacity (A380: approx. 20t, B777: approx. 22t belly). Full freighter: dedicated cargo aircraft without passenger cabin. Higher capacity (B747F: approx. 110t, B777F: approx. 102t), greater flexibility for routes and goods types (oversized, heavy cargo, dangerous goods CAO).

ACMI stands for Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, Insurance – also known as Wet Lease. The lessee receives a fully equipped aircraft including crew, maintenance and insurance. The lessee only bears operating costs (fuel, airport fees, navigation). Typical duration: 1–6 months. Difference from Dry Lease: Dry Lease without crew and maintenance, typically for 2+ years.

When does an air freight charter pay off?

Charter typically pays off from 30–50 tonnes for a destination when regular cargo capacity is unavailable or overpriced (e.g. peak season), when the destination is not regularly served (remote, crisis area), for time-critical large deliveries (disaster relief, trade fair goods, military), or for specific goods requiring special aircraft (oversized, heavy cargo, live animals).

What aircraft types are available for air freight charter?

Main types: Boeing 747-400F (approx. 103t payload, 6x main deck + belly), Boeing 747-8F (approx. 134t, largest freighter), Boeing 777F (approx. 102t, 2 engines, efficient), Airbus A330F (approx. 70t, medium-haul), MD-11F (approx. 90t, being phased out), B737F (approx. 20t, short-haul). For oversize: AN-124 Ruslan (approx. 150t), AN-225 (no longer available since 2022).

How does a charter booking process work?

Typical process: 1) Request to cargo charter broker with shipment data (weight, volume, goods type, departure, destination, date). 2) Broker obtains offers from airlines (1–24h). 3) Negotiation and contract conclusion (charter party). 4) Flight planning, slot requests at airports and authorities. 5) Shipment preparation and customs documentation. 6) Execution of flight. 7) Unloading, customs clearance, delivery.

How much does an air freight charter cost?

Costs vary greatly by route and aircraft type: B747F Frankfurt–New York: USD 350,000–600,000 (round trip). B777F Frankfurt–Dubai: USD 200,000–400,000. B737F intra-European: EUR 50,000–120,000. Additional: landing fees, handling, fuel surcharge and customs costs. For ACMI: hourly rate USD 15,000–30,000 for B747F plus own operating costs.

Air Freight · Charter

Charter Flights & Full Freighter

Belly Cargo vs. Full Freighter, charter types (Ad-hoc, ACMI, Time Charter), all cargo aircraft types with capacities and the complete broker process.

Boeing 747 cargo aircraft – Full Freighter charter at airport

Belly Cargo vs. Full Freighter

Belly Cargo

Cargo in the lower deck of passenger aircraft

Advantages

5–15% cheaper than full freighter

Higher flight frequency (daily)

Worldwide network via passenger flights

Disadvantages

–Limited capacity per flight

–No nose door for oversized cargo

–CAO dangerous goods not permitted

–Dependent on passenger demand

Full Freighter

Dedicated cargo aircraft (no passengers)

Advantages

High capacity (up to ~133t for B747-8F)

Nose door / side door for oversized cargo

CAO dangerous goods possible

Flexible route and time planning

Disadvantages

–More expensive per kilogram

–Lower frequency than passenger flights

Charter Types Overview

Ad-hoc Charter

One-time, short notice

Short-notice single flight. Lead time 1–5 days. Flexible route and destination.

Disaster relief, trade fairs, peak capacityHighest cost/flight

ACMI (Wet Lease)

1–6 months

Aircraft with crew, maintenance and insurance. Lessee bears fuel and fees.

Seasonal capacity, testing new routesUSD 15k–30k/h (B747F)

Time Charter

Weeks to months

Aircraft hired for fixed period. More flexible use than ACMI, lower rate.

Regular connections, routing flexibilityCheaper than ad-hoc

Dry Lease

2+ years

Aircraft only without crew/maintenance. Lessee provides own crew and maintenance. For airline operations.

Airlines for fleet supplementationCheapest long-term option

Cargo Aircraft Types & Capacities

Type:

Payload

Volume

Range

Main operators

Boeing 747-8F

4 engines

~133t

874 m³

8.040 km

Lufthansa Cargo, Cargolux, Atlas Air

Boeing 747-400F

4 engines

~113t

778 m³

8.250 km

Air Hong Kong, Korean Air Cargo, Polar Air

Boeing 777F

2 engines

102t

636 m³

9.200 km

Emirates SkyCargo, FedEx, Air France Cargo

Airbus A330F

2 engines

70t

475 m³

7.400 km

Air Asia X Cargo, EgyptAir Cargo

MD-11F

3 engines

91t

580 m³

7.240 km

FedEx, UPS

Antonov AN-124

4 engines

120t (bis 150t)*

1.045 m³

5.000 km

Volga-Dnepr, Antonov Airlines

Boeing 737F

2 engines

20t

148 m³

3.440 km

DHL, FedEx Express feeder

When Is Charter the Right Choice?

Quantity / Weight

From approx. 30–50 tonnes per destination
When spot rates exceed charter rate
For large, time-critical shipments

Goods type

Oversized goods (> 6m): nose door required
Heavy cargo: industrial machinery, turbines
Live animals (IATA LAR)
Artworks, antiques, valuables

Destination

No regular air freight connection
Crisis area or remote location
Time window only achievable via charter

Situation

Disaster relief / humanitarian goods
Trade fair goods with fixed setup date
Military transports
Epidemic/pandemic deliveries

Charter Booking Process – 7 Steps

Charter booking process – freight broker and airline negotiating charter contract

Request to broker

Shipment data: weight, volume, goods type, departure, destination, date. Specify dangerous goods, special cargo.

Obtain offers

Broker contacts airlines (1–24h). Comparison: price, route, aircraft type.

Negotiation & Charter Party

Price negotiation. Sign charter party contract. Pay deposit.

Flight planning

Airline requests slots, overflight rights, permits. Route planning (1–5 days).

Shipment preparation

AWB, commercial invoice, packing list, customs documents, dangerous goods papers.

Loading and departure

Cargo checked in at terminal. Weight and balance check. Departure.

Arrival & delivery

Unloading. Customs clearance. Pay remaining balance. Delivery to consignee.

Charter Costs – Benchmarks 2026

Charter prices vary greatly by aircraft type, route, market conditions and timing. The following values are rough benchmarks (excl. fuel, handling, customs).

FRA → JFK

B747-400F

USD 350k–600k

Round trip

FRA → DXB

B777F

USD 200k–400k

One way

FRA → PVG

B747-8F

USD 500k–900k

Round trip

Intra-Europe

B737F

EUR 50k–120k

Round trip

ACMI B747F

Hourly rate

USD 15k–30k/h

+Operating costs

Frequently Asked Questions

Key Terms in Glossary

Air Waybill (AWB)Air Freight Freight Rate

Ad-hoc Charter

One-time, short notice

Short-notice single flight. Lead time 1–5 days. Flexible route and destination.

Disaster relief, trade fairs, peak capacityHighest cost/flight

ACMI (Wet Lease)

1–6 months

Aircraft with crew, maintenance and insurance. Lessee bears fuel and fees.

Seasonal capacity, testing new routesUSD 15k–30k/h (B747F)

Time Charter

Weeks to months

Aircraft hired for fixed period. More flexible use than ACMI, lower rate.

Regular connections, routing flexibilityCheaper than ad-hoc

Dry Lease

2+ years

Aircraft only without crew/maintenance. Lessee provides own crew and maintenance. For airline operations.

Airlines for fleet supplementationCheapest long-term option

Cargo Aircraft Types & Capacities

Type:

Payload

Volume

Range

Main operators

Boeing 747-8F

4 engines

~133t

874 m³

8.040 km

Lufthansa Cargo, Cargolux, Atlas Air

Boeing 747-400F

4 engines

~113t

778 m³

8.250 km

Air Hong Kong, Korean Air Cargo, Polar Air

Boeing 777F

2 engines

102t

636 m³

9.200 km

Emirates SkyCargo, FedEx, Air France Cargo

Airbus A330F

2 engines

70t

475 m³

7.400 km

Air Asia X Cargo, EgyptAir Cargo

MD-11F

3 engines

91t

580 m³

7.240 km

FedEx, UPS

Antonov AN-124

4 engines

120t (bis 150t)*

1.045 m³

5.000 km

Volga-Dnepr, Antonov Airlines

Boeing 737F

2 engines

20t

148 m³

3.440 km

DHL, FedEx Express feeder

When Is Charter the Right Choice?

Quantity / Weight

From approx. 30–50 tonnes per destination
When spot rates exceed charter rate
For large, time-critical shipments

Goods type

Oversized goods (> 6m): nose door required
Heavy cargo: industrial machinery, turbines
Live animals (IATA LAR)
Artworks, antiques, valuables

Destination

No regular air freight connection
Crisis area or remote location
Time window only achievable via charter

Situation

Disaster relief / humanitarian goods
Trade fair goods with fixed setup date
Military transports
Epidemic/pandemic deliveries

Charter Booking Process – 7 Steps

Request to broker

Shipment data: weight, volume, goods type, departure, destination, date. Specify dangerous goods, special cargo.

Obtain offers

Broker contacts airlines (1–24h). Comparison: price, route, aircraft type.

Negotiation & Charter Party

Price negotiation. Sign charter party contract. Pay deposit.

Flight planning

Airline requests slots, overflight rights, permits. Route planning (1–5 days).

Shipment preparation

AWB, commercial invoice, packing list, customs documents, dangerous goods papers.

Loading and departure

Cargo checked in at terminal. Weight and balance check. Departure.

Arrival & delivery

Unloading. Customs clearance. Pay remaining balance. Delivery to consignee.

Charter Costs – Benchmarks 2026

Charter prices vary greatly by aircraft type, route, market conditions and timing. The following values are rough benchmarks (excl. fuel, handling, customs).

FRA → JFK

B747-400F

USD 350k–600k

Round trip

FRA → DXB

B777F

USD 200k–400k

One way

FRA → PVG

B747-8F

USD 500k–900k

Round trip

Intra-Europe

B737F

EUR 50k–120k

Round trip

ACMI B747F

Hourly rate

USD 15k–30k/h

+Operating costs

Charter Flights & Full Freighter

Belly Cargo vs. Full Freighter

Charter Types Overview

Ad-hoc Charter

ACMI (Wet Lease)

Time Charter

Dry Lease

Cargo Aircraft Types & Capacities

When Is Charter the Right Choice?

Charter Booking Process – 7 Steps

Charter Costs – Benchmarks 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

Key Terms in Glossary

Related Topics

Charter Flights & Full Freighter

Belly Cargo vs. Full Freighter

Charter Types Overview

Ad-hoc Charter

ACMI (Wet Lease)

Time Charter

Dry Lease

Cargo Aircraft Types & Capacities

When Is Charter the Right Choice?

Charter Booking Process – 7 Steps

Charter Costs – Benchmarks 2026

Frequently Asked Questions

Key Terms in Glossary

Related Topics

All resources on air freight

Air freight topics