Air Freight Services

What is International Air Freight?

International air freight refers to the transportation of goods by airplane from one country to another. Air freight is commonly used for goods that require fast delivery, such as electronics, perishable items, and urgent supplies. Compared to sea freight, air freight is faster and more efficient, although it usually comes at a higher cost. It is an indispensable logistics method in modern international trade.

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Types of International Air Freight

Depending on transportation needs and cargo characteristics, international air freight can be categorized as follows:

Fast Air Freight

High-priority service offering the fastest transit times.

Uses direct or priority flights.
Ideal for urgent, time-sensitive, or high-value shipments.
Faster handling and customs clearance.

Economy Air Freight

A cost-efficient option with standard transit times.

Suitable for non-urgent cargo.
Balances speed and budget.
Widely used for general commercial goods.

Oversized Cargo Air Freight

For cargo exceeding standard weight or size limits.

Suitable for machinery, industrial equipment, vehicle parts, and bulky shipments.
May require palletized loading or specific aircraft types.
Offers tailored solutions for non-standard cargo.

Cold Chain Air Freight

Temperature-controlled transport for perishable goods.

Used for fresh food, seafood, flowers, and pharmaceuticals.
Maintains consistent temperature during storage, loading, and flight.
Includes insulated packaging and specialized cooling solutions.

Special Products Air Freight

Focused on sensitive products requiring specific documentation or packaging.

Common categories include:
Cosmetics、Battery-powered products
Liquids and gels、High-sensitivity consumer goods

Transit Time for International Air Freight

Standard Air Freight:

Typically 3-7 days to major countries and regions.

Express / Urgent Air Freight:

1-3 days for urgent documents or small cargo.

Charter Flights:

Flexible scheduling according to customer requirements, can depart same-day or next-day.

Required Documents for Air Freight

Commercial Invoice - Shows cargo value and transaction details.

Packing List - Lists quantity, dimensions, weight, and other cargo information.

Air Waybill (AWB) - The carrier-issued transport document.

Export/Import Licenses (if applicable)

Insurance Certificate (optional but recommended)

Air Freight Process

Cargo Inquiry & Quotation

Provide cargo information (weight, volume, type, destination) for a customized quote.

Flight Booking

Select suitable flights or charter options based on customer needs.

Cargo Preparation & Packaging

Ensure packaging meets airline standards; special cargo requires extra handling.

Transport to Airport & Customs Clearance

Deliver to origin airport and complete export customs clearance.

Air Transportation

Aircraft transports cargo to the destination airport.

Destination Customs Clearance & Delivery

Complete import customs clearance and arrange final delivery.

Advantages of International Air Freight

Fast and Efficient: Much shorter transit times compared to sea freight.

Safe and Reliable: Strict aviation management reduces damage risk.

Ideal for Urgent Cargo: Such as electronics, documents, and perishable items.

Global Coverage: Access to most airports and countries worldwide.

Costs and Billing Methods

Freight Charges	Billed based on gross weight or volumetric weight, whichever is higher.
Additional Fees	Fuel surcharge, security fee, airport construction fee, remote area fee, etc.
Trade Terms	Common terms: FOB, CIF, DAP, DDP

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does international air freight take?

Standard air freight usually takes 3-7 days, express 1-3 days, and charter flights can be scheduled as needed.

What documents are required for air freight?

Core documents include commercial invoice, packing list, air waybill,export/import licenses, and insurance certificate.

Why choose air freight over sea freight?

Air freight is faster, has lower damage risk, and is suitable for urgent or high-value shipments, especially small quantities or perishable items.

What is the difference between air freight and express courier?

Air freight is for bulk shipments, requiring customs clearance arrangements; express courier provides door-to-door service, ideal for small, urgent parcels.

How is the chargeable weight calculated for air freight?

The higher value between gross weight and volumetric weight is used. Volumetric weight formula: Length × Width × Height ÷ 6000 (cm/kg).

What are the steps in the air freight process?

Inquiry & quotation → Flight booking → Cargo preparation & packaging → Transport to airport & customs → Air transportation → Destination customs clearance & delivery.

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