Air freight
Transport of goods by air, preferred for urgent, high value or perishable shipments.
Air freight (Air Cargo)
Air freight refers to the transport of goods by air. It represents around 35% of the value of international trade but less than 1% of the volume, reflecting its use for high-value or time-sensitive goods.
When to use air freight?
Urgent or short-delivery goods, perishable goods (fruits, flowers, pharmaceuticals), high-value goods (electronics, luxury, spare parts), samples and prototypes, and express shipments.
Pricing
Air freight is priced at taxable weight (chargeable weight): the greater of the actual gross weight and the volumetric weight (L × W × H in cm ÷ 6,000). Prices are generally expressed in EUR or USD per kg.
Documents
The Air Waybill (LTA / AWB) is the transport document. The MAWB (Master AWB) is issued by the airline, the HAWB (House AWB) by the freight forwarder.
Safety regulations
Since post-September 11 regulations, air cargo has been subject to strict security controls. Shippers can obtain authorized agent or known shipper status to simplify procedures.
Main hubs in France
Paris-Charles de Gaulle (1st European cargo hub), Lyon-Saint Exupéry and Toulouse-Blagnac.