Air freight refers to the transportation of goods by aircraft, either using dedicated cargo planes or the cargo space in passenger flights. It is a key component of global logistics, enabling fast movement of products across countries and continents.
At its core, air freight is designed for speed and efficiency. Compared to sea or road transport, it drastically reduces transit time. Shipments that might take weeks by sea can often arrive within a day or two by air. This makes it especially useful for urgent deliveries, high-value goods, and time-sensitive products like medical supplies, electronics, or fresh food.
The process typically begins with a shipper preparing and packaging goods according to airline and safety regulations. A freight forwarder or logistics company then organizes the shipment, including booking cargo space, preparing documentation, and arranging customs clearance. The goods are transported to the departure airport, inspected, and loaded onto an aircraft. After arrival at the destination airport, they go through customs again before being delivered to the final recipient.