3 Main Types of Air Freight Service

Wrong time in delivering certain goods can break your profit. Whether you're moving high-value electronics from Shenzhen to Chicago or rushing medical equipment across state lines in the U.S., air freight is the go-to solution for businesses that can't afford delays.

So, what is air freight, and when should you use it over ocean or road transport? In this blog, we’ll break down the essentials of air freight services.

What Is Air Freight?

Air freight refers to the transportation of cargo via aircraft, either on commercial passenger planes or dedicated cargo planes. 

It’s the fastest mode of shipping available and is often used when time, security, or shipment value is critical.

Unlike ocean or road freight, air freight connects distant locations in a matter of hours or days, making it ideal for businesses that operate on tight schedules or require urgent delivery.

✦ Key Features of Air Freight:

• Speed: Deliver goods across continents in 1–3 days, compared to weeks by sea.
• Security: High handling standards, secure airport facilities, and reduced risk of theft or damage.
• Global Reach: Access to even the most remote markets via international airports.

✦ Who Uses Air Freight and Why?

• Air freight is favored by industries where speed and precision directly impact profitability or compliance. Common users include:
  • Manufacturers: Shipping urgent raw materials or JIT (Just-in-Time) components.
  • Retailers & E-commerce brands: Launching time-sensitive or seasonal products.
  • Medical & Pharma companies: Moving vaccines, lab samples, or life-saving equipment.
  • Automotive: Shipping critical parts during production line emergencies.
  • Tech companies: Moving lightweight, high-value electronics like laptops and smartphones.

In short, if you're dealing with high-value, time-sensitive, or perishable goods, air freight isn’t just an option, it’s a strategic advantage.

Case Study

One of our clients recently faced an urgent challenge: they needed to import a shipment of fresh mangoes from India to the USA during peak season. The stakes were high, any delay in transit or customs hold could result in spoilage, financial loss, and missed sales.

Worried about both speed and customs clearance, they approached us for a fast and compliant air freight solution.

Here’s how we handled it:

✅ Goods were packed promptly following U.S. food import regulations

✈️ We booked the next available flight from India to the USA

🛃 Our customs experts cleared the shipment within 1 hour of arrival

🚛 Final delivery was made safely and on time to the customer’s door

The result? The client was able to sell their mangoes fresh, avoid costly delays, and trust that their next seasonal shipment would be just as smooth.

Type of Air freight Service 

Air freight isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. Depending on the urgency, cargo size, and budget, you can choose from a range of air freight services. Here are the three most common types:

Standard Air Freight

Standard air freight refers to the regular cargo service offered by airlines. Your shipment shares space with other cargo in the belly of a passenger or cargo aircraft.

Best For:

• General commercial goods
• Scheduled but not ultra-urgent deliveries
• Lightweight to midweight cargo

Features:

• Cost-effective for non-critical timelines
• Transit time: 2–5 days (depending on route)
• Includes airport-to-airport tracking and handling

Air Freight Consolidation

In this service, freight forwarders combine multiple shipments from different customers into one consolidated shipment, all headed to the same destination.

Best For:

• Small to mid-sized shipments
• BCOs with flexible delivery windows
• Businesses looking to reduce cost per kilo

Benefits:

• Lower shipping rates due to shared cargo space
• Fixed weekly schedules
• Added handling efficiency at origin and destination
• Customs documentation often handled collectively

💡 Example: If you’re shipping 300 kg of textile samples from Delhi to New York, consolidation lets you pay only for your share of the cargo space, not the whole container or pallet.

Air Charter Freight

An air charter service gives you exclusive use of an entire aircraft—tailored for time-critical, high-value, or oversized cargo that can’t wait.

Best For:

• Emergency shipments or production-critical parts
• Oversized equipment or fragile machinery
• Remote destinations or flight disruptions

Features:

• 100% control over schedule and route
• Fastest transit time (often same-day or next-day delivery)
• Higher cost, but with guaranteed space and delivery

Did You Know? We helped a medical supplier charter a flight from Germany to the U.S. within 24 hours during a supply chain disruption, saving a hospital project from delay.

Each of these air freight services solves a different logistics challenge. The key is knowing which one fits your cargo type, urgency, and cost flexibility.

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When Should You Consider Air Freight?

Time-Sensitive Deliveries

Need to meet a tight deadline or avoid a costly delay? Air freight can deliver cargo within 1–2 days internationally, making it the preferred mode for urgent shipments.

Example: A manufacturer waiting on critical parts to keep their assembly line running can’t afford ocean transit times of 3–6 weeks.

High-Value or Perishable Cargo

Goods like electronics, pharmaceuticals, or fresh produce are either highly valuable or quickly perishable. Air freight offers:

• Lower risk of theft or damage
• Controlled handling and secure terminals
• Temperature-controlled options

Mangoes, vaccines, and microchips all fall under this category, fast delivery preserves their quality and value.

Unstable Ocean Routes or Global Disruptions

Supply chain issues like port congestion, strikes, or geopolitical disruptions can make ocean freight slow and unreliable. Air freight becomes a vital backup to keep your goods moving.

During the COVID-19 pandemic and Suez Canal blockage, many businesses switched to air to avoid long delays.

Tight Production Schedules or JIT Systems

If your business relies on Just-In-Time (JIT) inventory or has narrow production windows, air freight can be a supply chain lifesaver.

• Helps maintain lean inventory models
• Avoids costly production halts
• Keeps distribution timelines on track

Short Shelf-Life or High Insurance Value

Some products like fashion, seasonal goods, or medical supplies, lose value quickly if they’re late.

Others, like jewelry or high-end electronics, carry a high insurance premium that demands faster and safer handling.

Air Freight vs. Ocean Freight: Which One’s Right for You?

Both air and ocean freight have their place in global logistics—but they serve very different needs.

While air freight is all about speed, reliability, and precision, ocean freight is the go-to for large, cost-sensitive shipments with flexible timelines.

Want to compare them side by side, cost, transit time, cargo suitability, and more?

👉 Read our full comparison guide on Air Freight vs Ocean Freight to see which mode fits your shipping strategy best.

How Much Does Air Freight Cost?

Air freight costs can vary significantly but they’re primarily driven by one thing: urgency. You're not just paying for speed, you're paying to meet deadlines, prevent losses, and keep operations running smoothly.

Let’s break it down.

✈️ Key Pricing Factors

Actual Weight vs. Dimensional Weight

• Carriers charge based on whichever is greater: actual (gross) weight or dimensional weight.
• Dimensional weight = (Length × Width × Height in cm) ÷ 6,000
• Lightweight but bulky cargo (like packaging materials) often ends up costing more.

Destination & Distance

• The longer the route, the higher the fuel and handling charges.
• Major trade lanes (like USA to EU or Asia) have more competitive rates due to higher frequency.

Service Type

• Standard Air Freight is the most economical for general cargo.
• Air Freight Consolidation offers lower rates by sharing space with other shipments.
• Air Charter Freight is premium-priced but gives you full aircraft access and complete control over scheduling.

📦 Example Scenario:

Let’s say you’re shipping 200 kg of electronics from Los Angeles to Frankfurt using standard air freight.

Chargeable weight (after volumetric check): 220 kg

Air freight rate: ~$3.80 per kg (Assuming)

Estimated cost: 220 kg × $3.80 = $836 (plus fuel surcharge and destination charges)

If this shipment were delayed by 3 weeks via ocean, it could mean:

• Missed retail launch
• Stockout penalties
• Slower revenue realization

✅ Pro Tip: Always work with a freight forwarder who understands air freight optimization—choosing the right service type, consolidating where possible, and handling customs can make a big difference in cost.

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How a Freight Forwarder Simplifies Your Air Shipments

Air freight is fast but it’s also layered with regulations, carrier coordination, and high-stakes timelines. That’s why businesses rely on freight forwarders to manage the complexities and ensure smooth execution from origin to destination.

Here’s how a specialized freight forwarder adds value at every step:

• Priority Carrier Access & Space Guarantees
  • Freight forwarders maintain strategic partnerships with global and domestic airlines, giving you:
    • Reserved space, even during peak seasons or capacity crunches
    • Better rates through bulk contract pricing
    • Flexible routing options, including secondary airports and mixed carriers to avoid bottlenecks
    • This is especially useful when you need to switch routes last minute or ship during high-volume periods like the holidays or produce season.
•  End-to-End Shipment Handling
  • We handle more than just booking a flight, we manage the full journey:
    • Pickup coordination, including packaging to meet airline and customs specs
    • Export documentation, commercial invoice checks, and compliance reviews
    • AMS (Automated Manifest System) filing for U.S.-bound cargo
    • Customs clearance and bonded handling
    • Delivery to final destination via trusted ground partners
    • You focus on your business. We handle the moving parts—literally.
• Real-Time Tracking, Updates & 24/7 Communication
  • In air freight, even a one-hour delay can affect your entire supply chain. That’s why we offer:
    • Live tracking dashboards
    • Proactive alerts on customs holds, delays, or reschedules
    • Round-the-clock support from logistics specialists who understand your cargo and timelines
• Optimization of Dimensional Weight
  • Air cargo pricing is heavily impacted by dimensional (volumetric) weight. We help you:
    • Repack or palletize to reduce chargeable weight
    • Choose aircraft types or services that minimize space-related fees
    • Combine multiple orders under one MAWB for billing and customs efficiency
    • This can result in significant cost savings, especially for light but bulky goods.
• Expertise in Specialized Cargo & Compliance
  • From mangoes and pharma to electronics and hazardous materials—different cargo types require different handling. We bring:
    • Knowledge of IATA guidelines, TSA regulations, and FDA/USDA clearance
    • Coordination of temperature-controlled or restricted cargo
    • Ability to manage airport storage timelines, so you avoid demurrage or handover delays
• Consolidation and Charter Expertise
  • We analyze your goals and recommend the right service:
    • Air freight consolidation: Shared space, fixed schedules, lower cost
    • Air charter services: Full aircraft access for time-critical or high-value cargo
    • Whether you need to save on cost or beat the clock, we help you choose smart.

Learn more

Conclusion

Air freight is the best choice when speed, reliability, and cargo safety matter most. Whether it’s a high-value product, a time-sensitive delivery, or a perishable ship.

Need help planning your next air shipment?

Get in touch with our team for a tailored, stress-free solution that keeps your supply chain flying smoothly.