Air Freight Aeroplane Being Loaded With Cargo

What is Air Freight?

Air freight is the transportation of goods by aircraft, offering a fast, reliable, and secure way to move cargo across the globe.

For businesses dealing with time-sensitive shipments or high-value goods, air freight is indispensable. It accounts for approximately 35% of global trade by value, even though it represents less than 1% of global trade volume.

In the UK, air freight is vital for industries such as pharmaceuticals, e-commerce, and high-tech electronics, with London Heathrow being a major hub, handling over 1.4 million tonnes of air freight annually.

How Air Freight Works

Air freight follows a systematic process that ensures efficiency and reliability:

  • Booking and Scheduling: Shippers or freight forwarders reserve space with an airline or air freight carrier.
  • Packaging: Cargo is carefully packaged to comply with aviation standards and ensure protection during transit.
  • Customs Clearance at Origin: Goods are inspected, and necessary documentation is provided, such as commercial invoices and export declarations.
  • Air Transport: Cargo is loaded onto aircraft and transported to the destination airport.
  • Customs Clearance at Destination: Similar checks occur at the receiving country.
  • Final Delivery: The cargo is transported to its final destination, typically by road or rail.

This streamlined process ensures that businesses can rely on air freight for quick delivery of goods worldwide.

Advantages of Air Freight

Air freight offers unique benefits, making it a preferred choice for certain businesses:

  • Speed: Aircraft can deliver goods across continents in hours rather than weeks, making air freight ideal for industries where time is of the essence.
    For example, the UK e-commerce sector, which is projected to grow to £200 billion by 2026, heavily relies on air freight for next-day deliveries.
  • Global Reach: Air freight connects businesses to over 200 countries and territories, offering access to remote locations.
  • Security: Advanced tracking technology and strict handling standards reduce the risk of damage or theft.
  • Minimised Inventory Costs: Fast delivery reduces the need for businesses to maintain large inventories, saving on storage costs.

How to Calculate Volumetric Weight for Air Freight

When shipping goods via air freight, calculating the volumetric weight (also known as dimensional weight) is crucial.

This figure helps determine the cost of shipping, as airlines charge based on either the actual weight or the volumetric weight, whichever is greater.

Here’s how you can calculate it:

  1. Measure the Dimensions of Your Shipment:
    Measure the length, width, and height of the cargo in centimetres (cm). If the shipment contains multiple packages, calculate the volumetric weight for each package separately and then sum the results.
  2. Apply the Volumetric Weight Formula:
    Use the following formula to calculate the volumetric weight:Volumetric Weight (kg) = (Length (cm) × Width (cm) × Height (cm)) ÷ 5,000. The divisor 5,000 is the industry standard for air freight.
  3. Compare with the Actual Weight:

    Weigh the shipment to determine its actual weight. Compare this value with the calculated volumetric weight. The airline will charge based on the higher of the two.
  4. Consider the Chargeable Weight:

    The chargeable weight is the greater of the actual weight or the volumetric weight. This ensures that airlines account for the space the cargo occupies in the aircraft.

Example Calculation:

Suppose a package measures 100 cm × 50 cm × 50 cm and weighs 20 kg.

Calculate the volumetric weight:

(100 × 50 × 50) ÷ 5,000 = 50 kg

Compare the weights:

Actual Weight = 20 kg
Volumetric Weight = 50 kg

In this case, the airline will charge based on the volumetric weight of 50 kg.

Understanding how volumetric weight is calculated allows businesses to better plan for shipping costs and optimise packaging!

Challenges of Air Freight

Despite its many benefits, air freight is not without its challenges:

  • High Costs: Air freight is often 4–5 times more expensive than road transport and up to 16 times more costly than sea freight, primarily due to fuel expenses and operational costs.
  • Weight and Size Limitations: Air freight typically has stricter size and weight constraints, with a maximum cargo weight of around 1,000 kg per shipment for commercial aircraft.
  • Environmental Concerns: Air transport produces more CO₂ emissions per tonne-kilometre than any other mode of transport. For instance, air freight emits approximately 500 grams of CO₂ per tonne-kilometre, compared to 15 grams for sea freight.

When to Choose Air Freight

Air freight is most suitable for..

  • Time-Sensitive Goods: Items such as medical supplies, perishables, and urgent e-commerce deliveries benefit greatly from the speed of air transport.
  • High-Value Cargo: Electronics, jewellery, and pharmaceuticals are better protected and insured via air transport, ensuring secure and reliable delivery.
  • Intercontinental Destinations: Air freight is particularly advantageous when shipping to landlocked countries or remote areas, where other transport methods may be less accessible.