Types of Air Cargo: A Complete Guide to Air Cargo Categories, Special Cargo Handling and Cargo in Aviation

There are eight primary types of air cargo transported globally, ranging from standard general freight through to specialized categories that require strictly controlled conditions, specific handling procedures, and compliance with international aviation regulations. Understanding the different types of air cargo matters for operators, logistics planners, and businesses that rely on air freight, because each category carries its own documentation requirements, packaging standards, and carrier restrictions.

According to IATA, air cargo transports over US $6 trillion worth of goods annually, accounting for approximately 35% of world trade by value. That volume spans a wide range of air cargo categories: consumer goods moving through general cargo channels, pharmaceutical shipments in temperature-controlled containers, dangerous goods governed by ICAO and IATA dangerous goods regulations, live animals transported under IATA Live Animals Regulations, and high-value or time-sensitive freight that benefits from the speed and security advantages of dedicated air freight services.

All cargo in aviation falls into one of two primary classifications: General Cargo and Special Cargo. General Cargo covers the broad majority of standard shipments. Special Cargo is the umbrella term for any shipment that requires conditions, handling, or documentation beyond standard freight procedures. The sections below cover each of the eight air cargo types in detail, including what qualifies as each type, specific air cargo examples, and the regulatory framework that applies.

General Cargo: The Largest Air Cargo Category

General cargo is the largest air cargo category by volume, accounting for approximately 80% of the total air cargo market. This category covers items that do not require specific handling or storage conditions beyond standard freight procedures. Types of goods transported by air as general cargo include retail and consumer goods (with the exception of mobile phones, tablets, and laptops, which carry lithium battery classifications), dry goods, hardware, textiles, medical supplies, printed materials, machinery parts, and the broad majority of standard e-commerce shipments. General cargo air freight examples include clothing shipments from manufacturing hubs to distribution centers, automotive spare parts, industrial components, and non-perishable food items shipped in standard packaging.

Special Air Cargo: Types, Handling Procedures, Loading Requirements and Examples

Special cargo refers to goods that necessitate particular considerations during handling, storage, or transportation due to their unique characteristics. This sub-category of special cargo includes various types of cargo transported by air that may be sensitive to environmental factors or require compliance with strict regulations. One of the most prominent types of air cargo includes dangerous goods, which are substances that pose a risk to health, safety, property, or the environment. Shipping dangerous goods by air is governed by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) dangerous goods regulations, ensuring that these items are transported safely and efficiently.

Another critical category within special cargo is perishable cargo, which consists of time and temperature sensitive products such as food items and pharmaceuticals. These perishable goods must be shipped by air to maintain their quality and ensure timely delivery. Air cargo transport for perishable goods often involves temperature-controlled environments to adhere to perishable cargo regulations, preventing spoilage during transit.

High-value or fragile cargo also falls under the umbrella of special cargo. This type of cargo requires additional security measures and careful handling to protect it from damage or theft. Live animals by air represent another specialized type of air cargo, necessitating specific care and conditions to ensure their well-being during transportation.

In the air cargo industry, cargo-only aircraft are often utilized for transporting special cargo, as they are designed to accommodate various types of cargo efficiently. This is complemented by the use of air freight services that specialize in handling these unique shipments. By understanding the various requirements of special cargo, logistics companies can effectively manage the air freight network and provide reliable air cargo service to meet market demands.

Special Cargo Handling and Loading: Key Procedures for Business Aviation Operators

Special cargo handling follows a structured set of procedures that differ from general freight handling at every stage. Professional ground handling at origin and destination is essential for ensuring these procedures are applied consistently., from acceptance at origin to delivery at destination. The following outlines the core handling and loading requirements that apply across the special cargo categories covered in this guide.

• Acceptance and documentation. Special cargo must be accepted with complete and accurate documentation before it is loaded onto any aircraft. For dangerous goods this means a completed Shipper’s Declaration for Dangerous Goods verified against the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations packing instructions. For perishable cargo this means a perishable cargo notification and, where applicable, temperature monitoring records from the cold chain. For live animals this means completed IATA Live Animal Certificates and health documentation from a licensed veterinarian. For human remains, organs, and tissue samples this means the relevant death certificates, embalming certificates, and national or international transit documentation. No special cargo category should be loaded without confirmed, verified documentation in hand.
• Segregation and positioning. Different categories of special cargo must be segregated from each other and from general cargo during loading. Dangerous goods incompatible with each other (for example, oxidizers and flammable materials) must be loaded in separate compartments according to ICAO and IATA segregation tables. Temperature-controlled cargo must be positioned away from aircraft structural heat sources. Live animals must be positioned for adequate ventilation and away from dangerous goods. Oversized or heavy cargo must be positioned for aircraft weight and balance compliance and secured using approved restraint systems.
• Special cargo loading equipment. Heavy and oversized cargo requires approved ground support equipment for loading, including main deck loaders, cargo scissors lifts, and appropriate tie-down and restraint hardware rated for the cargo weight. Temperature-sensitive cargo loaded into Unit Load Devices (ULDs) or specialized temperature-controlled containers requires pre-cooling of the container before cargo is placed inside, and continuous temperature monitoring until the aircraft door is closed.
• In-flight monitoring and notifications. The Pilot in Command must be notified of any dangerous goods on board in accordance with ICAO Annex 18 and relevant national regulations. Temperature-controlled cargo manifests should document the required temperature range and the pre-loading container temperature so the crew can assess any temperature excursion risk during the flight. Live animal shipments require notification of carriage, and the receiving station must be pre-advised of arrival for welfare checks.

Overall, the global air cargo market plays a vital role in the transportation of trillion worth of goods annually, with special cargo making up a significant portion of this volume. Understanding the complexities of transporting special cargo is essential for successful logistics and efficient air transport operations.

Temperature-Controlled Cargo: Cold Chain Air Freight Category

These are goods that need to be kept within a certain temperature range to preserve their quality and safety. Examples include pharmaceuticals, vaccines, biotechnology products, fresh food, and flowers. For business aviation operators carrying fresh produce, perishable ingredients, or temperature-sensitive food items as cargo, Just Aviation’s catering and ground services can support cold chain continuity at intermediate stops. Temperature-controlled cargo accounts for about 15% of the total air cargo market, and requires specialized containers, equipment, and procedures to ensure proper temperature management throughout the transport chain.

Hazardous Materials: Dangerous Goods as an Air Cargo Category

These are goods that pose a risk to health, safety, property, or the environment if not handled properly. Examples are explosives, flammable liquids, radioactive materials, corrosive substances, and more. Hazardous materials are subject to strict regulations and standards by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the International Air Transport Association (IATA), and national authorities. They require special packaging, labeling, documentation, and handling by trained personnel.

Heavy and Oversized Cargo: Out-of-Gauge Air Freight Type

Transporting goods by plane that exceed the normal dimensions or weight limits of standard air cargo service containers or pallets. Examples are aircraft engines, industrial machinery, vehicles, and more. Heavy and oversized cargo requires special loading, unloading, and securing equipment and techniques, as well as careful planning and coordination with the air carrier and the airport authorities.

High-Value and Fragile Cargo: Secured Air Freight Category

Transporting live animals by air is a specialized segment within the air cargo industry that requires adherence to strict regulations and guidelines. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has established comprehensive standards for the safe and humane transport of live animals. This type of air cargo falls under the sub-category of special cargo, which means it demands specific care and consideration during air freight operations. The transportation of live animals must ensure that the welfare of the animals is prioritized, and that the aircraft used—whether a passenger aircraft or a cargo-only aircraft—has adequate facilities to accommodate them. Commonly transported live animals include pets, farm animals, and exotic species, which are all subject to stringent health and safety regulations. Proper documentation, including health certificates and an air waybill, is essential for shipping live animals by air. The logistics involved in this type of cargo require carefully controlled environments to meet temperature and humidity requirements, ensuring the animals remain safe and healthy throughout their journey.

High-Value & Fragile Cargo

Transporting goods by plane that have a high monetary value or are susceptible to damage or theft during transportation. Examples are jewelry, art, antiques, electronics, and more. High-value and fragile cargo requires enhanced security measures, such as seals, locks, alarms, and tracking devices, as well as special packaging, handling, and insurance to protect them from loss or damage.

Human Remains, Organs and Tissue Samples: Regulated Air Cargo Type

These are human body parts that are transported by air for various reasons, such as repatriation, burial, transplantation, research, and more. Human remains, organs, and tissue samples are subject to specific regulations and standards by the ICAO, the IATA, and the World Health Organization (WHO). They require special packaging, labeling, documentation, and handling by trained personnel, as well as appropriate temperature control and sanitation during transportation.

Types of Air Cargo Carriers: Business Jets and Specialized Cargo Aircraft

Business jets are a type of aircraft that are designed and used for private, corporate, or government purposes, rather than for commercial passenger or cargo transportation. Business jets typically seat between 19 and 50 passengers, and offer more comfort, convenience, and flexibility than commercial flights. Business jets can also be used for air cargo transportation, especially for special cargo that requires speed, security, or exclusivity.

Air cargo is transported by several distinct types of aircraft, each suited to different cargo volumes, routes, and shipment requirements. Understanding the types of air cargo carriers helps operators and logistics planners select the most appropriate service for their specific cargo category.

Freighter aircraft are dedicated cargo-only aircraft such as the Boeing 747-8F, Boeing 777F, and Airbus A330-200F, designed with main deck cargo loading doors, reinforced floors, and the full cabin volume converted to freight. These handle the highest-volume and heaviest cargo shipments on major freight lanes.

Belly cargo operations use the lower hold of passenger aircraft to carry freight alongside passenger luggage. This accounts for a significant proportion of total air cargo volume, particularly on high-frequency passenger routes where lower-deck space is sold to freight forwarders.

Combi aircraft carry both passengers and cargo on the main deck, with the rear section of the cabin configured for freight. These are used on thinner routes where neither a full freighter nor a pure passenger aircraft makes economic sense.

Business jets and specialized charter cargo aircraft offer dedicated capacity for time-sensitive, high-value, and special cargo shipments that require speed, discretion, or access to airports not served by commercial freight routes. Coordinating flight permits for cargo operations involving multiple international segments, overflights, or restricted airspace is a critical part of planning these missions. The following section covers this category in detail.

Some of the advantages of using business jets for air cargo service transportation are:

Faster Delivery

Business jets can fly faster, higher, and more direct than commercial flights, avoiding congestion, delays, and stopovers. Just Aviation coordinates aviation fuel uplift for business jet cargo operations at airports worldwide, including advance fuel pricing and pre-positioning confirmation. Business jets can also access more airports, especially smaller and remote ones, than commercial flights, reducing the ground transportation time and cost. Business jets can deliver the air cargo in hours, rather than days, which is crucial for time-sensitive or perishable cargo, such as pharmaceuticals, vaccines, organs, or food.

Enhanced Security

Business jets can provide more security and privacy for the air cargo than commercial flights, reducing the risk of theft, damage, or tampering. Business jets can expedite customs and security checks, by using private terminals and facilities. Business jets can also track and monitor the air cargo more closely and accurately, using advanced technologies and systems, ensuring the safety and integrity of the air cargo.

Customized Service

Business jets can offer more customized and personalized service for the air cargo than commercial flights, meeting the specific requirements and preferences of the air cargo users. Business jets can also accommodate more types and sizes of air cargo than commercial flights, using specialized containers, equipment, and techniques, ensuring the quality and suitability of the air cargo.

According to the data from the General Aviation Manufacturers Association (GAMA), some of the business jets with the highest cargo capacities are:

• Boeing Business Jet (BBJ): The BBJ is a family of business jets based on the Boeing 737 airliner, offering more cabin space, range, and performance than traditional business jets. The BBJ can carry up to 10,660 kg of cargo, with a volume of 157 cubic meters, and fly up to 11,480 km with a speed of 890 km/h.
• Bombardier Global 7500: The Global 7500 is a large and long-range business jet, offering more comfort, performance, and technology than other business jets. The Global 7500 can carry up to 2,585 kg of cargo, with a volume of 18.5 cubic meters, and fly up to 14,260 km with a speed of 956 km/h.
• Gulfstream G650ER: The G650ER is an ultra-long-range and high-speed business jet, offering more range, speed, and cabin space than other business jets. The G650ER can carry up to 1,814 kg of cargo, with a volume of 15.7 cubic meters, and fly up to 13,890 km with a speed of 956 km/h.

According to the European Business Aviation Association (EBAA), business jets accounted for about 7.5% of the total air cargo traffic in Europe in 2020. The demand for business jet cargo services increased during the COVID-19 pandemic, as business jets were able to adapt and respond to the changing market needs and customer expectations. The EBAA estimates that the business jet cargo market in Europe will grow by 4.6% annually until 2025.

Air cargo is a diverse and dynamic industry, transporting goods by plane that have different requirements and challenges. The air cargo industry is also constantly evolving and innovating, using new technologies and solutions to improve its efficiency, safety, security, and sustainability. Business jets are a niche and valuable segment of the air cargo industry, offering faster, more secure, and more customized service for special cargo that requires speed, security, or exclusivity. Business jets also have different cargo capacities, depending on their size, design, and configuration, as well as the regulations and standards that apply to the air cargo.

FAQs

What are the different types of air cargo?

There are various types of air cargo, including general cargo, special cargo, and dangerous goods. General cargo typically consists of consumer goods, while special cargo may include perishable goods, live animals, or high-value items. Dangerous goods are regulated by the IATA dangerous goods regulations to ensure safe transportation.

What is air freight?

Air freight refers to the transportation of goods by aircraft. It encompasses all types of cargo transported by air, including general air cargo, perishable cargo, and special cargo. Air freight services provide a fast and efficient way to move goods across the globe.

What is considered special cargo?

Special cargo refers to items that require specific handling or transportation conditions. This includes perishable goods, live animals, high-value or fragile cargo, and dangerous goods. Each category may have its own set of regulations and requirements for safe transport.

What are dangerous goods?

Dangerous goods are items that pose a risk to health, safety, property, or the environment when transported by air. These can include chemicals, explosives, and other hazardous materials, which must comply with IATA regulations for safe air transport.

How is perishable cargo transported?

Perishable cargo, such as food and flowers, is typically transported using temperature-controlled goods logistics to maintain freshness. Air cargo services prioritize quick delivery to minimize spoilage and ensure quality.

What is an air waybill?

An air waybill is a document that serves as a receipt for goods transported by air. It includes details about the cargo, the shipper, and the destination, and is essential for tracking shipments in the air freight network.

How does air cargo impact the environment?

The environmental impact of air transportation is a concern due to greenhouse gas emissions from aircraft. The air cargo industry is exploring ways to reduce its carbon footprint while efficiently transporting trillion worth of goods annually.

What types of aircraft are used for air cargo?

Various types of aircraft are used for air cargo transport, including cargo-only aircraft designed specifically for freight and passenger aircraft that can also carry cargo in their holds. Each type is chosen based on the cargo requirements and destination.

Can live animals be shipped by air?

Yes, live animals can be transported by air as part of special cargo. Specific regulations and care protocols must be followed to ensure the animals’ safety and well-being during transport.

 

For business aviation operators and corporate flight departments that move time-sensitive, high-value, or special cargo by business jet, Just Aviation provides the flight support infrastructure that makes each shipment work: ground handling coordination, fuel uplift, flight permits and overflight clearances, trip planning, and crew support at airports worldwide. Whether the cargo is pharmaceutical product that needs cold chain continuity across multiple time zones or a high-value shipment that requires a direct routing to a regional airport not served by commercial freight, Just Aviation’s global network covers the ground operations that commercial logistics providers cannot. Contact us to discuss the flight support requirements for your next air cargo operation.