Types of Air Cargo Transport Services

Air cargo services are a vital component of the global supply chain, enabling businesses to move goods quickly and efficiently over long distances. However, not all types of cargo are the same, and each one has its own requirements and challenges for handling, storage, and transportation. Explore the various types of cargo that are transported by air, and how Just Aviation, a business flight support company, can help you with your air cargo service needs.

Air cargo is a vital component of the global supply chain, enabling businesses to move goods quickly and efficiently over long distances. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), air cargo transports over US $6 trillion worth of goods annually, accounting for approximately 35% of world trade by value. But what types of cargo are transported by air, and what are the challenges and opportunities for the air cargo service industry?

When looking at the various types of cargo transported by air, they fall into two main groups: General Cargo and Special Cargo. Special Cargo is then divided up into smaller specialized sub-groups, each with its own requirements and regulations.

General Cargo

General cargo are items that do not require specific handling or storage conditions during transportation. These types of items are retail and most consumer goods (with the exception of mobile phones, tablets and laptops), dry goods, hardware, textiles, medical supplies, and more. General cargo encompasses about 80% of the total air cargo market, and is typically more straightforward in terms of packaging and handling requirements.

Special Cargo

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.

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

These are goods that need to be kept within a certain temperature range to preserve their quality and safety. Examples are pharmaceuticals, vaccines, biotechnology products, fresh food, flowers, and more. 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

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 & Oversized Cargo

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.

Live Animals

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, & Tissue Samples

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.

Business Jets and Air Cargo

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. 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. 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.

 

Just Aviation can help you with the regulations and standards that apply to your air cargo, such as the packaging, labeling, documentation, and handling requirements. Just Aviation can also offer you competitive and transparent pricing, as well as flexible and customized options, for your air cargo transportation. Contact us today to find out how we can help you with your air cargo needs. Just Aviation is your trusted partner for air cargo transportation.