Airfreight is the transportation of goods by air, typically for commercial purposes. This method of transportation is commonly used for the shipment of goods that are time-sensitive or require specialized handling, such as perishable items, hazardous materials, or high-value goods.

Airfreight is typically handled by specialized cargo airlines or freight forwarding companies, which are responsible for the safe and efficient transport of goods by air. These companies provide a range of services, including the loading and unloading of cargo, the handling of customs and other regulatory requirements, and the tracking and tracing of shipments.

Airfreight is a crucial component of the global logistics industry, as it allows for the rapid and efficient transportation of goods around the world. This has greatly facilitated international trade and commerce, and has helped to support the growth of global supply chains.

Airfreight is typically more expensive than other forms of transportation, such as sea or ground freight, due to the higher operating costs of air transportation. However, the speed and reliability of airfreight make it an attractive option for time-sensitive shipments, and it is widely used for the transportation of goods that require rapid delivery.

Aircraft types

Different cargo can be transported by passenger, cargo or combi aircraft:

• Passenger aircraft use the spare volume in the airplane's baggage hold (the “belly”) that is not being used for passenger luggage—a common practice used by passenger airlines, who additionally transport cargo on scheduled passenger flights. Cargo can also be transported in the passenger cabin as hand-carry by an “on-board courier”. This practice can often be used to cross-subsidise loss-making passenger routes that would otherwise be uneconomical to operate.
• Cargo aircraft are dedicated for the job—they carry freight on the main deck and in the belly by means of nose-loading or side loading.
• Combi aircraft carry cargo on part of the main deck, before or after a passengers’ section, with side loading, and in the belly.