Belly Cargo
- Aircraft: Passenger aircraft
- Cargo Location: Stored in the belly (lower deck) of the plane, beneath the passenger cabin
- Purpose: Utilizes unused space on passenger flights to carry freight
- Capacity: Limited by aircraft design and passenger baggage
- Cost: Generally lower, since it's part of a scheduled passenger flight
- Flexibility: Less flexible - cargo must follow passenger flight routes and schedules
- Common Uses: Small parcels, mail, e-commerce shipments, urgent documents
Dedicated Cargo
- Aircraft: Freighter (cargo-only aircraft)
- Cargo Location: Entire aircraft is used for cargo - main deck and lower deck
- Purpose: Specifically designed and operated for transporting freight
- Capacity: Much larger, can carry oversized, heavy, or hazardous goods
- Cost: Higher, due to dedicated operations and infrastructure
- Flexibility: Highly flexible - routes and schedules can be tailored to cargo needs
- Common Uses: Industrial equipment, large shipments, perishables, live animals
Quick Comparison Table
| Feature | Belly Cargo | Dedicated Cargo |
|---|---|---|
| Aircraft Type | Passenger aircraft | Cargo-only aircraft |
| Cargo Space | Lower deck | Full aircraft (main + lower deck) |
| Capacity | Limited | High |
| Cost | Lower | Higher |
| Flexibility | Less (fixed routes) | More (custom routes) |
| Cargo Type | Small parcels | Large, heavy, special cargo |