The most efficient method for transporting large shipments.
Airfreight is the latest technological advancement in cargo transportation. Despite the fact that transporting cargo via the air is not the cheapest, it supersedes alternative methods in a number of ways:
- Time. Obviously, air cargo is exceedingly faster than via shipping or rail or road and is the most viable option if there are time constraints.
- Low insurance premium. As the total transportation costs on air cargo are relatively short you can expect low insurance premiums on air freight.
- Reliable. Arrival and departure times on cargo flights are fairly accurate and unforeseen delays do not take up more than a couple of days.
- Secure. You can expect your cargo to be exceptionally safe as shipping by air grants access to a higher level of security. Your cargo is also less likely to be damaged given not only the security but the short transport time.
- Less need for warehousing. There is a relatively quick clearance time for air freight as there is less stock than cargo ships.
- Cargo tracking. Airfreight usually means you will be able to track your cargo at all times and therefore you can see where it is at any time.
Types of Cargo Aircraft
Feeder Aircraft
These are express carriers. They are the smallest cargo aircraft class and support the transportation to and from small to medium-sized markets to cargo hubs. These aircraft do not require long runways for landing and take-off and generally consist of turboprop and piston planes.
Example: Cessna 208B Super CargoMaster
- Cruise speed: 344km/h
- Range: 1948km
- Maximum Payload: 1672 kg
- Maximum Hold size: 451ft3 including cargo pod
- Door size: 49”x50” / 124cmx127cm
Narrow-body Freighters
These house containerised and palletised freights on upper decks only. Predominantly used on domestic routed throughout the US, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean as well as serve metropolitan areas. They require longer runways for landing and take-off.
Example: 737-800 Boeing Converted Freighter
- Cruise speed: 842km/h
- Range: 3695Km fully loaded/ 9260km empty
- Payload: 23 900KGs/
- Maximum Hold Capacity: 185.1 m3 / 6536ft3
- Door Size (WxH) : 356×218 CM/ 140”x86”
Wide-body Freighters
The largest in the cargo class. These flying machines are able to accommodate containerised and palletised freights on both the upper and lower decks. They are used on short and intercontinental routes and require long runways for take-off and landing.
Example: Antonov AN-225
- Cruise Speed: 800 km/h/497MPH
- Range: 4500km fully loaded. 15400km empty
- Payload: 250 000 KG/551156 LBS
- Maximum Hold Capacity: 1200CM3
- Hold Size (LxWxH): 4535x640x440CM / 1785”x 251”x173”
- Door Size (WxH): 640×440 CM / 251”x173”
