What is Air Cargo and How Does It Work?

Air cargo refers to a logistics process in which the shipment of goods or documents is carried out by commercial air transportation. This method is carried out through specially designed cargo planes or planes used during commercial flights. The sender plans the shipment by contacting the cargo company and the cargo is delivered on the specified date and time. The cargo is appropriately packaged on specially arranged aircraft and loaded onto the aircraft by ground handling teams.

Security and customs controls have an important place in this process and are carried out in accordance with international standards. Although air cargo offers advantages such as fast delivery, wide geographical coverage and effective tracking system, it also has disadvantages such as high cost and limited cargo capacity. Air cargo, which plays a critical role in modern logistics, is an important transportation method that enables global trade to occur quickly and effectively.

Definition of Aircraft Cargo

Air cargo is the process of transporting commercial materials or documents loaded onto aircraft, usually on commercial air transportation flights. This includes shipments via air cargo flights.

Use of Cargo Aircraft

Cargo planes are usually specially designed and modified aircraft. These aircraft have a large cargo capacity and are designed to transport different types of materials.

Air Cargo Companies and Operation

In the air cargo process, many air cargo companies have a specific fleet of cargo aircraft. The sender plans the shipment by contacting the cargo company and the cargo is delivered on the specified date and time. The cargo company packages the shipment appropriately and loads it onto the plane.

Cargo Loading and Tracking

Aircraft cargo loading is usually carried out by the ground handling team. Loaded cargo is placed in the cargo compartment of the aircraft and securely fixed in accordance with international standards. Additionally, the location of the shipment can be tracked instantly by using the tracking system throughout the shipment process.

Security and Customs Controls

Security is of great importance in air cargo shipments. Shipments are subject to security checks and customs procedures. This step is a standard practice in international cargo shipments.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Air cargo offers advantages such as fast delivery, wide geographical coverage and low storage costs. However, it also has disadvantages such as high cost and limited cargo capacity.