At an international level, air freight is the fastest and most efficient solution for the proper development of logistics operations.
Airfreight transportation by air is not only one of the fastest, but it is also widely used in scheduled shipment flows in which the aim is to minimize the massive storage of goods and only make deliveries at the times when they are needed, thus avoiding storage cost overruns and saving time when looking for sites that meet the needs of our goods to store them until they are strictly necessary.
This working model not only saves monetary costs, but also saves human costs and extends the timing of productivity with a prompt response to the customer on how the desired transport is going to be carried out.
Advantages of Goods Transport
- Suitable for international freight traffic
- Wide coverage
- Transportation of high-cost products, parts, urgent goods…
- High volume goods
- Easy access
- There are no physical barriers, i.e., we can carry out the transport in a single trip regardless of the origin and destination of the goods. (We will always take into account the customs conditions to be able to carry out the transport successfully).
Nowadays, the trend in freight transport is changing and we have to start taking into account this type of transport, as it is starting to grow. According to several studies by AENA in 2015, freight transport at air levels hovered around 8.2% as far as international transport is concerned. In contrast, in 2019, air freight transport accounted for an increase in mobility, in just one year, of 58 million kilograms, thus amounting to an approximate amount of 1,070 million kilograms.
Speed and efficiency
Air freight in Europe stands out for its speed and efficiency, making it ideal for urgent or high-value shipments. With optimised operations and strategic routes, airlines ensure deliveries within hours or days, surpassing the limitations of road or sea transport, even for intercontinental distances.
Wide international coverage
Air cargo transport stands out for its extensive international coverage, enabling transport companies to connect global markets quickly and efficiently. An air transport company facilitates international logistics, optimising times and ensuring the delivery of goods to remote destinations with high safety standards. This service is ideal for urgent goods, guaranteeing safety and efficiency in global logistics, especially for transport to Europe.
Less handling and risk reduction
Air cargo transport stands out for significantly reducing the handling of goods, as shipments are typically transported directly from the point of origin to the final destination. An air transport company implements stringent security and packaging protocols, minimising the risks of damage, theft, or loss. This approach ensures greater integrity and reliability in international logistics.
Ideal for urgent or high-value goods
Air transport is key for urgent or high-value goods, such as medical products, electronics, or perishables, due to its speed and security controls. Air transport companies implement specialised protocols to ensure optimal conditions, such as temperature control and secure handling, minimising risks and ensuring efficient deliveries.
Types of Air Freight Transpor
They can be classified in two ways: general cargo transport and special cargo transport.
General Cargo Transport
The transport of general cargo includes standard goods such as parcels, commercial products, and non-hazardous materials. In Europe, this service is highly efficient, with airlines and logistics operators using cargo planes and space on passenger flights to maximise capacity and reduce costs.
General Cargo Transport
This type covers goods that require specific conditions, such as perishable products, pharmaceuticals, hazardous or oversized loads. In Europe, advanced technologies, such as refrigerated containers or specialised security systems, are used to ensure compliance with regulations and the integrity of the cargo.
Cargo hubs and their role in freight transport
An airport is mainly divided into two zones: passenger or cargo boarding. Therefore, when an area of the airport is dedicated to the loading or unloading of goods, it is important to mention the cargo terminals.
What is an air cargo center?
An air cargo center is created with the main objective of contributing to the development of industrial and logistic activities. It usually consists of a set of platforms, docks and circuits for the circulation of goods.
For example, the Valencia air cargo center according to an article by Aena:
“It has an area of 3.1 hectares on the first line, with warehouses for cargo handling and autohandling activities, and a second line area of 2.8 hectares, with warehouses for freight forwarders and logistics operators. In addition, the Center has a Border Inspection Post (BIP) and a three-story general services building.”
What is a handling agent? It is an agent external to the company that belongs to a private entity of freight forwarding service. And an autohandling? It is an agent that belongs to the airline itself (system most used in Spain).
When transporting goods, the following elements are involved:
- Loading and unloading of aircraft at the check-in or check-out area
- Transport of unloaded goods to the terminal’s cargo storage area.
- Inspection, preparation, and storage of goods for subsequent delivery.
Process of Goods Transport at an Airport
Physical flow in air cargo transportation
Required Documentation for Air Freight Transport
The requirements to be able to transport the goods are as follows:
- Formalization of the contract of carriage
- Shipment documentation: In this case, we refer to all the documentation required for customs clearance.
- Marking of merchandise with importing company identifiers
- Well packed and packaged goods
- Individually labelled packages with clear visibility.
Key Documents
- Air Waybill (AWB): The primary document that serves as a contract between the shipper and the airline, detailing the goods, origin, destination, and transport conditions.
- Commercial Invoice: Specifies the value, description, and terms of sale of the goods; essential for customs procedures.
- Certificate of Origin: Confirms the country where the goods were manufactured or originated, required for tariffs and trade agreements.
- Dangerous Goods Declaration (IATA DGD): Mandatory for hazardous cargo, in compliance with IATA and ADR regulations.
- Customs Declaration: Submitted to the customs authorities for the clearance of goods.
- Special Permits: Required for restricted goods (e.g. pharmaceutical products, live animals or cultural assets).
- Packing List: Details the contents of each package, making inspection and verification easier.
How to Choose the Best Freight Transport Service?
To choose the best service, assess the provider’s experience with international routes, their ability to handle your type of cargo, and flexibility in delivery times. Prioritise companies with tracking technology, wide coverage, and good sustainability practices, which are key in today’s air transport sector in Europe.
Factors to Consider
When selecting an air transport service in Europe, evaluate the coverage of destinations, flight frequency, and delivery times. Consider the capability to handle special cargo, real-time tracking technology, and flexibility in case of unforeseen events. Prioritize providers with experience in local regulations and safety standards.
Depending on your specific needs and the type of goods to be transported, various air cargo transport options can be used to ensure the best handling of the merchandise and circumstances. Don’t hesitate to ask us!
