The logistics sector has different means of transport to ship goods. For long-distance cargo transport operations, air, sea and land transport are often used air transport and land transport are often used.
All means of transportation have a number of characteristics that are different from each other. In this article we will shed some light on the characteristics of air transport, how it works, its types, and why to choose this means of transport for the shipment of goods.
What is air transportation?
Air transport is that which transports by air, by means of aircrafts, airplanes, etc. Allows the movement of people, goods and mail.
Aircraft are the fastest means of transportation and therefore the most suitable for shipping products within the supply chain that require fast and agile delivery.
So, we are talking about a type of transport that is part of the logistics of companies and all the infrastructure linked to it.
Air freight is used in most industrial sectors and supply chains. It is estimated that the trend in the use of this means of cargo transportation will continue to rise, and more flights will be used exclusively for the transport of goods.
Characteristics of air transportation
It is worth mentioning that air transport is the most recent mode of transportation. Obviously, technology in recent years has allowed air transport to make a leap in quality, making it a type of transport increasingly used by companies for export and import logistics.
It has a large base of regulations, laws and air traffic control, an important part of its management.
The main characteristics that define air transportation are the following:
- Faster transportation. The airplane is much faster than a car, truck, train or ship, making it the ideal transportation system for transporting goods in the shortest possible time.
- Ideal for accessing remote locations. In very distant or remote destinations, other types of transport are inefficient. Air transport has practically no limitations to reach any place.
- Security. According to statistical data, the airplane is the safest means of transportation. It is a very reliable method of transportation, where the goods arrive at their destination in perfect condition. Freight insurance premiums in air transport are generally lower than in land or sea transport.
- Shorter delivery times. One of its main features and advantages, there is no doubt that delivery times are much shorter than in other transportation alternatives.
In addition to all this, air transport has almost no interruptions in its services, it has no physical barriers as occurs in other modes of transport.
Learn more about the advantages of air transport.
International air transport regulations
Air freight is heavily regulated by a number of international regulations that seek to ensure safety, efficiency, and standardization in global operations.
The International Air Transport Association (IATA) plays a key role in regulation, setting standards for cargo security, dangerous goods labeling, and packaging requirements.
In addition, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), a UN agency, sets standards and recommended practices that countries should follow to ensure aviation security. These regulations include risk management, security and measures to prevent acts of unlawful interference.
Each ICAO member country must adapt these regulations to its national legislation, ensuring that air transport complies with international standards, such as the Montreal Convention, which regulates airline liability in international transport.
Complying with these regulations is crucial to avoid penalties, delays and ensure that air transport operations are conducted safely and efficiently around the world.
How do air transport logistics work?
Airfreight logistics covers all physical and documentary processes that are part of the life cycle of the airfreight forwarding process.
In air transport, two types of users are identified that give rise to the shipping process:
- Charger.
- Addressee.
The type of shipper defines the demand for air transport service.
The selected company is in charge of the transport management to the airport facilities, and all the documents related to the transport service are prepared.
Once all the legal and customs formalities and requirements have been fulfilled, the air transport process will begin. The first step is the loading of the shipment to be sent to the requested destination.
Factors Affecting Air Freight Costs
The cost of air freight is influenced by several key factors that can vary considerably depending on the nature of the cargo and the routes selected.
One of the most determining factors is the weight and volume of the cargo, where rates are applied based on gross weight or volumetric weight, whichever is greater.
Another crucial factor is the distance and route of the flight. Longer routes or routes requiring multiple stopovers tend to be more expensive due to higher operating expenses.
In addition, the type of cargo plays an important role; special cargo, such as perishables or dangerous goods, requires specific handling and conditions, which increases costs.
Finally, demand and supply in the air freight market also affect prices. In periods of high demand, such as during holidays or global crises, fares can increase significantly.
Seasonality and available airline capacity also influence costs, especially on routes with lower flight availability.
These factors, combined, determine the final cost of airfreight, making each shipment unique in terms of price and logistics.
Types of air transportation
As with any means of transport, it is possible to develop different classifications and types of air transport.
In this case we can define the following classification to better understand its characteristics:
Load-bearing
Air cargo transportation is related to the exclusive shipment of goods. One of the most trending means of transport for logistics in recent years.
Of goods
Air transport is one of the most widely used modes of transport for import and export of goods. Facilitate fast delivery and receipt at destinations
The speed of transport continues to be a key factor in the advancement of this type of transport for the shipment of goods.
Dangerous goods
Dangerous goods are all goods that can cause damage to health and the environment.
The transport of dangerous goods has a greater restriction: transport in packages, packaging restrictions or the maximum quantity varies.
There is extensive regulation and legislation on the transport of dangerous goods, as well as liability.
Air transport classification
Another way to classify air transport can be based on its destination, or the way in which the transport is performed, we give you more details about these classifications below:
Domestic and international flights
Domestic flights are those between two points within the same national territory.
Otherwise, international flights are between two points in different states.
Scheduled and non-scheduled flights
Another interesting classification is defined by the mode of transport.
Scheduled flights stand out for offering these characteristics: public and fixed schedule, as well as frequency, itinerary and price. Accessible at any time to any person. It is carried out between two or more different traffic zones.
Non-scheduled flights are those that are contracted on an as-needed basis.
Why choose air transport
Air transport is growing by leaps and bounds and companies are increasingly choosing this mode of transport.
Air freight offers short delivery times, which is very important for increasingly demanding consumers.
Increased speed and delivery times are qualities that are very difficult to beat, making air transport an essential option.
Impact of air transport on the environment and sustainable measures
Air transport, although essential for international trade, has a significant impact on the environment, mainly due to CO2 emissions and fossil fuel consumption. The aviation industry is responsible for a considerable share of global greenhouse gas emissions.
To mitigate this impact, a number of sustainable measures are being implemented. These include the development and use of sustainable aviation fuels (SAFs), which significantly reduce emissions, and the optimization of flight routes to reduce fuel consumption.
In addition, airlines are investing in more efficient technologies, such as new-generation aircraft that consume less fuel, and in the implementation of carbon offset programs, which seek to neutralize emissions by funding green projects.
These initiatives are essential to reducing the environmental footprint of air transport and moving towards a more sustainable future in global logistics.
Across Logistics: Your Trusted Partner in Air Freight Forwarding
At Across Logistics, we understand the importance of efficient, fast and secure air freight services for your international operations.
We offer customized solutions that are tailored to each customer’s specific needs, from general cargo handling to specialized freight forwarding.
Our highly trained team is responsible for coordinating every step of the process, ensuring that your shipments arrive at their destination in perfect condition and in compliance with all international regulations.
In addition, we have a global network of strategic partners that allows us to offer optimized routes and reduced transit times, ensuring that your products arrive on time and on budget.
Our commitment is to provide a comprehensive service from pickup to final delivery, with real-time tracking and personalized attention at all times.
For more information on how we can help you optimize your air shipments, visit our air freight page or contact our team.
