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International Air Freight​ Services

Efficient and Reliable Air Transport Solutions Worldwide

What is air freight?

Air freight is a method of transporting goods by plane. Due to its speed and efficiency, it is widely used in international trade and transnational logistics. It is especially suitable for urgent materials, high-value goods, perishable goods, and other goods that require a shorter transit time. Air freight can connect most countries and regions around the world and is currently one of the fastest and most reliable methods of international freight transport.

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International air transport process

  1. Cargo preparation: After the cargo is ready, the customer needs to prepare the relevant documents (such as invoices, packing lists, transport insurance, etc.).
  2. Selecting the airline and flight: The cargo owner or the freight forwarder selects the appropriate airline and flight according to requirements.
  3. Cargo delivery to the freight forwarder: The cargo is handed over to the freight forwarder or airline for processing, and the necessary packaging and customs clearance procedures are carried out.
  4. Air transport: The cargo is loaded onto the plane and flown to the destination.
  5. Destination customs clearance: After arriving at the destination, the cargo needs to pass through local customs for clearance.
  6. Delivery of goods: Once customs clearance has been completed, the goods will be delivered by ground transport to the specified destination.

What is the transit time for air freight?​

Air freight is the fastest way to transport goods, and it usually takes 1-7 days, depending on the distance and destination. Domestic air freight usually takes 1-2 days to arrive, while international air freight usually takes 3-7 days. It is usually used to transport high-value, urgent or time-sensitive goods. However, the transit time of air freight is also affected by factors such as weather, airline arrangements, flight delays, etc. Therefore, although air freight is one of the fastest ways to transport goods, there is always the possibility of unexpected delays. When choosing air freight, you must also consider the size, weight, and cost of the goods, in addition to transit time. While air freight is excellent for fast transport, it is usually more expensive than other methods like Ocean Freight and rail transport. So, if you need something really fast, air is the way to go. But if you need to save costs, other shipping methods may be more suitable.

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How are air freight costs calculated?

Air freight costs are usually calculated based on the following factors:

  1. Cargo weight: Air freight costs are calculated based on the actual weight or the volumetric weight (whichever is heavier). The formula for calculating volumetric weight is volume (cubic meters) × 167 = volumetric weight (kilograms).
  2. Destination and origin: Costs vary depending on the flight route and are affected by the distance between the origin and destination and the complexity of the journey.
  3. Airline and shipping method: Different airlines and shipping methods (e.g. express, standard freight, etc.) can affect the cost.
  4. Insurance costs: If you choose freight insurance, the cost will increase.
  5. Additional fees: For example, fuel surcharges, insurance fees, overweight fees, customs clearance fees, etc.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Air Freight

Advantages

  • Fast transportation speed: This is the most significant advantage of air transportation. The speed of an airplane is usually about 500-1000 kilometers per hour, which can significantly shorten the transportation time of goods compared with other transportation methods such as shipping and land transportation. For goods with highly high time-sensitive requirements, such as fresh and perishable goods, urgent documents, electronic products, etc., air transportation can ensure that the goods will be delivered to the destination in the shortest time to meet the urgent needs of customers.
  • High transport safety: Airlines have strict standards and procedures for the safe transport of goods. From collection and transportation, loading and unloading, and transportation to delivery, the process is operated and monitored by professional personnel and equipment. Aircraft are relatively less affected by factors such as weather during flight and have a stable flight attitude. The risk of damage or loss of goods during transport is low.
  • Low damage rate: During the air transport process, goods are usually adequately packaged and placed in an exceptional cargo hold. The environment in an aircraft’s cargo hold is relatively stable, and conditions such as temperature and humidity can be better controlled. Moreover, during the loading and unloading process, airlines will use professional equipment and operating procedures to minimize the number of times the goods are handled, thereby reducing the damage rate of the goods.

Disadvantages

  • High transportation costs: Air freight has high operating costs, including aircraft acquisition and maintenance costs, fuel consumption, crew remuneration, etc. These costs are all apportioned to each shipment, resulting in relatively high air freight rates. For goods of low value, high weight, or large volume, air freight may result in excessively high transportation costs, increasing business operating costs.
  • Transport capacity is limited: The carrying capacity of an aircraft is relatively limited. Compared with large cargo ships in maritime transport or trains in rail transport, the cargo hold of an aircraft is relatively small, and there are certain restrictions on the weight and volume of goods it can carry. Some goods, such as large equipment and large quantities of raw materials, may not be transported by air, and other transport methods need to be selected.
  • Greatly affected by weather: Although aircraft are generally relatively unaffected by weather, in some extreme weather conditions, such as heavy rain, fog, strong winds, and snowstorms, aircraft may not be able to take off or land, usually resulting in flight delays or cancellations. This can have a significant impact on time-sensitive goods and may even result in economic losses.
  • Cumbersome procedures: Air freight requires a series of strict procedures, including cargo declaration, security inspection, customs clearance, etc. These procedures require professional knowledge and experience, and the process is relatively complicated and takes time and effort. If the procedures are not handled in time or do not meet the requirements, the goods may not be transported on time, affecting the delivery time of the goods.

Key Airports in China for Air Freight

Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG)

Shanghai Pudong International Airport is a major air freight hub with extensive cargo facilities. It is one of the busiest airports in the world for international cargo, featuring advanced handling equipment and a vast network of logistics services. PVG is renowned for its efficiency and capacity to manage large volumes of freight, making it a crucial node in global supply chains.

Hong Kong International Airport (HKG)

Hong Kong International Airport serves as a key international freight gateway, connecting China with markets around the globe. The airport boasts state-of-the-art cargo facilities, including the expansive Asia Airfreight Terminal and the Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminals Limited. Its strategic location and free port status enhance its appeal for international logistics.

Ningbo Lishe International Airport (NGB)

Ningbo Lishe International Airport is equipped with advanced storage and handling facilities, supporting the thriving industrial and manufacturing sectors in the region. The airport’s modern cargo infrastructure ensures efficient processing and transportation of goods, catering to both domestic and international freight needs.

Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport (SZX)

Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport features a modern cargo terminal with advanced automation systems. It is a pivotal freight hub in Southern China, offering comprehensive logistics services and seamless connections to major global markets. The airport’s cutting-edge technology and efficient operations support the high demand for air freight in the region.

Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (GUA)

Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport features a modern cargo terminal with advanced automation systems. It is a pivotal freight hub in Southern China, offering comprehensive logistics services and seamless connections to major global markets. The airport’s cutting-edge technology and efficient operations support the high demand for air freight in the region.

Qingdao Liuting International Airport (TAO)

Qingdao Liuting International Airport handles large cargo throughput, serving the industrial heartland of Shandong Province. The airport’s comprehensive cargo services and strategic location facilitate the efficient movement of goods, supporting both import and export activities.

Tianjin Cargo Airport (TSN)

Tianjin Cargo Airport, home to the headquarters of Cargolux, boasts extensive warehouse space and specialized cargo handling capabilities. The airport’s proximity to the major port of Tianjin enhances its role as a key logistics center, providing seamless multimodal transportation options.

Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport (CKG)

Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport is equipped for efficient cargo handling, featuring advanced logistics infrastructure and facilities. The airport serves as a vital gateway for goods moving to and from Western China, supporting regional economic growth and development.

Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK)

Beijing Capital International Airport is the main hub for major airlines and a critical node in China’s air freight network. The airport’s extensive cargo facilities and strategic location in the capital city ensure it plays a central role in both domestic and international logistics, facilitating the flow of goods across continents.

Goods suitable for air freight

Air freight is ideal for high-value, time-sensitive items such as:

Fashion and Apparel: Meet market demands swiftly.

Pharmaceuticals: Ensure timely delivery of life-saving medicines.

Electronics: Transport high-tech gadgets securely.

Artwork: Safeguard precious and fragile items.

Perishables: Maintain the freshness of food and other perishables.

Critical Shipments: Urgently needed materials for projects.

Handling Oversized Cargo: Hong Ocean offers chartered flight options for large projects, utilizing aircraft like the Antonov An-225 Mriya for exceptional loads.

Air freight rates and costs

Air freight rates are usually calculated based on the weight or dimensional weight of the goods, depending on which method results in a higher cost. Dimensional weight is calculated by first multiplying the height, length, and width of the goods to get the volume and then converting the volume to dimensional weight according to a specific conversion factor (e.g., 6,000 cubic centimeters per kilogram). If the dimensional weight exceeds the actual gross weight, the carrier will use the dimensional weight to calculate the freight. For example, for a shipment with the dimensions 50 cm x 50 cm x 50 cm, the volume would be 125,000 cubic centimeters, and the volume weight would be 21 kg (125,000 ÷ 6,000). Assuming a cost of $2.25 per kilogram, the air freight cost would be $47.25.

Air freight service providers may use a variety of pricing models, including weight-based pricing, volume-based pricing, spot pricing, tiered pricing, and contract pricing. In addition, the total cost of air freight may also include additional fees such as fuel surcharges, security surcharges, container freight station/terminal handling charges, and airport pick-up and drop-off. For door-to-door services, prices may also include the cost of services such as customs clearance, pick-up and delivery, and cargo insurance. Therefore, when choosing an Air freight service, shippers need to consider all costs and pricing models to ensure they select the most economical and appropriate shipping option.

Frequently Asked Questions

Most frequent questions and answers
  • The cost is determined by the greater of the actual or volumetric weight.
  • Use the formula: Volume (CBM)×167\text{Volume (CBM)} \times 167Volume (CBM)×167

Essential documents include the Air Waybill (AWB), Commercial Invoice, Packing List, and any specific documents required by customs.

Use the AWB number to track your shipment online for real-time updates.

Contact Hong Ocean immediately to assist in filing a claim with the insurance provider.

Yes, we have the expertise to manage hazardous goods in compliance with international regulations.

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