Air freight is a key pillar of international trade and logistics. In recent years, this mode of transport has experienced significant growth, driven by globalization and the need for faster product delivery.
In 2023, Spanish airports handled more than 1 million tons of cargo, an increase of 5% over the previous year, consolidating Spain as an important hub for air freight in Europe.
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Advantages of air freight
Air freight is one of the preferred options for many companies operating in the international market because of its great advantages:
Speed
The main attraction of air freight is its speed. It allows goods to reach international destinations in a matter of hours, compared to the days or weeks it can take by ship or truck.
Reliability
Flight schedules are tight and less prone to delays. As a result, they offer greater assurance of on-time delivery.
Accessibility
Airplanes can go virtually anywhere in the world, overcoming geographic barriers that limit other forms of transportation.
What goods can be transported by air?
There are goods that, by their nature, have a higher demand for air transport:
Technology and electronics:
Sensitive and high demand technology components and products.
Pharmaceuticals and healthcare products:
Medicines, vaccines and medical equipment that need specific shipping conditions and urgent delivery. See our post on packaging for pharmaceutical equipment here.
Fragile and high-value products:
Jewelry and art works that require fast and safe transportation, with virtually zero claims.
Perishable foodstuffs:
Fresh produce, flowers and plants that can deteriorate in a short period of time.
Dangerous goods:
Products that may pose a risk to health and/or the environment.
Similarly, airfreight is specific to companies and industries that operate just-in-time logistics. For example, the shipping and automotive industries work with continuous supply flows, which requires the delivery of goods to any part of the world just when they are needed.
Regulations applicable to the transportation of goods by air
Warsaw Convention
Convention on Civil Aviation and other rules relating to international air transport.
Montreal Convention
International Convention for the Unification of Certain Rules Relating to International Carriage by Air.
IATA DGR
Dangerous Goods Regulations for Air Transportation.
What are the logistics involved in air freight?
Aircraft for air transport are divided into mixed aircraft and cargo aircraft. Some transport both passengers and cargo, while others are dedicated only to the international transport of goods.
Cargo aircraft therefore have features that enhance their functionality. For example, they usually have a wider fuselage to accommodate bulky cargo. There are also super transport aircraft that can carry large loads.
One of the main challenges of this transportation system is the handling of cargo on the ground. Industrial packaging for air cargo must be lightweight and secure. It often involves a combination of custom packaging design and the use of packaging aids and technologies that help maximize space and minimize the risk of damage during shipment.
Logistics companies must ensure that goods are properly packaged and labeled and comply with regulations governing the transportation of goods, including prohibitions on hazardous materials or perishable goods.
At 360 Eco Packaging, we offer customized packaging solutions that ensure cargo integrity at every stage of air transportation. Contact us today.