Air freight is the transportation of cargo by aircraft — the fastest international shipping mode, essential for time-sensitive goods, high-value products, and perishable shipments that cannot tolerate the multi-week transit times of ocean freight. Air freight is significantly more expensive per kilogram than ocean, rail, or truck, but delivers in 1–7 days for most international lanes versus 14–35 days for ocean.
When to Use Air Freight
- Time-sensitive restocking: Inventory replenishment when stock-outs cannot wait for ocean transit
- High-value, low-weight goods: Electronics, pharmaceuticals, luxury goods — where freight cost as a percentage of cargo value is manageable
- Perishable goods: Fresh produce, live animals, biologics requiring fast, temperature-controlled transport
- Emergency shipments: Critical parts, samples, or materials where delays are more costly than the freight premium
Air Freight Cost Drivers
Air freight is priced per kilogram (or per pound in the U.S.), with dimensional weight calculations applying when cargo volume-to-weight ratio is high. Rates vary by origin-destination lane, aircraft type, fuel surcharges, and market capacity. Booking through a freight forwarder typically yields better rates than booking directly with airlines for most shippers.