Air Freight
What is Air freight?
Air freight is another term for air freight that is， the transport of goods by air carrier. Air transport services are most valuable when it comes to moving express goods around the globe. Just like commercial or passenger airlines, air cargo flies through the same gateway.
Air freight, on the other hand, refers to the cost of transporting goods by air. When goods are transported from one place to another, the amount paid for the transportation of the goods is called freight. Therefore, air freight refers to the costs paid for air transportation.
Air Freight Transportation Services at CargoWaves Logistics
Welcome to the Air Freight Transportation page of CargoWaves Logistics, your trusted partner for efficient and reliable shipping solutions based in China. As a leading logistics provider headquartered in Shanghai, we specialize in air cargo services that connect businesses globally. Our strategic location in China allows us to leverage the country’s extensive aviation infrastructure, including major hubs like Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG) and Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK), to offer seamless air freight options for time-sensitive shipments.
Whether you’re shipping electronics, pharmaceuticals, perishables, or high-value goods, our air freight services ensure speed, security, and reliability. Below, we outline the key features of our services, the advantages of choosing air freight, and an overview of major airports and airlines worldwide to help you plan your logistics needs.
Key Features of Our Air Freight Services
As a China-based shipping company, CargoWaves Logistics offers a comprehensive suite of air freight features tailored to meet the demands of international trade. Our services are designed to handle everything from small parcels to oversized cargo, with a focus on compliance with Chinese export regulations and global standards.
- Global Network and Partnerships: We partner with top cargo airlines and have established routes from key Chinese airports to destinations across Asia, Europe, North America, and beyond. Our network includes dedicated cargo flights and belly cargo on passenger airlines for flexibility.
- Door-to-Door Service: From pickup at your location in China (or worldwide) to final delivery, we manage the entire process, including customs clearance, documentation, and last-mile delivery.
- Real-Time Tracking and Visibility: Using advanced GPS and RFID technology, track your shipment 24/7 via our online portal or mobile app. Get instant updates on flight status, delays, and ETA.
- Customs Expertise: Our team handles all Chinese customs procedures, including export declarations, tariffs, and compliance with international trade laws (e.g., INCOTERMS). We specialize in handling restricted items like hazardous materials (HAZMAT) under IATA regulations.
- Temperature-Controlled Shipping: Ideal for perishables and pharmaceuticals, our reefer containers maintain precise temperatures during transit, with options for dry ice or active cooling systems.
- Express and Standard Options: Choose from express air freight for urgent deliveries (1-3 days) or economy options for cost savings (3-7 days), depending on your budget and timeline.
- Insurance and Risk Management: Comprehensive cargo insurance covers loss, damage, or delays. We also provide risk assessments for high-value shipments.
- Sustainable Practices: Committed to eco-friendly logistics, we offer carbon offset programs and partner with airlines using sustainable aviation fuel (SAF).
- Dedicated Customer Support: 24/7 multilingual support team based in China, with expertise in Mandarin, English, and other languages to assist with quotes, bookings, and queries.
- Integrated Technology: API integrations for e-commerce platforms, automated quoting systems, and AI-driven route optimization to reduce costs and transit times.
For a personalized quote, contact us at [email protected] or use our online booking tool.
Advantages of Air Freight Transportation
Air freight is the fastest mode of international shipping, making it ideal for time-critical cargo. Here are the key advantages, especially relevant for a China-based operation like ours where speed to market is crucial in global supply chains:
- Speed and Efficiency: Deliveries can be completed in hours or days, compared to weeks by sea. This is perfect for just-in-time inventory management and reducing holding costs.
- Global Reach: Air freight connects remote locations inaccessible by other means, with daily flights from China to over 200 countries.
- High Security: Airports have stringent security measures, reducing theft or tampering risks. Tracking is more precise than other modes.
- Reliability: Less affected by weather or geopolitical issues compared to road or sea transport, with predictable schedules.
- Flexibility for Small Shipments: Economical for low-volume, high-value items like electronics or fashion, without needing full container loads.
- Reduced Packaging Needs: Shorter transit times mean less robust packaging, saving on materials and weight-based costs.
- Environmental Considerations: While fuel-intensive, modern aircraft are more efficient, and options like consolidated shipments minimize emissions per unit.
- Economic Benefits: Enables rapid response to market demands, supporting e-commerce growth and perishable goods trade from China’s manufacturing hubs.
These advantages make air freight a strategic choice for businesses aiming to stay competitive in fast-paced industries.
Major Airports and Airlines for Air Freight Worldwide
To support your global shipping needs, here’s an overview of key air freight hubs and airlines. We’ve focused on those with strong cargo operations, including connections to China. Data is based on recent global logistics reports as of 2025.
Major Cargo Airports Around the World
These airports handle significant air freight volumes and are pivotal in international trade routes.
| Region | Airport Name | Code | Key Features and Cargo Volume (2024 Estimates) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Asia | Shanghai Pudong International | PVG | China’s busiest cargo hub; 3.8 million tons; advanced facilities for perishables and e-commerce. |
| Asia | Hong Kong International | HKG | 5.1 million tons; major transshipment point for Asia-Pacific. |
| Asia | Incheon International (Seoul) | ICN | 3.0 million tons; tech and semiconductor focus. |
| Europe | Frankfurt Airport | FRA | 2.3 million tons; Europe’s largest cargo airport with extensive pharma handling. |
| Europe | Amsterdam Schiphol | AMS | 1.8 million tons; flower and perishable specialist. |
| North America | Memphis International | MEM | 4.5 million tons; FedEx hub, e-commerce leader. |
| North America | Los Angeles International | LAX | 2.7 million tons; gateway for transpacific trade. |
| Middle East | Dubai International | DXB | 2.5 million tons; logistics hub connecting East-West. |
| Middle East | Doha Hamad International | DOH | 2.2 million tons; Qatar Airways cargo base. |
| Africa | Johannesburg O.R. Tambo | JNB | 0.4 million tons; key for minerals and perishables in Africa. |
Major Cargo Airlines Around the World
These airlines dominate air freight, with many offering direct routes from China.
| Airline Name | Base Country | Fleet Size (Cargo Aircraft) | Key Routes and Specialties |
|---|---|---|---|
| FedEx Express | USA | 700+ | Global network; express parcels; strong US-China links. |
| UPS Airlines | USA | 280+ | E-commerce and logistics; daily flights to Shanghai. |
| DHL Aviation | Germany | 250+ (via partners) | Pharma and documents; extensive European-Asian routes. |
| Emirates SkyCargo | UAE | 11 dedicated + belly | Luxury goods and perishables; Dubai as hub for transshipment. |
| Qatar Airways Cargo | Qatar | 30 dedicated | High-capacity freighters; connects Middle East to China. |
| Cathay Pacific Cargo | Hong Kong | 20 dedicated | Asia-Pacific specialist; perishables from China. |
| Air China Cargo | China | 15 dedicated | Domestic and international; leverages Beijing hub. |
| China Southern Cargo | China | 14 dedicated | Focus on Guangzhou; e-commerce to Europe/America. |
| Lufthansa Cargo | Germany | 15 dedicated | PharmaLogistics; strong ties to Frankfurt. |
| Korean Air Cargo | South Korea | 23 dedicated | Tech and automotive; Incheon as key hub. |
For more details on specific routes or partnerships, reach out to our team. At CargoWaves Logistics, we’re here to make your air freight experience seamless and efficient!
FAQS
Q: What is the cheapest way to ship my cargo from China?
A: Our main service is sea shipping, air shipping, railway shipping and express service.
The shiping cost is depend on what’s the item you ship and also volume,weight….
For example, for cargo weigh less than 100KGS, express service is the fastest and most ecomonic way.
if volume larger, we can consider to ship by air( faster,usually within one week,but cost higher) ,Railway(lower price then air and faster than sea).,Sea shipping(usually lower than railway but longer time)…
We will provide the shipping solution and cost for your choice, and you can choose the one most suitable for you.
Q: Can you do my shipment door to door ? I want everything include.
A: Yes,we are professional on door to door shipping.
We, Cargo Movers,can arrange all EXW jobs from supplier’s warehouse to destination port.( Pick up cargo from factory, export customs clearance job, booking space …..)
And with 18 years’ experience in logistics service ,we have cooperative agents all over the world. Our partner will help you do everything from destination port to your warehouse.( customs clearance job, pick up container from port and delivery it to your place)
Q: Can i share my goods with other shipment in container?
A: If your goods are not enough for the full container shipping, we can choose to ship it by LCL(Less than Container). That means we will share the container with other shipment. By this way, the sea freight will charge based on the volume ship, this will save sea shipping cost.
Q: How to ship my cargo if i buy it from many different suppliers?
A: We have warehouse can consollidate our cargo from different areas. We have warehouse in Shenzhen,Guangzhou,Shanghai,Ningbo,Yiwu… After collect and consolidate all your cargo, we will provide you the shipping solution and cost according to the total volume.
Q: Is air freight calculated by weight or volume?
A: Generally speaking, air transportation depends on the weight of the cargo and the volume of the weight of the cargo which is greater, which is greater to take which as the chargeable weight
Q: How to get your next air freight quote?
A: Get a quote information, you can tell us the name of the product and where it needs to be shipped to. From where to ship. And the weight of the shipment.
Q: What information is required to transport dangerous goods by sea?
A: Transporting hazardous materials requires distinguishing what type of hazardous material it is based on the name. You need to provide us with the MSDS file, we will help you to check whether it is possible to transport or not.