Air transport of goods – what is it?

Air transport of goods is an extremely important part of global logistics, making it possible to move loads quickly and efficiently over long distances. This is especially important in an era of globalization, where companies need fast deliveries to meet market demand. What’s more, because of its high level of security, air transport is used primarily to transport valuable items.

Air transport is not seeing spectacular year-on-year growth, as we can read in the latest IATA report. According to IATA’s figures, demand for air transport of goods fell by 8% in 2022. There are a number of elements contributing to this, such as rising inflation due to the global pandemic, and the disruption of trade flows by the ongoing war in Ukraine. This results in limited household spending capacity.

History of air transport of goods

Air transport of goods dates back to the early 20th century, when planes began to be used to transport mail. The first scheduled mail flights took place in the 1920s, and with the development of aviation technology, air transport began to be used for goods as well.

Process of air transport

The process of air transport of goods begins with the load preparation stage. Logistics companies must ensure that the goods are properly packaged, labeled and in compliance with regulations governing the transport of goods. They are then transferred to the airport and loaded onto an aircraft.
Protecting goods from potential damage and weather conditions is also an important part of the process. Special goods, such as food or chemicals, require additional procedures and preventive measures.

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Principles of air transport

Air transport is characterized by several key principles that make it an attractive option for companies:

Speed: This is one of the biggest advantages of air transport. Airplanes can cover huge distances in a short period of time, allowing goods to be delivered to other continents instantly.
Safety: Compared to other means of transport, aviation has high safety standards. Airlines follow strict procedures to ensure the safety of both loads and passengers. For this reason, this method of shipping is often chosen to transport valuable items.
Easy tracking: advanced tracking systems allow companies and customers to monitor their shipments at every stage of the journey. This increases transparency and allows them to respond quickly to any issues.
Flexibility: Air transport is also highly flexible, allowing for the transport of a wide range of goods, from sensitive electronic products to large industrial machinery.

Air transport plays a key role in global trade and logistics. Its speed, safety and flexibility make it the preferred option for many companies operating in the international market. Modern technologies and procedures ensure that the process of air transport is not only efficient, but also safe and transparent.