Overview of Air Freight

12 May 2025

Air freight is increasingly becoming the preferred choice for many businesses and individuals due to its high speed, safety, and global reach. So, what exactly is air freight, what are its advantages and disadvantages, and when should you choose this mode of transportation? The article below will help you gain a clearer understanding.

I What is air freight?

Air freight refers to the transportation of goods by aircraft, covering both domestic and international routes. This method is highly regarded for its speed, safety, and minimal impact from geographical constraints—factors that often hinder other forms of transport.

Common types of aircraft used in air freight include:

Dedicated cargo planes (also known as cargo aircraft or freighters)
Cargo compartments in passenger aircraft

Although air freight accounts for only a small percentage of total global cargo volume, it represents up to 30% of the total value of goods moved worldwide—a testament to its importance in high-value logistics.

II. Pros and Cons of Air Freight

2.1 Advantages

Unmatched Speed: Air freight is the fastest shipping method available, with aircraft traveling at average speeds of 800–1000 km/h. It's ideal for urgent shipments, high-value goods, or products with short shelf lives.

High Level of Security: Goods are carefully handled and monitored throughout the journey, reducing the risk of damage or loss. This also leads to lower insurance premiums compared to other methods.

Global Reach: Air networks cover almost every country and territory, facilitating international trade and streamlined import/export operations.

Lower Storage Costs: Thanks to faster transit and customs clearance, goods spend less time in storage, reducing warehousing fees.

2.2 Disadvantages

High Cost: Air freight rates are significantly higher than sea or road transport, making it less suitable for low-value goods.

Weight and Size Limitations: Aircraft have strict capacity restrictions, making air freight unsuitable for bulky or oversized cargo.

Strict Packaging Requirements: To meet aviation safety standards, cargo must be packaged according to international regulations, which can increase handling complexity.

III. Types of Goods Commonly Shipped by Air Freight

High-value items: such as gold, silver, and electronics
Perishables: including fresh food and pharmaceuticals
Urgent shipments: like important documents or replacement parts
Samples and seasonal goods

IV. Key Players in Air Freight

A wide range of stakeholders is involved in the air freight process, from the sender to the final recipient:

_ Postal services like EMS or Viettel Post

_ International courier services such as Kerry Express

_ Global express shipping companies including DHL Express, FedEx, and UPS

_ Air freight forwarders such as ASL Logistics

_ Airlines and cargo operators that use their aircraft to transport goods

Currently, freight forwarders handle up to 80% of total air cargo volume, playing a critical role in the logistics chain.

Conclusion

Air freight remains a powerful logistics solution for those who prioritize speed and reliability. While its cost is higher than other modes, its advantages—especially for time-sensitive or high-value shipments—make it a smart choice for businesses and individuals alike.

If you're looking for a professional and trusted air freight service, reach out to ASL Logistics for expert advice and the best shipping rates available.

ASL Logistics was granted a Certificate of Secondary Air Waybill Issuance Registration by the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam in 2010. Our staff are professionally trained and certified in IATA regulations for Dangerous Goods (DG) handling, specifically for classes 1, 3, and 6.

We offer fast and competitively priced air freight services to destinations across Asia, Europe, and the Americas.
Shipments depart from major Vietnamese airports, including Tan Son Nhat (SGN), Da Nang (DAD), and Noi Bai (HAN) to airports around the world.
We also provide multimodal transport solutions, combining sea and air freight to optimize costs while ensuring your cargo arrives on time.

Contact us today — let ASL Logistics be your trusted partner on every shipment via:

⚓ ASL Logistics Cambodia - Your true logistics partner

📍 https://asl-cam.com/home

☎ +855 31 555 6688

✉ ceo@asl-cam.com