Air cargo charter is the exclusive hire of an entire aircraft for transporting goods, differing from regular air freight shipments that may include cargo from multiple senders. This service is tailored for organisations needing customised air freight solutions, making it ideal for companies with variable-sized or sensitive goods or for reaching remote locations with limited route availability. This approach grants businesses, governments or NGOs more control over their air cargo, mitigating restrictions and delays.
Typically, air carriers use high-capacity freighter aircraft for economies of scale, designed to carry maximum cargo safely. However, due to current high demand, empty passenger aircraft are also used for suitable shipments, with goods placed on passenger seats, known as “preighters.” Nevertheless, brokers usually aim to provide cargo-specific aircraft and will specify any variations to ensure transparency.