What Is Air Freight?
Air freight is the transportation of goods by aircraft. It is one of the fastest ways to move cargo internationally, especially when time is important.
Goods may travel on dedicated cargo aircraft or in the cargo hold of suitable passenger flights, depending on their contents, route and available service.
Why Choose Air Freight?
The biggest advantage of air freight is speed. It is often useful when a shipment cannot spend weeks in transit.
What Types of Goods Suit Air Freight?
Air freight can be suitable for many personal and commercial shipments, subject to airline acceptance and applicable regulations.
Medical Supplies
Selected pharmaceutical and medical products, subject to special conditions where applicable.
Perishable Goods
Selected food, flowers and other time-sensitive goods where the service permits.
Electronics
Electronics and high-value items, subject to battery and carrier restrictions.
Fashion & Retail
Clothing, retail products and urgent business stock.
Spare Parts
Machinery components and essential replacement parts.
Personal Shipments
Eligible personal items, online purchases and important packages.
Important: Some items are restricted or prohibited. Always describe the contents of your shipment accurately before booking.
Things to Consider
Shipping Cost
Air freight generally costs more than sea freight, especially for large or heavy cargo.
Package Dimensions
Carriers may price shipments using actual weight or volumetric weight.
Restricted Goods
Certain batteries, liquids, chemicals and dangerous goods need special approval or cannot travel by air.
Customs Clearance
International shipments require appropriate declarations and may be subject to duties and taxes.
Air Freight Terms You Might Hear
Air Waybill (AWB)
A transport document associated with an air cargo shipment.
Transit Time
The time required for transportation. Routes, connections, handling and customs clearance can affect the overall delivery time.
Chargeable Weight
Carriers may calculate charges using actual or volumetric weight, depending on their rules.
Direct or Indirect Flights
Cargo may fly directly to its destination or travel through a connecting airport.
Air Freight or Sea Freight?
The best option depends on your cargo, budget and required delivery timeframe.
✈ Air Freight
Best when speed is the priority.
- Urgent shipments
- Time-sensitive cargo
- Many smaller shipments
- Eligible valuable goods
🚢 Sea Freight
Often better when volume and cost matter.
- Large shipments
- Heavy or bulky cargo
- Bulk goods
- Less urgent deliveries
What Information Do We Need?
Providing accurate information helps DMA Logistics discuss suitable services and prepare your quotation.
- What you are sending
- Number of boxes or packages
- Approximate weight and package dimensions
- Collection location and destination
- Required delivery timeframe
- Any regulated, fragile or battery-powered items
Need Help With Your Air Freight Shipment?
From personal parcels to business cargo, DMA Logistics can discuss air freight options from the UK to Sri Lanka and beyond. Tell us what you need to send and where it needs to go.