Air Transport - What is it and when is it worth using?

In today's global market, where speed and efficiency play a crucial role, air transport in the context of freight and logistics has become an essential element of the dynamic supply chain. What is this type of transport, and when is it worth using its services?

What is air cargo transport?

Air cargo transport is the process of moving cargoes, products, and goods using aircraft, such as cargo planes, over distances spanning even thousands of kilometers - especially between countries and continents.

Organization of air cargo transport

The organization of air cargo transport refers to the planning, coordination, and management of the process of moving cargoes and goods using aircraft. It is a complex process that involves various stages, starting from cargo collection, through its preparation for transport, to delivery to the destination. Air cargo transport consists of a series of activities aimed at effectively and safely moving materials through the air.

Cargo planning and management

Cargo planning and management are key elements of effective logistics services, especially in the context of air transport. The first stage of this process is gathering detailed information about the cargo. This includes not only identifying the type of goods but also their quantity, dimensions, weight, value, potential special restrictions (such as the need for storage at a specific temperature), and any customs and documentary requirements.

Another crucial step is planning the transport route. This involves not only selecting optimal routes and flight connections but also considering transfers, connection availability, costs, and specifications regarding the transportation of specific goods. Packaging and labeling play a crucial role in ensuring cargo safety. This requires compliance with standards and regulations, with each package properly described and marked.

Customs documentation is an integral part of organizing cargo transport. Preparing necessary documents such as invoices, waybills, or customs declarations is essential for smooth passage through customs processes. Monitoring and tracking the cargo at every stage of the journey are extremely important, from the starting point to the moment of delivery to the destination.

Cooperation and coordination among involved parties, such as airlines, customs agents, airports, warehouses, suppliers, and recipients, are crucial for effective freight management. Effective communication helps avoid delays and issues.

Finally, risk management is an integral part of the process. This includes identifying potential threats and taking actions to minimize the risk of loss, damage, or delay of the freight.

Customs formalities and requirements

Air transport involves customs formalities and requirements, including various documents and procedures. These must be fulfilled to enable the legal and safe transportation of materials across borders.

Customs documents such as commercial invoices, air waybills (AWBs), customs declarations, as well as certificates and licenses, are key elements of the process. The EORI number (Economic Operator Registration and Identification) is an identification number assigned to a business, necessary for customs transactions.

The markings and labeling of goods are also important. Special markings, such as "Fragile" or "Flammable," and warning labels are significant, especially when the goods require special handling or are hazardous.

Health and phytosanitary certificates relate to food, pharmaceuticals, plants, seeds, and agricultural products. Prohibited and restricted goods, such as a list of prohibited cargoes or licenses for restricted goods, also affect the transportation process.

Customs duties and taxes, such as duties and VAT, are often imposed on imported or exported goods. Customs declarations before shipment and customs clearance procedures vary depending on the country and type of goods.

Certificates of origin may be required in some cases to confirm the origin of goods. It is worth noting that customs requirements may vary depending on the countries of origin and destination of goods, their type, as well as the applicable trade agreements. Therefore, companies should consult customs experts and strictly adhere to all applicable regulations and procedures.

Loading and unloading

Loading and unloading issues are critical stages in the process of moving goods using aircraft. These activities are precisely managed to ensure the safety of the transported goods, operational efficiency, and minimize the time required to move the freight. Air transport requires several important steps related to loading and unloading.

Loading

Preparation for loading is a crucial stage in the air transport process. Before the goods are placed onboard the aircraft, it is necessary to prepare them properly according to safety regulations and standards. This process includes proper packaging, securing, and labeling to ensure safe transport.

Information acquisition is an essential element of effective loading. Personnel responsible for this process must have complete documentation regarding the goods, including waybills, customs documents, certificates, and other necessary information. A complete information base is the foundation of safe and efficient freight movement.

The next step is to load the goods into containers or onto pallets, which facilitates handling and allows for effective movement inside the aircraft. Labeling and labeling play a crucial role in the process, ensuring accuracy of identification, location, and minimizing the risk of errors.

When loading onto the aircraft, specially adapted cargo spaces become the place to put the goods according to the previously developed plan, considering weight, balance, and safety. Additional securing, such as straps, tapes, and special fastening elements, is necessary to avoid displacements and damages during flight. Overall, coordinated actions in these areas are crucial for safe and efficient air transportation.

Unloading

Before starting the unloading process, it is necessary for the personnel responsible for receiving the load to be fully informed about the nature of the goods and possess the appropriate documentation. In this context, adherence to safety procedures according to manufacturer's guidelines and applicable regulations regarding the handling of specific types of shipment is crucial.

In the case where the load is placed in containers or on pallets, it is necessary to precisely execute the process of removing from the aircraft loading space according to the relevant guidelines. These procedures are essential for ensuring the safety of both personnel and the goods themselves.

Unpacking, sorting, and possible application of additional precautions are necessary steps in the case of specific characteristics of the goods. These activities aim to prepare the load for further transport or delivery to the destination, while protecting it from possible damages.

In the context of special shipments, such as dangerous or delicate cargoes, additional precautions need to be taken during the unloading process. This includes the use of specialized approaches and equipment to minimize the risk.

After the unloading process is completed, the load undergoes a registration stage and then undergoes quality control. This step aims to verify any damages during transport, contributing to compliance with expectations and high-quality standards.

Air freight - advantages and disadvantages

Like all other types of transport, air transport also has advantages and disadvantages. It is worth remembering them before planning and during the process.

Advantages of air transport include:

Speed: Air transport is the fastest of transportation modes. It allows for rapid delivery of goods over long distances.

1. Speed: Air transport is the fastest of transportation modes. It enables rapid delivery of goods over long distances.

2. Global availability: Easy access to distant global markets through the area served by air transport.

3. Time flexibility: The ability to quickly respond to changes in demand due to flexible flight schedules.

Disadvantages of air transport include:

1. High costs: Transporting goods by air is more expensive compared to other means of transport.

2. Limited capacity: Lower transport capacity compared to maritime transport, especially for large cargoes.

3. Environmental impact: Higher greenhouse gas emissions compared to more environmentally friendly means of transport.

The importance of air transportation in logistics

Air freight is an indispensable element of logistics industry, significantly influencing various aspects of supply, trade, and the global economy. One of the key aspects of air transport in logistics is its unparalleled delivery speed. Air transport, as the fastest available means of transport, enables lightning-fast transportation of goods over long distances in a very short time. This is particularly crucial for shipments that require immediate delivery.

Another important aspect is the global availability of air transport. It allows reaching virtually every corner of the world, enabling businesses to effectively manage international supply chains and reach customers in the global market.

Air transport also demonstrates particular effectiveness in transporting expensive, lightweight goods with high values, such as electronics, pharmaceuticals, or short shelf-life products. This enables minimizing costs associated with warehousing and inventory holding.

For high-value goods, air transport, although relatively more expensive, becomes the preferred means of transportation. The transportation costs are proportional to the value of the goods themselves.

Additionally, air freight transport provides increased flexibility in inventory management, allowing for a quick response to market demand changes. Companies can deliver products efficiently and adapt to dynamic market conditions.

Air transport also features lower risk of goods loss compared to other forms of transportation. Aircraft offer advanced security measures and monitoring, making them a safe means of transport for valuable and delicate goods.

Improving logistical processes is another benefit resulting from air logistics. Rapid deliveries enable more efficient supply chain management, thereby influencing the competitiveness of businesses in the market.

Finally, air transportation plays an invaluable role in the humanitarian sector, facilitating swift delivery services of humanitarian aid and relief supplies to areas affected by natural disasters or conflicts. This versatility makes air freight not only a key element of business logistics but also a significant tool in crisis situations.

Air Transportation - Technologies and Safety

In the case of air transportation industry, technologies play a crucial role in improving operational efficiency and safety. Tracking systems, such as GPS, enable precise monitoring of aircraft locations, while autopilots and automatic landing systems assist the crew in precise flight management. Advanced satellite communication systems maintain constant contact between the crew and ground control centers, and weather information technologies support pilots' decisions.

The safety of air transportation is ensured through various measures, including security checks at airports using scanners and detectors, as well as anti-terrorism systems such as X-ray scanners. Collision avoidance technologies, such as TCAS systems, protect against aircraft collisions. Load monitoring, especially for special goods, and risk management systems are significant elements in ensuring the safety of air shipment transport.

Modern solutions integrate technologies and safety measures, creating a comprehensive system for management and monitoring. Introducing innovative solutions, such as autonomous drones for delivery services, requires special technologies and safety measures. Emergency, rescue, and cybersecurity systems are essential for comprehensive protection in crisis situations and against cyber attacks.