AIR FREIGHT
Air freight (air cargo) is the transportation of goods or passengers between locations using aircraft – including passenger planes, cargo jets, or charter flights. Known for its exceptional speed and time-critical delivery, it’s essential for international trade, cross-border e-commerce, urgent logistics, and high-value shipments.
Air Freight's Role in Global Transport
Air cargo is a vital part of the global transport network, offering unmatched efficiency, reliability, and security. While ocean freight handles most global volume, air transport plays a crucial role in time-sensitive international trade, supply chain management, and emergency logistics.
Despite higher costs, nothing beats air freight for speed, worldwide reach, urgent deliveries, and transporting valuable goods. As globalization and digitalization accelerate, air cargo will only grow more important, fueling international commerce and economic growth.
Why Choose Air Freight?
✅Unmatched Speed
The fastest shipping option – perfect for urgent or time-sensitive goods.
International delivery typically takes 1–3 days, far outpacing sea or land transport.
✅Truly Global Reach
By leveraging dense airline networks that span countries and continents, we can fly goods anywhere.
✅Enhanced Security
Minimal cargo damage with limited handling.
Rigorous security screening and tracking systems ensure safe transit.
✅Ideal for High-Value Items
For electronics, precision instruments, jewelry, and other valuable commodities, this is the best choice.
✅Reduces Inventory Costs
Faster transit shrinks supply chain timelines, and this reduction subsequently lowers warehousing expenses.
Air Freight Limitations
⚠️Higher Costs
Significantly more expensive than sea/land options due to fuel, airport fees, and handling charges.
⚠️Size & Weight Restrictions
Due to limited aircraft space, oversized, overweight, or bulk shipments are impractical.
⚠️Weather Vulnerable
Storms, fog, or other severe conditions can delay or cancel flights.
⚠️Environmental Impact
Higher carbon emissions than other transport modes (though the industry is actively improving sustainability).
⚠️Infrastructure Dependent
Requires airports and flight routes – remote areas may need ground transportation connections.
Understanding Volumetric Weight
How It Works:
Calculate Volumetric Weight
(Length [cm] × Width [cm] × Height [cm]) ÷ Volumetric Divisor
Standard divisor: 6,000 (some airlines use 5,000)
Determine Chargeable Weight
Chargeable Weight = Higher of (Actual Weight vs. Volumetric Weight)
Example:
A shipment measures 100cm × 80cm × 60cm, actual weight 200kg:
Volumetric weight = (100cm × 80cm × 60cm) ÷ 6,000 = 80kg
Chargeable weight = 200kg (actual weight is higher)
Key Tips:
- Confirm divisor first
- Optimize packaging to reduce wasted space
- Measure dimensions accurately to avoid billing disputes
Air freight Pallet Requirements
Pallets must meet strict standards for air transport
Materials
Wood: Must comply with ISPM-15 (heat-treated/fumigated)
Plastic: Lightweight & reusable (higher cost)
Paper: Eco-friendly single-use option (lower weight capacity)
Dimensions Common standards:
Europe: 1200×800mm (47×31 in)
USA: 1220×1016mm (48×40 in)
Max. height with cargo: 163cm (64 in)
Load Capacity
Must support cargo weight without bending/breaking
Non-Slip Surface
Prevents load shifting during transit
Air Cargo Packaging Guidelines
Materials:
Cartons (lightweight items)
ISPM-15 wooden crates (heavy/fragile goods)
Foam boxes (electronics/fragile items)
Sealed plastic bags (moisture/dust protection)
Design Essentials:
Cushioning (bubble wrap/foam inserts)
Water resistance (waterproof tape/sealants)
Immobilized contents (no internal movement)
Special Cargo Rules:
Fragile Items: Multi-layer padding + “FRAGILE” labels
Liquids: Leak-proof containers + “LIQUID” markings
Batteries: UN-certified packaging + MSDS documentation
Major international airports in China
China has several worldwide airports, which are not the best vital hubs for domestic air transportation, but also key nodes connecting the world. The following are China’s most important global airports and their characteristics:
1. Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG)
Cargo Volume: China’s biggest shipment airport, one of the top globally.
Geographic Location: Located inside the Yangtze River Delta Economic Zone, radiating East China.
Features: Well-prepared shipment facilities and bonded areas. A dense community of routes connecting to important international economies. Supports go-border e-trade and high-value cargo transportation.
2. Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK)
Cargo Volume: North China’s largest cargo hub.
Geographic Location: Located in China’s political and economic middle, radiating the Beijing-Tianjin-Hebei location.
Features: Advanced cold chain logistics facilities. Supports the transportation of high-cost shipments and emergency elements. Developing in tandem with Daxing International Airport to increase shipment capacity.
3. Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport(CAN)
Cargo Volume: South China’s largest cargo airport.
Geographic Location: Located in the Pearl River Delta Economic Zone, adjacent to Hong Kong and Macau.
Features:
FedEx’s primary transshipment hub in the Asia-Pacific region.
Supports cross-border e-commerce and manufacturing exports.
Dense routes connecting Southeast Asia, South Asia, and Africa.
4. Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport (SZX)
Cargo Volume: A key cargo hub in South China.
Geographic Location: Located in the Pearl River Delta Economic Zone, adjacent to Hong Kong.
Features:
A key channel for the export of high-tech products.
Broad-border e-commerce and cold chain
5. Hong Kong International Airport (HKG)
Cargo Volume: One of the world’s busiest cargo airports.
Geographical Location: Located in the Pearl River Delta, the mainland connects China to global markets.
Features: Equitable sea and air-land transportation equipped with intramedial transport systems. Higher-value cargo and border-crossing e-commerce transport.
6. Chengdu Shungliu International Airport (CTU)
Cargo Volume: The largest cargo hub in South-West China.
Geographical Location: Located in South-West China, in the Chengdu-Chongqing Economic Circle.
Features: A major hub connecting Europe, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East. Supporting the transport of high-value goods such as electronics and pharmaceuticals. The inauguration of Tianfu International Airport has further enhanced cargo capacity.
7. Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport (CGO)
Cargo Volume: One of China’s important cargo hubs.
Geographic Location: Located in the Central Plains Economic Zone, radiating to the central region.
Features:
Cross-border e-commerce and cold chain logistics are developing rapidly. Possessing a comprehensive international cargo route network.
8. Chongqing Jiangbei International Airport (CKG)
Cargo Volume: A key cargo hub in southwest China.
Geographic Location: Located in the Chengdu-Chongqing Economic Circle, radiating to western China.
Features: A key node connecting Europe, Southeast Asia, and the Middle East. Supporting the export of manufacturing industries such as electronics and auto parts. Cross-border e-commerce and bonded logistics are developing rapidly.
9. Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport (HGH)
Cargo Volume: A major cargo hub in East China.
Geographic Location: Located in the Yangtze River Delta Economic Zone, servicing Zhejiang and surrounding areas.
Features: A key channel for cross-border e-commerce and express logistics. Supports high-value-added goods and fresh produce cold chain transportation.
10. Xi'an Xianyang International Airport (XIY)
Cargo Volume: The largest cargo hub in Northwest China.
Geographic Location: Located in Northwest China, servicing countries along the Belt and Road Initiative.
Features: A major cargo hub connecting Central Asia and Europe. Supports cross-border e-commerce and manufacturing exports.
China’s major international cargo airports are located in the economic territories across the country, creating a global air cargo network. These airports not only support the transport of high-value-added goods, across-border e-commerce, and emergency supply, but also promote China’s deep integration with the global economy through comprehensive features and route networks.
What Affects Air Freight Costs?
Chargeable weight (actual vs. volumetric)
Route (direct flights cost more than transits)
Fuel prices (surcharges fluctuate)
Airline fees (peak season/special handling)
Customs duties at destination
Seasonal demand (higher in peak periods)
Shipping from China: Step by Step
1. Prepare Goods
Package securely per airline rules
Label clearly with contents/destination.
Measure dimensions/weight accurately
2. Choose Logistics Partner
Freight forwarder (door-to-door convenience)
Airline direct (best for large volumes)
3. Book Space
Provide shipment details
Select flight options
Get booking confirmation
4. Warehouse Processing
Deliver to the designated facility.
Security screening & weight verification
Palletizing/container loading
5. Export Customs
Submit documents (invoice, packing list, etc.)
Clear export formalities
Cooperate if an inspection is required
6. Transit & Tracking
Aircraft loading
Real-time shipment monitoring
7. Import Customs
Clear goods at the destination
Pay applicable duties/taxes
Provide documents if inspected
8. Final Delivery
Pick up from the airport
Or arrange door-to-door service
Confirm receipt
Pro Tips:
Double-check documentation
Declare special cargo (batteries/liquids) upfront
Consider transit time vs. cost tradeoffs
Insure high-value shipments
Why Choose MLS Air Freight?
Speed & Flexibility
Instant booking confirmations
Optimal routes (direct/transit/charter)
Priority handling for urgent shipments
Cost Efficiency
Discounted rates through airline partnerships
Tailored solutions matching cargo needs
Specialized Expertise
Oversized, dangerous, temperature-sensitive, and regulated goods
Full compliance with airline & customs regulations
End-to-End Service
Single point of contact for:
✓ Pickup ✓ Customs ✓ Booking
✓ Documentation ✓ Final delivery
Risk Management
Real-time monitoring & issue resolution
Cargo insurance options
We simplify air freight through established partnerships with leading carriers, such as Air China, delivering cost-effective solutions with operational flexibility.