Air cargo

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Air cargo () includes all goods transported by air transport by air carrier by air waybill (“air loading”).

History
No other mode of transport has achieved such high growth rates in transport services since 1970 as cargo aircraft. One of the reasons for this is that the division of labor in the world economy has become more intensive and the share of high-quality goods in foreign trade has increased.

Civil air freight has increased sharply since the 1960s. About half of the world’s air cargo is transported in the lower decks of passenger aircraft, the other half by specific cargo aircraft. Air freight is also handled at virtually every airport (loading, reloading and unloading). The average size of passenger and cargo aircraft has increased. Military air cargo was and is transported in so-called transport aircraft; Their era began in World War II.
Some cargo or transport aircraft were developed or built for the purpose of transporting particularly large and heavy goods (more details here and here).

Advantages and disadvantages

Benefits

The performance characteristics in air freight are:
Speed – the aircraft offers the shortest journey time of all modes of transport on medium and long distances.
Safety – here too, the short transport time is crucial, in addition to the independence from natural effects and vibrations during handling and transport.
Reliability – flight schedules are often adhered to the minute, so that the shipment can usually be scheduled precisely.
Low capital commitment costs – In the long term, transport by air freight can be cheaper because storage costs and waiting times are minimized. Not to be created in the first place. A further advantage is therefore the short capital commitment.

On the basis of these performance characteristics, a number of air freight goods have emerged, all of which have an urgent need:
Live animals, flowers and “exotic” fruits, newspapers and films
Fashion and seasonal goods, mostly textiles
Spare parts, forward consignments, air mail
High-quality goods, transport-sensitive and theft-prone cargo
Emergency relief supplies
Important documents
Human organs and mortal remains

Disadvantages
Air freight is more expensive than transport on the ground (truck, train) or by sea freight
Emissions of pollutants and greenhouse gases are higher than for other modes of transport

Legal bases
Since many countries are crossed in the transport of air freight, various agreements are necessary in order to be able to cross these countries unhindered. This is why a number of Western governments founded in the mid-20th century. The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). Members are states that operate civil international air transport and are eligible for election to the UN. ICAO shall be: