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INTERNATIONAL FREIGHT BY AIR
Air Freight Services for International Shipping
At STG, air freight services are used where timing is critical and conventional transport is no longer practical. With more than 30 years of experience in international logistics and specialist transport, the team has coordinated air cargo shipments ranging from urgent consignments to heavy-lift aircraft operations, depending on the nature of the cargo and the requirements of the wider logistics operation.
Each movement is planned around aircraft capability, airport infrastructure, cargo handling constraints, and onward transport, ensuring an efficient and reliable air freight solution from origin to delivery.
Examples of STG Air Freight Operations
STG managed the relocation of a Rolls-Royce engine test gantry from the UK to the USA. The unit was first transported by road from Nottingham to Prestwick, before being loaded onto a 747 freighter for a direct flight to Atlanta, with final delivery into the secure NASA test facility at Stennis, Mississippi.
For a client in Parma, STG arranged the transport of a complete canning line from Bologna to Shanghai using an Antonov AN-124, at the time the largest cargo aircraft in operation. A detailed stowage plan was critical, as the entire project depended on every item being correctly positioned within the aircraft.
In one project, part of the consignment was flown on scheduled services from Heathrow to Mexico City, while larger items were transported by road to Luxembourg and loaded onto a part-charter DC-10 freighter. STG coordinated the entire movement on a door-to-door basis, maintaining supervision throughout.
Frequently Asked Questions About Air Freight Services
What is air freight shipping?
What is air freight shipping?
Air freight, also referred to as air cargo or airfreight, is the transport of goods by air between international airports. It forms part of freight forwarding and global trade, allowing a freight forwarder to move goods quickly across long distances using established airline transport networks.
When is air freight the right option?
When is air freight the right option?
Air freight is typically selected where timing is critical or where disruption to supply chains must be avoided. It is often used for express delivery, high-value cargo, e-commerce shipments, or where goods must arrive within a defined timeframe as part of wider freight forwarding services.
What types of cargo can be transported by air?
What types of cargo can be transported by air?
Air freight forwarding can accommodate a wide range of cargo, from smaller courier shipments to oversized industrial equipment, depending on aircraft capability and cargo specifications. Goods by air may include urgent components, specialist equipment, or consolidated shipments moving through a global network.
What happens before and after the flight?
What happens before and after the flight?
Air freight forwarding involves more than the flight itself. Before departure, the shipper’s goods must be delivered to the airport, checked against cargo specifications, and prepared for loading in line with flight schedules and local regulations. After arrival, cargo is discharged, cleared, and transferred through onward freight delivery, ensuring goods arrive at the final destination without delay as part of a seamless end-to-end carrier solution.
What are the key stages of the air freight forwarding process?
What are the key stages of the air freight forwarding process?
The air freight forwarding process typically includes collection from the shipper, consolidation where required, export documentation, airline transport, customs clearance, and final cargo delivery. Each stage is coordinated to provide a dependable and seamless movement of goods across international air freight routes.
Is air freight always the fastest option?
Is air freight always the fastest option?
Air transport significantly reduces transit time, making it one of the main advantages of air freight. However, overall speed depends on the full logistics chain, including handling, customs processes, and onward delivery. When coordinated effectively, air freight provides a reliable and cost-effective solution for time-sensitive shipments.
How is air freight integrated with other shipping options?
How is air freight integrated with other shipping options?
Air freight is often combined with other shipping options such as road, sea, or rail within a broader freight forwarding strategy. This allows cargo to move efficiently across a global network, with each stage aligned to ensure continuity and minimise disruption.
