Airfreight

At Hellmann, requesting an airfreight quote is quick and straightforward. Simply fill out our Let’s Do Business form with your shipment details, including weight, dimensions, origin, and destination.

Our experienced team will contact you shortly with a tailored quotation that meets your specific needs. We’re also happy to provide personalized consultation to ensure the optimal transport solution for your cargo.

Once your quote has been confirmed, you’ll receive a booking confirmation with all relevant shipment details. Hellmann takes care of the entire logistics process—from pickup and customs clearance to final delivery at the destination. You’ll receive regular tracking updates and have a dedicated contact person for any questions regarding your shipment.

Airfreight is suitable for a wide range of goods, including:

• Electronics and IT Products
• Pharmaceuticals and Medical Products
• Perishables (requiring specialized cooling processes)
• Textiles and Fashion
• Automotive – Industry-specific solutions for vehicle and spare parts logistics
• Sea-Air – Combined sea and air transport: up to 80% faster than sea freight, yet more cost-efficient than pure airfreight
• E-Commerce – Cross-border e-commerce solutions with integrated airfreight connectivity
• HEX – Hellmann Express Airfreight – A digital express service for smaller consignments
• Industrial Cargo – Tailored logistics solutions for industrial goods such as machinery and electronic components

Not all goods are eligible for airfreight transport. Certain restrictions and prohibitions apply, particularly for:

• Specific dangerous goods (depending on aviation authority regulations)
• Oversized or excessively heavy cargo
• Certain organic or chemical materials

Our experts are happy to pre-check your shipment for air transport feasibility and advise you on alternative solutions if required.

The faster goods reach the customer, the greater the reduction in capital costs. Airfreight enables just-in-time supply chain systems, minimizing warehousing requirements and related expenses.

Almost any type of cargo can be shipped by airfreight; however, it is particularly suitable for high-value, time-critical, and sensitive goods. Typical examples include electronics, pharmaceuticals, spare parts, flowers, fresh produce, live animals, and relief supplies.

Certain restrictions apply to dangerous goods such as explosives, flammable liquids, or compressed gases, which may become hazardous due to pressure changes during flight.

Especially for international shipments over long distances, airfreight offers significant advantages in terms of both transit time and overall cost efficiency.

Yes, certain types of dangerous goods can be transported by airfreight — however, strict international regulations apply. Not all hazardous materials are permitted for air transport, and some are completely prohibited.

At Hellmann, we have specialized teams trained and certified in all relevant dangerous goods regulations. Before booking, please contact us so that we can verify whether your cargo can be safely transported by air. 

The transport of dangerous goods by airfreight is governed by strict international and national regulations, including:

• IATA DGR (Dangerous Goods Regulations) – The key international standard for airfreight transport.
• National Aviation Authorities – Additional requirements depending on the country of origin and destination.
• Correct Classification – Dangerous goods must be classified according to internationally recognized hazard classes.
• Approved Packaging – Only certified UN packaging may be used.
• Documentation – A Shipper’s Declaration for Dangerous Goods and accompanying paperwork are mandatory.

Hellmann manages all required documentation, certification, and compliance checks, ensuring your shipment fully meets international safety standards.

Airfreight pricing follows standardized international principles. Airlines charge based on the higher value of actual weight or volumetric weight.

• Actual Weight refers to the shipment’s total gross weight, including packaging, as measured on a scale.
• Volumetric Weight reflects how much space the shipment occupies on the aircraft — relevant for lightweight but bulky cargo such as foam boxes or empty suitcases.
• The IATA standard formula is:
  Length (cm) × Width (cm) × Height (cm) ÷ 6,000 = Volumetric Weight (kg)

Special cargo types require specific handling, which increases costs. 

• Dangerous goods (DG) need certified packaging, documentation (Shipper’s Declaration), trained personnel, and often must be shipped on dedicated cargo aircraft.
• Temperature-controlled shipments (e.g., perishables or pharmaceuticals) require active containers such as Envirotainer units or dry ice, and are prioritized accordingly.
• Valuable cargo (VAL) — such as jewelry, cash, or precious metals — demands high-security storage and transport.
• Oversized or heavy cargo that cannot fit on standard pallets requires customized loading solutions or freighter aircraft.

Hellmann offers multiple service options to suit your timing and budget:

• Express / Priority – Fastest possible service with guaranteed capacity on the next available flight; ideal for urgent shipments.
• Premium – Standard service with a typical transit time of approximately 3–5 days, offering an optimal balance between speed and cost.
• Economy – Most cost-effective solution, using available capacity with longer transit times of around 5–8 days.
• The chargeable weight is always determined by comparing actual and volumetric weight, with the higher value used for invoicing.
• The airfreight rate (per kg) varies by route and season.

Additional Services (Ancillary Charges)

Airfreight involves more than just the flight itself — additional service costs may apply, including:

• Pickup (Pre-Carriage) – Collection of goods from the shipper’s location.
• Delivery (On-Carriage) – Final delivery to the consignee at destination.
• Customs Clearance – Fees for customs brokers who prepare import or export documentation (note: duties and taxes are separate government charges).
• Terminal Handling Charges (THC) – Fees for loading, unloading, storage, and document verification at the airport.
• Cargo Insurance – Optional but highly recommended protection against loss or damage during transport.
• Fuel Surcharge – A variable surcharge depending on current fuel prices.

Example Calculation: A 50 kg shipment with dimensions 28 × 28 × 30 cm and a rate of €5/kg plus a 10% fuel surcharge: Volumetric Weight = (28 × 28 × 30) ÷ 6,000 = 39.2 kg. Since the actual weight (50 kg) is higher, the chargeable weight is 50 kg. At €5/kg plus a 10% fuel surcharge, the total airfreight cost is calculated accordingly.

Here are the key advantages of airfreight in detail:

1. Speed – The Unmatched Key Advantage

This is the most obvious and important benefit of airfreight. No other mode of transport can move goods over long distances as quickly as an aircraft.

• Shorter delivery times: A shipment from Asia to Europe takes only 1–3 days by airfreight, compared to 30–40 days by sea freight.
• Time-to-market: For product launches such as new smartphones or fashion collections, being first to market is critical — airfreight makes this possible.
• Emergency response: When spare parts are urgently needed for production or during humanitarian aid missions, speed is crucial.

2. Global Reach

Aircraft can reach almost any destination worldwide, regardless of access to seaports or rail infrastructure.

• Access to landlocked regions: Countries without seaports can be reached efficiently by air. For intercontinental shipments, airfreight is often the only fast option.
• Overcoming geographical barriers: Mountains, deserts, or jungles that pose challenges for land transport can easily be overflown.

3. High Reliability and Planning Accuracy

Airfreight schedules are tightly managed and standardized. Airlines typically adhere closely to their departure and arrival times.

• Precise planning: Arrival times can be predicted to the exact day — or even hour — enabling accurate production (just-in-time) and inventory planning.
• Fewer delays: Unlike sea freight, which can experience weeks of delay due to weather or port congestion, airfreight delays are usually limited to hours or a few days.

4. Enhanced Security and Reduced Risk of Damage

Airfreight is considered one of the safest modes of transport.

• Strict controls: Airports are high-security areas with rigorous screening for both cargo and personnel, minimizing the risk of theft or tampering.
• Shorter transit times: Because goods are in transit for a shorter period, they face less risk of damage, spoilage, or loss.
• Gentle handling: Airport cargo handling is highly standardized and less rough compared to loading onto ships in rough sea conditions.

5. Lower Packaging Costs

Thanks to gentler handling and shorter transport times, shipments often require lighter and less complex packaging than sea freight. This not only reduces packaging costs but also lowers the gross and volumetric weight of the shipment — resulting in lower airfreight charges.

6. Reduced Inventory and Capital Costs

This is a strategic advantage that is often underestimated.

• Less safety stock: Because deliveries are fast and reliable, companies can maintain lower inventory levels.
• Lower capital commitment: Goods that spend weeks at sea represent tied-up capital. With airfreight, inventory turns over faster, improving liquidity and overall financial efficiency.

7. Ideal for Perishable and High-Value Goods

The combination of speed, reliability, and security makes airfreight the preferred option for certain types of cargo.

• Perishables: Fresh flowers from Kenya, tropical fruit from South America, or tuna from Japan can only reach markets in sellable condition via airfreight.
• Pharmaceuticals: Many medicines and vaccines are highly temperature-sensitive and must be transported quickly within a secure cold chain.
• High-value goods: For luxury items, jewelry, microchips, and high-end electronics, the added security of airfreight outweighs the higher cost.

Conclusion

Although airfreight rates are higher than other transport modes, when all factors — including warehousing, capital efficiency, security, and packaging — are considered, airfreight can be the most economically viable and strategic solution.
Choosing airfreight is ultimately a supply chain decision that emphasizes total value, reliability, and operational speed.

Yes, there are definite weight and size limitations for airfreight shipments — and these are among the most important factors when planning air transport. The limits depend almost entirely on the type of aircraft used.

In general, two main types of airfreight operations are distinguished:

1. Transport on passenger aircraft (Belly Freight)
2. Transport on dedicated cargo aircraft (Freighters)

Below is a detailed overview of the specific restrictions for each type:

1. Limitations on Passenger Aircraft (Belly Freight)

Most global airfreight is transported in the cargo hold — the “belly” — of regular passenger aircraft. This is the most common and often the most cost-efficient shipping option.

Size Restrictions:
The key limitation is the height of the cargo door. A shipment must physically fit through the door to be loaded.

• Narrow-body aircraft (e.g., Airbus A320, Boeing 737):
  • Primarily used for short- and medium-haul routes.
  • Cargo doors are relatively small.
  • Typical maximum cargo height: 70–110 cm.
  • Shipments exceeding this height cannot be transported on these aircraft.
• Wide-body aircraft (e.g., Boeing 777, Airbus A350, A380):
  • Used mainly for long-haul routes.
  • Offer significantly larger cargo holds and doors.
  • Typical maximum cargo height: around 160 cm. Some aircraft types (e.g., Boeing 777) can accommodate cargo up to 240 cm or more, but 160 cm is a common reference for standard freight.

Weight Restrictions:
Weight limitations apply to both total shipment weight and individual pieces.

• Weight per piece: Items that are too heavy to be manually handled by ground staff usually must not exceed 150–300 kg per piece. Heavier shipments may still be accepted but must be pre-approved by the airline.
• Floor load tolerance: The cargo’s weight must be evenly distributed across a sufficient surface area. Extremely heavy but compact shipments can damage the aircraft floor. Airlines have precise limits for weight per square meter.

2. Limitations on Dedicated Cargo Aircraft (Freighters)

Freighters are specifically designed for transporting cargo and offer far greater capacity and flexibility than passenger aircraft.

Size Restrictions:
Freighters have large main-deck cargo doors, allowing the loading of oversized goods.

• Standard freighters (e.g., Boeing 747-F, 777-F, Airbus A330-F):
  • Main deck doors are located on the side or, in some cases, at the nose (nose-loader).
  • Typical maximum cargo height: 240–300 cm.
  • These aircraft can transport vehicles, large machinery components, and other oversized or bulky cargo.

Weight Restrictions:
Freighters support significantly higher weight limits.

• Weight per piece: Individual items can weigh several tons, depending on the aircraft type, available ground handling equipment, and overall weight distribution.
• Total payload: A Boeing 747-8F, for example, can carry over 130 tons of cargo in total.

3. Special Cases: Out-of-Gauge Cargo (OOG) and Project Loads

For shipments that are too large or too heavy even for standard freighters, special aircraft such as the Antonov AN-124 are used. These aircraft are purpose-built for project cargo, including turbines, generators, and even helicopters.
Weight capacities can reach up to 120 tons per piece, but such transports are extremely costly and organized as charter flights.

Additional Key Factors

• Stackability: Cargo that cannot be stacked takes up valuable vertical space and is therefore more expensive to transport. The curved contour of the aircraft fuselage must also be considered when planning cargo layout.
• Route Availability: Not every route is served by wide-body or freighter aircraft. Even if your shipment fits into a Boeing 777, it cannot be moved on that route if only smaller aircraft, such as an Airbus A320, operate there.

For exceptionally large or heavy shipments, Hellmann offers customized airfreight solutions — including charter options and project logistics. Contact our airfreight experts to discuss your specific requirements.

In airfreight, special services include all transport solutions that go beyond the standard shipping of general, non-critical cargo. These shipments require specific procedures, specialized equipment, trained personnel, and often individual pricing.

In essence, a specialized service is required whenever the nature, urgency, size, or value of the goods prevents them from being treated like ordinary freight.

Below are the most important specialized airfreight services in detail:

1. Temperature-Controlled Transport (Cool Chain)

One of the most common special services, designed for cargo that must be kept at a constant temperature.

Typical Goods:

• Pharmaceuticals: vaccines, medicines, research samples
• Perishables: fresh fish, meat, exotic fruits, flowers

Key Requirements:

• Unbroken cold chain: The required temperature must be maintained from origin to destination
• Special packaging: Use of active cooling containers (with built-in refrigeration units, e.g., Envirotainer) or passive systems (insulated boxes with dry ice or cooling packs)
• Priority handling: Fast loading and storage in temperature-controlled facilities at airports
• Temperature monitoring: Often with data loggers recording temperature throughout the journey

2. Dangerous Goods (DG) Transport

Transport of substances that pose risks to health, safety, or the environment.

Typical Goods:

• Lithium batteries (in laptops, phones, etc.) – Class 9
• Chemicals, gases, flammable liquids – paints, aerosols
• Radioactive materials – Class 7

Key Requirements:

• Strict regulations: Compliance with IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR)
• Certified staff: Only trained personnel may pack and declare dangerous goods
• UN-certified packaging: Must meet specific durability and safety standards
• Documentation: A completed Shipper’s Declaration for Dangerous Goods is mandatory
• Segregation rules: Certain goods must not be stored or loaded together

3. Valuable Cargo (VAL)

Transport of items with exceptionally high monetary value.

Typical Goods:

• Precious metals (gold, platinum), jewelry, watches
• Cash, securities, important legal documents
• High-end electronics and prototypes

Key Requirements:

• High-security storage: In vaults or secure airport areas
• Continuous monitoring: CCTV or on-site security personnel
• Discreet and fast handling: “Last on, first off” principle
• Armored ground transport: For pre- and on-carriage

4. Live Animal Transport (AVI)

Transporting live animals requires maximum care and compliance with animal welfare laws.

Typical Goods:

• Pets (dogs, cats)
• Zoo animals, horses
• Agricultural livestock (e.g., chicks)

Key Requirements:

• IATA Live Animals Regulations (LAR): Global standard for animal transport
• Special containers: Escape-proof, species-appropriate, and well-ventilated
• Climate-controlled cargo holds: Temperature and air pressure are monitored
• Veterinary documents: Health certificates and vaccination records required
• Stress minimization: Animals are loaded last and unloaded first

5. Express & Emergency Logistics (e.g., AOG)

Used when speed is the highest priority and every minute counts.

Typical Goods:

• AOG (Aircraft on Ground): urgent aircraft spare parts
• Time-critical medical samples
• Spare parts needed to prevent production shutdowns

Key Requirements:

• Next Flight Out (NFO): Shipment booked on the very next available flight
• 24/7 monitoring: A control team tracks the shipment in real time
• Top priority: For loading and customs clearance

6. On-Board Courier (OBC)

The fastest and most secure transport method — a courier personally accompanies the shipment on a passenger flight.

Typical Goods:

• Sensitive documents, data carriers
• Prototypes for presentations
• Urgent medical goods

Key Requirements:

• Personal escort: The courier travels as a passenger, carrying the shipment as hand or checked baggage
• Direct handover: From sender to recipient, with full custody control
• Maximum speed and security: But also very high costs

7. Oversized and Heavy Cargo

Cargo that exceeds standard pallet dimensions or cannot be loaded into passenger aircraft.

Typical Goods:

• Machinery, turbines
• Vehicles
• Oil and gas equipment

Key Requirements:

• Use of freighters: Dedicated cargo aircraft are essential
• Special loading equipment: Cranes or heavy-duty forklifts
• Precise weight planning: Proper load distribution within the aircraft

8. Charter Flights (Full or Part Charter)

Leasing an entire aircraft for specific shipments or projects.

Use Cases:

• Transport of very large or heavy project cargo.
• Flights to destinations not served by scheduled routes.
• Large-scale humanitarian aid deliveries.
• Major event logistics (e.g., concert equipment).

Key Requirements:

• High cost, but maximum flexibility in scheduling, routing, and cargo configuration.
   

Express airfreight is a priority air transport service designed for shipments that are particularly urgent.

Key Features:

• Guaranteed delivery times: Often with fixed delivery windows.
• Priority handling: Your shipment receives preferential loading and processing.
• Daily flights: Dependent on available flight capacity.
• Higher cost: Premium service comes with premium pricing.
• Tracking: Detailed real-time shipment tracking.

Express airfreight is ideal for emergency spare parts, perishable goods, or time-critical business shipments.