Air Freight Charter
A whole aircraft for urgent, oversized or remote cargo
From turboprops to 747 and An-124 freighters, with permits, ground handling and customs arranged.
- About 1 to over 100 tonnes
- Often arranged in 24–72 hours
- Permits handled
What is an Air Freight Charter?
An air freight charter is a whole aircraft hired for your cargo. You choose the departure time and airports, and the aircraft carries only your shipment, rather than waiting for space on a scheduled cargo or passenger flight.
Aircraft range from small turboprops carrying a tonne or two to large freighters such as the Boeing 747 and the Antonov An-124, which can carry over 100 tonnes or cargo too big for standard aircraft. We find the right aircraft for the size, weight and destination of your shipment, and arrange the permits, ground handling and customs.
Charter is used when scheduled flights cannot do the job: the cargo is too big or too urgent, the destination has no regular service, or the volume would need several flights.
Request Immediate Air Charter
Speak directly with a charter specialist for immediate pricing and aircraft availability.
Air charter at a glance
Watch out for: the aircraft often has to fly empty to the loading airport, and back from the destination. These positioning flights are part of the price, so an aircraft already near your origin can be much cheaper.
When Air Freight Charter is Required
A charter costs more than scheduled air freight, so it is usually chosen when:
Time matters more than cost, such as a stopped production line, a grounded aircraft or an urgent relief shipment.
The cargo is too big or heavy for the doors or floor limits of scheduled aircraft.
There is no regular service to the destination, or space on scheduled flights is full.
The volume is large, such as a whole project or relief consignment that would otherwise be split across many flights.
Dangerous goods are restricted on passenger aircraft and need a cargo aircraft.
Air Freight Charter Services We Provide
We provide a range of air freight charter solutions designed to deliver cargo quickly, securely, and without the limitations of scheduled air freight.
- Full Aircraft Charter
Dedicated aircraft for large, urgent, or complex shipments requiring immediate departure and direct routing. - Part Charter Solutions
Flexible charter options for smaller consignments that still require priority transport and controlled delivery schedules. - On-Board Courier (Hand Carry)
Immediate delivery using dedicated couriers on commercial flights for critical and time-sensitive cargo. - Helicopter Charter
Final-mile delivery to offshore locations, remote sites, or restricted areas where fixed-wing aircraft cannot operate. - Dangerous Goods Transport
Handling and transport of regulated cargo in full compliance with aviation safety and handling standards. - Oversized & Heavy Cargo
Specialist aircraft solutions for out-of-gauge, heavy, or complex shipments requiring tailored loading and transport.
How We Deliver Air Freight Charter
1. Brief
Send the number of pieces, their dimensions and weights, any dangerous goods, the airports or addresses, and when the cargo must arrive.
2. Aircraft options
We find aircraft that can carry the load on that route and give you options with prices and timings.
3. Permits and handling
Once you confirm, we arrange landing and overflight permits, ground handling, loading equipment and security screening.
4. Flight
The cargo is loaded under supervision and the flight is tracked through to arrival.
5. Delivery
Customs clearance and onward delivery to the final address, with confirmation on handover.
Typical charter aircraft
Payloads are approximate and fall on longer routes, where more fuel is needed.
Turboprops
Such as the Cessna Caravan and ATR 72 freighter. From about 1 tonne up to around 8 tonnes, using shorter runways and regional airports.
Boeing 737 freighter
Around 20 tonnes. A common choice for European and regional charters.
Boeing 757 freighter
Around 30 to 35 tonnes on medium-haul routes.
Boeing 767 and Airbus A330
Around 50 to 65 tonnes, for long-haul routes.
Boeing 777 and 747
Around 100 to 130 tonnes. The 747 freighter has a nose door for long items.
Antonov An-124
Around 120 tonnes, with a nose door, rear ramp and onboard cranes for outsized cargo such as turbines and vehicles.
Groupage
Next Day
Hazardous
Drop Shipping
Freight Insurance
Customs Clearance
Rail Freight
Container Haulage
eCommerce
Global Air Freight Charter Coverage
We arrange air freight charter flights worldwide, delivering cargo to major airports, regional hubs, and remote or restricted locations.
- Europe – Charter access to major airports and regional airfields across all European markets.
- Asia & the Middle East – Priority charter solutions to key logistics hubs and restricted destinations.
- North & South America – Global charter coverage across major cargo centres and remote locations.
- Africa – Air freight charter to international airports and inland or hard-to-reach regions.
- Australasia & Oceania – Charter delivery to Australia, New Zealand, and remote island nations.
Case Study – Urgent Oil & Gas Component Delivery
A critical drilling component was required at an offshore oil platform, with no local availability and strict operational deadlines.
A dedicated cargo aircraft was arranged from Norway to Houston, followed by helicopter delivery to the offshore rig.
The shipment was completed within 36 hours, preventing operational downtime and maintaining production.
Air Freight Charter FAQs
Because you are paying for the aircraft, not a share of its space. The price covers the flying time, including any empty positioning flights, plus fuel, landing, handling and navigation charges. The fuller the aircraft, the lower the cost per kilo.
Sometimes. Part charters and shared charters let several shippers split the cost on busy routes or when scheduled space is short, but timings are less flexible than with a full charter.
Many can, including some that are forbidden on passenger aircraft. The operator must approve them in advance, and they must be classified, packed and declared under the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations.
It depends on the door size and floor strength. Most freighters load through a side cargo door, which limits the height and length of each piece. Longer items may need a 747 freighter with a nose door, and very large or heavy items an An-124.
Any airport that can take the aircraft and has customs and ground handling available. Smaller aircraft can use regional airports close to the collection or delivery address, saving time on the road at each end.
A charter can sometimes be arranged within a day, but more notice means more aircraft to choose from and better prices. Some countries take several working days to issue landing or overflight permits.