International Air Freight Services
Fast, Reliable International Air Freight Solutions
When speed, reliability and global reach matter, Qube Cargo delivers international air freight solutions tailored to your shipment, schedule and budget. We work with a trusted global network of carriers to move urgent, high-value and specialist cargo through major international hubs with secure, compliant handling throughout.
From express and priority shipments to regulated and time-sensitive cargo, we provide flexible air freight solutions worldwide.
Global Air Freight | Express & Priority Services | Specialist Cargo | Door-to-Door Delivery
Request an Air Freight Quote
Speak to an Air Freight Specialist
What is International Air Freight?
International air freight is the fastest method of transporting goods globally, used for time-sensitive, high-value, and controlled shipments. It provides reliable transit times, secure handling, and access to major international hubs worldwide.
Unlike slower transport methods, air freight prioritises speed, reliability, and reduced handling — making it ideal for urgent deliveries and specialist cargo.
Why Choose Air Freight
- Rapid global delivery
- Reduced storage and holding costs
- Secure handling for high-value cargo
- Consistent and predictable transit times
Air Freight Cargo We Commonly Handle
- Electronics and high-tech equipment
- Luxury goods & valuables
- Pharmaceuticals and medical supplies
- Temperature-controlled & perishable cargo
- Live animals and regulated shipments
Request an
International Air Freight Quote
Fast, secure air freight solutions tailored to your shipment
Air freight at a glance
Watch out for: lithium batteries, aerosols, perfume, paint and some chemicals count as dangerous goods by air. Tell us before booking so they are packed, labelled and declared correctly, or they may be refused at the airport.
How We Deliver Air Freight Solutions
Every air freight shipment follows the same five steps. We manage each one, so you have a single point of contact from quote to delivery.
1. Quote
Send us the weight, dimensions, collection address and destination. We work out the chargeable weight and compare carriers and routings to find the best balance of speed and cost.
2. Booking and collection
We book space on the flight and collect from anywhere in the UK, usually within one to two working days, or the same day for urgent cargo.
3. Export paperwork and security screening
We prepare the air waybill and export declaration. All UK air cargo must be security screened or come from a Known Consignor, and we arrange this before the cargo reaches the airport.
4. Flight and tracking
Your cargo flies from a UK hub such as Heathrow, East Midlands, Manchester or Stansted. We track it and keep you updated, including any transfers.
5. Import clearance and delivery
We arrange customs clearance at the destination airport and deliver to the final address, or hand over to your customs broker if you prefer.
Why Choose Qube Cargo for Air Freight
We are a UK freight forwarder, not a call centre. You deal with the same small team from your first enquiry to final delivery.
Collection anywhere in the UK
We collect from your site and route through the airport that gives the best flight options, not just the nearest one.
Honest advice on mode
If sea or road freight will do the job for less, we will tell you. Air is the right choice when time, value or risk justify the cost.
Consolidated or direct
Shared consolidation services keep costs down on smaller shipments, while direct and next-flight-out services are there when speed matters most.
Specialist cargo
Dangerous goods, temperature-controlled, high-value and oversized cargo, handled by trained staff and approved carriers.
Customs at both ends
We handle export declarations in the UK and arrange import clearance at destination, so nothing gets stuck at the airport.
Urgent support
For aircraft-on-ground and production-critical shipments, call us on 07544 381501.
Air Freight Services We Provide
We offer a full range of international air freight services, from standard shipments to urgent and specialist transport requirements.
- Standard Air Freight
Scheduled air freight services for planned shipments, balancing cost and transit time. - Express & Priority Air Freight
Fast-track solutions for urgent shipments requiring the quickest possible transit. - Time-Critical Freight
Immediate response logistics for shipments where delays impact operations or production. - On-Board Courier (Hand Carry)
Dedicated courier accompanies urgent or high-value shipments on the next available flight. - Dedicated Air Freight (Aircraft Charter)
Full or part aircraft charter for oversized, high-volume, or urgent cargo requiring direct routing. - Aircraft on Ground (AOG) Logistics
Rapid response solutions for aviation parts and components to minimise aircraft downtime.
What affects the cost of air freight
Air freight is priced on chargeable weight, speed and route. Here is what goes into a quote.
Chargeable weight
Airlines charge by actual weight or volume weight, whichever is higher. Light, bulky cargo costs more than its weight suggests, so compact packing saves money.
Speed of service
Consolidated services are the cheapest. Direct flights, priority and next-flight-out services cost more but save days.
Route and destination
Busy routes such as the USA, the Gulf and the Far East have more capacity and better rates. Remote destinations may need extra connections.
Door to door or airport to airport
Collection, export clearance, import clearance and final delivery are all priced in. We quote them clearly so you can compare.
Cargo type
Dangerous goods, temperature-controlled and high-value cargo need special handling and paperwork, which adds cost.
Fuel and security surcharges
Airlines add fuel and security charges that change with the market. Our quotes include them so there are no surprises.
Air, sea or road?
Air freight
1–4 days to most destinations.
Best for urgent, high-value or lighter cargo, samples, spare parts and anything time-critical.
Sea freight
2–7 weeks to most long-haul ports.
Best for heavy, bulky or non-urgent cargo. Usually far cheaper per kilo for larger shipments.
Road freight
1–7 days to most of Europe.
Often as quick as air for nearby European countries, and cheaper for pallets and part loads.
Industries We Support
We provide international air freight solutions across a wide range of industries, supporting both standard shipments and specialist cargo requirements.
- Manufacturing & Engineering
Transport of components, machinery, and production materials to support ongoing operations and supply chains. - Aerospace & Aviation
Movement of aircraft parts, equipment, and time-sensitive components across global aviation networks. - Pharmaceutical & Healthcare
Secure transport of medical supplies, pharmaceuticals, and temperature-controlled shipments. - Retail & High-Value Goods
Air freight solutions for luxury goods, electronics, and high-value shipments requiring secure handling. - Automotive & Industrial
Delivery of parts and equipment to support production lines and minimise downtime.
Air Freight Capabilities
We provide fully managed air freight solutions supported by a trusted global carrier network and experienced operations team.
Global Coverage
Import and export air freight solutions across major international routes and destinations.
Reliable Transit Times
Scheduled services and priority options to meet a range of delivery timeframes.
Tailored Transport Solutions
Air freight services adapted to your cargo type, budget, and delivery requirements.
Secure & Compliant Handling
Shipments handled in accordance with international aviation standards and regulatory requirements.
Certified Carrier Network
All movements are managed through approved carriers meeting aviation and IATA Dangerous Goods regulations.
Specialist Cargo Capability
Secure handling facilities and processes for high-value, sensitive, and regulated shipments.
Express Air Freight
Priority & Deferred Services
Dangerous Goods (IATA)
Temperature-Controlled Cargo
Door-to-Door Delivery
Customs Clearance
Global Air Freight Coverage
We provide international air freight services across major global routes, supporting both standard shipments and time-critical deliveries.
Our network covers:
- Europe – All major air freight hubs and regional destinations
- Asia & Middle East – Key global aviation hubs and project locations
- North & South America – International and inland air freight routes
- Africa – Established and hard-to-reach destinations
- Australasia & Oceania – Australia, New Zealand, and remote island locations.
We support both import and export movements, with flexible routing and carrier options to meet delivery requirements.
Popular air freight routes from the UK
Typical transit times to our busiest air freight destinations. Click a country for airports, customs rules and FAQs.
United StatesJFK · Chicago O'Hare · Atlanta · LAX1–3 daysNo federal VAT; state sales tax may apply
CanadaToronto · Montreal · Vancouver · Calgary1–2 days5% GST + provincial tax
MexicoMexico City (AIFA) · Guadalajara · Monterrey1–3 days16% IVA
United Arab EmiratesDubai DXB · Dubai World Central · Abu Dhabi1–2 days5% VAT
Saudi ArabiaRiyadh · Jeddah · Dammam1–2 days15% VAT
QatarDoha Hamad International1–2 daysNo VAT
IndiaMumbai · Delhi · Bengaluru · Chennai1–3 daysIGST, usually 5–28%
ChinaShanghai Pudong · Beijing · Guangzhou · Hong Kong2–4 days13% VAT on most goods
SingaporeSingapore Changi1–2 days9% GST
JapanNarita · Haneda · Kansai1–3 days10% consumption tax
South KoreaIncheon1–2 days10% VAT
AustraliaSydney · Melbourne · Brisbane · Perth2–4 days10% GST
New ZealandAuckland · Christchurch2–4 days15% GST
South AfricaJohannesburg O.R. Tambo · Cape Town1–2 days15% VAT
NigeriaLagos · Abuja · Port Harcourt1–2 days7.5% VAT
KenyaNairobi Jomo Kenyatta1–2 days16% VAT
GhanaAccra Kotoka1–2 daysVAT and levies (around 20%)
BrazilSão Paulo Guarulhos · Viracopos1–3 daysSeveral federal and state taxes (reform from 2026)Typical airport-to-airport times on scheduled services. Europe is usually 1–2 days to major cities, and often just as quick by road. For any other country, see our destination guides.
Case Study – Urgent Medical Equipment Delivery
A healthcare provider needed urgent delivery of critical medical equipment from the UK to a remote island hospital with limited infrastructure.
Solution
Priority international air freight arranged with rapid customs clearance and coordinated final-mile delivery via a local courier.
Outcome
Delivery completed within 48 hours, enabling immediate use of the equipment without disruption.
International Air Freight FAQs
International air freight is the transportation of goods by aircraft across international borders. It is the fastest and most secure shipping method for time-sensitive, high-value, and specialist cargo requiring reliable global delivery.
Transit times depend on origin, destination, service level, and customs clearance. In many cases, international air freight can be delivered within 1–3 days, with express and priority services available for urgent shipments.
Air freight is suitable for a wide range of cargo, including electronics, pharmaceuticals, medical equipment, luxury goods, perishable items, temperature-controlled shipments, live animals, and regulated or high-value cargo.
Yes. Qube Cargo offers a range of air freight options, from cost-effective economy services to express and priority air freight for time-critical deliveries.
Yes. We coordinate customs documentation and clearance through experienced brokers to help ensure smooth transit and minimise the risk of delays at origin or destination.
Yes. We arrange air freight for dangerous goods in accordance with IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations, using approved carriers and compliant handling procedures where applicable.
Air freight is one of the most secure modes of transport. Shipments are subject to strict aviation security standards, controlled handling environments, and enhanced tracking throughout the journey.
Yes. Where required, Qube Cargo can manage door-to-door air freight, including collection, international air transport, customs clearance, and final-mile delivery.
Air freight costs are based on chargeable weight (actual or volumetric), route, service level, cargo type, and any specialist handling or regulatory requirements.
You can request an international air freight quote using the enquiry form on this page or by speaking directly with an air freight specialist. Our team will assess your requirements and recommend the most suitable solution.
Airlines charge by actual weight or volume weight, whichever is higher. Volume weight is length × width × height in centimetres divided by 6,000, which works out at 167 kg per cubic metre. Light, bulky goods are charged on their volume.
For heavy, bulky or non-urgent cargo, sea freight is usually much cheaper per kilo. For most of Europe, road freight takes one to seven days and is often cheaper than air for pallets. We will always tell you if another mode makes more sense.
We use all the main UK cargo airports, including Heathrow, East Midlands, Manchester, Stansted and Birmingham. We collect from anywhere in the UK and choose the airport with the best flights for your destination.