Air cargo represents less than 1 % of global tonnage transported — yet nearly 35 % of the value of goods. Why? Because it carries what other modes cannot: AOG parts grounding an aircraft, vaccines under cold chain, artworks, sensitive goods. Here is how it works and what a broker brings.
What tonnage per aircraft?
Small freighters / combi (Beechcraft 1900, Cessna Caravan): 1 to 2.5 tons, short runways, ideal for fast regional deliveries.
Regional freighters (ATR 72 LCD, Saab 340F): 7 to 8 tons, 1500 km range, perfect for intra-Europe or African hubs.
Medium-haul freighters (Boeing 737-400F, 737-800BCF): 18 to 23 tons, 3000-4000 km range.
Long-range freighters (Boeing 747-400F, 777F): 100 to 110 tons, transcontinental.
Usable volume and cargo door configuration (pallets, ULDs) are also decisive — a combi aircraft (passenger + cargo) does not have the same capacity as a full freighter.
The IATA accreditations that matter
For certain goods, the operator must hold specific IATA accreditations — failing which airport authorities will refuse loading.
IATA DGR (Dangerous Goods Regulations): transport of dangerous goods (lithium batteries, chemicals, gases). Mandatory and continuous training.
CEIV Pharma: temperature-controlled pharmaceutical transport. Very much in demand since 2020.
CEIV Live Animals: live animal transport (racehorses, zoo animals).
"Restricted" and "double-restricted": professional terms for highly restricted goods (weaponry, civilian explosives). Very few certified operators.
Air Basel selects, for every mission, an operator with the exact accreditations — that is the foundation of the trade.
The logistics chain of a cargo flight
1. Ground preparation: goods pickup, packing (pallets, ULDs, refrigerated containers), customs documentation (Air Waybill).
2. Airport routing: road transport to the airport, deposit in bonded warehouse.
3. Flight preparation: weight check, balance, loading plan, security.
4. Flight: transport per filed plan, cargo conditions management (temperature, humidity, handling).
5. Reception: unloading, check, customs clearance on arrival, transport to final consignee.
At every step, legal responsibilities are engaged (Montreal Convention for transport, IATA for handling). The broker orchestrates this chain — single point of contact, full traceability.
Typical cargo charter cases
AOG (Aircraft on Ground) part: an aircraft grounded for a missing part costs its operator tens of thousands of euros per day. Bringing the part by dedicated charter can be cheaper than the loss. Activation: a few hours.
Pharma and vaccines: strict cold chain (2-8 °C, sometimes -20 °C), validated containers (Envirotainer, CSafe), traceable documentation.
Artworks and luxury: declared value insurance, physical security, sometimes expert convoyer on board, simplified customs (ATA carnets).
Heavy industry: oversized parts for industrial maintenance, wind turbine blades, oil equipment to remote sites.
Humanitarian and political charters: emergency aid, diplomatic missions.
How much does it cost?
As an indication: an ATR 72 LCD (7.5 t) for an intra-European flight runs €18,000 to €35,000 per leg. A Boeing 737-400 cargo for a Europe-Africa rotation goes from €40,000 to €90,000. A Boeing 747 long-haul transcontinental reaches €200,000 to €350,000 per leg.
Price depends on tonnage, distance, required accreditations (CEIV Pharma adds premium), handling conditions and notice. Air Basel issues a detailed quote within 24 hours.
Air cargo is as much logistics engineering as transport: select the right aircraft, the operator with the right accreditations, the orchestrated chain. For sensitive, urgent or oversized goods, charter is often the only viable solution. Air Basel mobilises its operator network for industrial cargo, pharma, AOG, luxury and humanitarian missions — quote within 24 hours, 24/7 operational on emergencies.