What are the advantages of transporting materials by air?
Recent international crises have shown just how vital aeronautical transport is to the global economy. Companies depend on it for their supplies and deliveries. The efficiency of air cargo traffic relies on precise organization and strict regulations. All these measures are aimed above all at ensuring the safety and security of people and goods.
How air freight transport works
Air freight transport involves flying freight from one airport to another. It relies on specific infrastructures and organization. Despite certain limitations, it remains a popular mode of transport for companies.
Cargo-related infrastructures in France
In France, the cargo business relies on a number of specialized airports. The ADP group (formerly Aéroports de Paris) is a major player in the sector, with the Paris-Charles de Gaulle and Paris-Orly hubs. Paris CDG is home to Europe's largest cargo zone, covering an area of 300 hectares. This hub boasts high-performance facilities for express transport, luxury goods and perishables.
The airports of Marseille, Lyon-Saint Exupéry and Toulouse-Blagnac are also international gateways to Europe and France. Their facilities can handle all types of freight, with certain specializations. Lyon-Saint Exupéry airport offers a wide range of customized services for live animal transport and temperature-controlled storage.
The different types of air freight transport
When using aircraft, a company can choose between several types of transport. Cargo planes are dedicated exclusively to the transport of goods. This mode of transport is particularly well suited to bulky equipment. Combi (or mixed) aircraft are designed to carry passengers and freight at the same time. If the volume and nature of the goods allow it, the cargo travels in the passenger aircraft's holds. In this way, airlines regularly make their commercial flights more profitable.
The advantages and limitations of aeronautical material transport
Airfreight is particularly recommended for specific urgent shipments. It is suitable for precious, fragile objects (such as works of art) with a limited lifespan. This mode of transport offers speed and reliability. For the same distance, three to four days' travel is sufficient, compared with two weeks by ship. Airline flights are regular, with few hiccups. Air transport offers secure delivery, with numerous checks throughout the logistics chain.
However, the cost of transport and the complexity of air logistics can discourage some companies. Operational costs, taxes and fuel remain higher than for other modes of transport. The numerous customs formalities and procedures require the use of a specialized service provider. Last but not least, the environmental cost is regularly pointed out: air pollution, noise pollution and reduced biodiversity.
In France, according to the Commissariat général au développement durable, Transport aérien de marchandises | Chiffres clés transports 2022(developpement-durable.gouv.fr), on which the transport sector now depends, air freight volumes are relatively low: around 2 million tonnes a year, with 93% of volumes for international shipments, compared with over 300 million tonnes transported in France by road.
From shippers to airlines, the players in the aeronautical transport of materials
The players in international air transport (cargo and passenger) are involved throughout the logistics chain. From international bodies to operators on the ground, here's an overview of this ecosystem.
International air transport organizations
International organizations set and harmonize air transport regulations. They ensure that all parties involved comply with the regulations and have the necessary shipping documents. The main bodies are theInternational Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
ICAO is part of the United Nations. It draws up standards and recommendations that member states transpose into national law. IATA is a trade association representing airlines. This association of carriers works to simplify procedures and improve passenger services.
The air freight ecosystem, the importance of air freight forwarders
The shipper is the company that has goods to ship. As seller, he establishes his commercial relationship with the buyer on the basis of an Incoterm. This document defines the roles and responsibilities of each party with regard to transport costs, risk transfer and insurance.
The shipper entrusts the routing of his goods to the airport to an air freight agent or forwarder. The agent manages the entire transit process. If approved, the freight agent can also take care of customs formalities. He checks documents and keeps his customer regularly informed, and is responsible for all operations betweenpick-up and delivery.
He's the one who'll take care of pre-delivery, either by express courier companies, or by companies specializing in dedicated urgent deliveries.
On site, the handlers unload the trucks and group the goods. Once the goods have been checked, they are forwarded to the terminal of the airline responsible for transporting them. All these actions are coordinated by the airport authorities. Theyoperate the infrastructure and ensure compliance with regulations.
The world's top air freight forwarders include Kuehne & Nagel, DHL, DSV, DB Schenker, Expeditors and Nippon Express. All these companies are active in almost every country in the world. The major French and European transport groups also have freight divisions, such as DACHSER, GEODIS, XPO, DIMOTRANS, BBL, etc...
Last but not least, there are a multitude of smaller forwarding agents with niche specialties, whether in terms of airport, product or region, who account for a not inconsiderable proportion of volumes.
Aeronautical transport of special cargoes
Companies regularly use air freight to transport fragile, special or dangerous goods. These special goods account for around 70% of air freight (source: Air France). They all have their own storage, packaging and handling requirements.
Shipment of sensitive, fragile and perishable goods
Airlines offer tailor-made logistics solutions for companies. They provide a special service for works of art and antiques, live animals or high-tech items. For perishable goods, airlines guarantee storage and transport in temperature-controlled and directed containers. These goods benefit from dedicated transit zones.
Airports encourage cargo operators to seek certification, in collaboration with IATA. These certifications - such as CEIV Pharma, for pharmaceutical transport - improve service quality. They also enhance the attractiveness and competitiveness of these key players in the aeronautical transport of materials.
Dangerous goods handling and air transport
Dangerous goods are products that can present a risk to safety, health and the environment. This notion of risk applies equally to storage, handling and transportation. To ensure safe transport, the industry relies on the IATA regulatory manual. This document is based on the UN classification of products.
There are nine product classes and several sub-classes. Each class is assigned a UN number, which must appear on the forms as well as on the package's packaging and label. Packages bearing the CAO - Cargo Aircraft Only - label travel only on cargo aircraft. OK PAX goods can be carried on commercial flights.
Securing the air freight logistics chain
Civil aviation security aims to prevent malicious acts against aircraft, passengers, crews and airport facilities. Because of its complexity, securing the air freight logistics chain is a highly sensitive issue.
A regulatory framework defined at international level
The ICAO and theWorld Customs Organization (WCO ) regularly update a regulatory framework for all players in the civil aviation sector. This body of texts is supplemented by European Union regulations and national legislation. In France, the Transport Code, the Civil Aviation Code, laws and decrees specify the application of European texts.
European regulation (EC) no. 300/2008 reiterates that, in accordance with the"host state responsibility" principle defined by the ICAO, states are responsible for the security of flights leaving their territory. Member States also retain the right to apply more stringent security measures if they deem it necessary. Passengers, crew and baggage are screened before boarding. Cargo, mail and on-board supplies are similarly screened before being loaded onto the aircraft.
Pre-flight inspection measures for cargo and passengers
Pre-shipment screening and inspection is a real challenge for aircraft operators. Some packages are too large for X-ray machines. When goods are already palletized, it's difficult to check everything without depalletizing. What's more, each flight carries several tons of cargo.Cargo inspection takes time and can cause delays.
Airlines such as Air France KLM Martinair Cargo use canine detection for cargo inspection. Dog teams use REST (remote detection of explosive odors) and RASCO (remote air sampling for canine odorology) methods. This enables them to monitor ULDs, and even entire truckloads.
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