Air freight
Description
When time is tight, fly cargo with a team that’s already on-site at Cairo Airport. Ship high-value, hazardous, or temperature-controlled goods, or consolidate regular shipments via groupage and milk-run traffic. From pickup in Egypt to delivery across neighboring countries, handling covers labeling, palletizing, barcoding, packing, short-term storage, and just-in-time options. Send the route and timeline—receive a clear air plan.
Glossary
Term | Definition |
AWB (Air Waybill) | The contract and receipt between shipper and airline—tracks the shipment and proves what was handed over. |
Chargeable Weight | The weight used to calculate airfreight cost: actual weight or dimensional weight, whichever is higher. |
Dimensional Weight | Calculated as length × width × height ÷ 6000 (cm/kg). Bulky-light cargo often pays on volume, not mass. |
Consolidation | Combining multiple shippers’ cargo into one shipment to share cost and fill aircraft space efficiently. |
Groupage | Another term for consolidation—small shipments grouped together under one master air waybill. |
Milk-Run | A scheduled pickup route collecting cargo from multiple suppliers before consolidating for export. |
ULD (Unit Load Device) | Pallets or containers designed to fit aircraft cargo holds—speeds loading and protects goods. |
IATA | International Air Transport Association—sets global standards for air cargo handling, labeling, and dangerous goods. |
DGR (Dangerous Goods Regulations) | IATA rules for packing, labeling, and documenting hazardous cargo on aircraft. |
Charter | Hiring an entire aircraft (or part of it) for a single shipment—used for urgent or oversized cargo. |
Transit Time | Total door-to-door duration from pickup to delivery, including handling, flight, and customs. |
Know before you book the flight.
Cairo Airport cargo village operates 24/7, but peak backlogs hit during Ramadan, Eid, and year-end. Dangerous goods need IATA-compliant packing and must be declared early—some classes require carrier pre-approval. Chargeable weight uses dimensional factor (6000 cm³/kg for most airlines), so bulky-light cargo costs more than expected. Expect 2–4 days to Europe, 3–5 days to the Americas, and 4–7 days to the Far East door-to-door. Keep commercial invoice, packing list, and airway bill aligned—mismatches delay customs release.
Tip: Book temperature-controlled slots 48 hours ahead; reefer capacity fills fast on peak days.
Frequently Asked Questions
Air freight makes sense when delivery deadlines are tight, cargo value is high versus its weight, or stock-outs would cost more than the higher airfreight rate.
Airfreight is charged on the higher of actual weight or dimensional weight, plus surcharges like fuel, security, and terminal handling.
Yes—hazardous and temperature-sensitive cargo moves under IATA DGR rules with compliant packing, labeling, and pre-booked capacity for cool-chain handling.
Typical door-to-door transit is 2–4 days to Europe, 3–5 days to North America, and 4–7 days to the Far East, depending on clearance and last-mile distance.
We usually need commercial invoice, packing list, export permits (if any), and full cargo details—dimensions, weight, HS codes, and consignee data.