Module –I

Introduction to Air Cargo: Advantages-Definition-Aviation and airline technology –IATA areas

–country –currency –airlines – aircraft layout – different types of aircraft - aircraft
manufacturers – ULD – International air routes –airports –codes –consortium –hub & spoke

MODULE 1
INTRODUCTION TO AIR CARGO
INTRODUCTION TO AIR CARGO
It is the gift of twentieth century to the world and is the most modern, the quickest and the
latest addition to the modes of transport. It is the fastest mode of transport for long-
distance passengers and high-value light goods. As far as the world trade is concerned, it is
still dominated by sea transport because air transport is very expensive and is also
unsuitable for carrying heavy, bulky goods. However, transportation of high value light goods
and perishable goods is increasingly being carried out by air transport. Air transport is
mainly used for international transport and in emergency rather than in normal times. With
an increasing globalized economy, countries and companies are exporting and importing all
kinds of goods from everywhere in the world. So the importance of air transport increases
and plays a very significant role in countries economic growth. Both passenger and freight
are the two backbones of air transport.

PASSENGER
BACKBONE OF
AIR TRANSPORT
FRIEGHT/CARGO

AIR CARGO
Air cargo is another term for air freight. It is the carriage or the transportation of goods
through an air carrier. Transport services via air are the most valuable when it comes to
moving express shipments around the globe and it consists of air mail, air freight and air
express.
Air cargo also flies in the same gateway as the commercial or passenger airlines.
AIR CARGO LOGISTICS
Air cargo logistics has been one of the fastest growing sector in the world economy for the
last four decades and plays a vital role in the economic development. Air cargo logistics
means using aircraft and warehousing services for the transport of goods quickly from
point of origin to point of consumption for satisfying the requirements of customers. Air
cargo is used mostly for shipping goods that are highly valuable, time-sensitive and
perishable. Globally, more than one third of the value of goods traded internationally is
transported by air and therefore air cargo industry is considered as a barometer of global
economic health. It is the fastest mode of transport and offers benefits of secure handling,
speed and geographical and temporal flexibility. But it is relatively expensive. One kilogram
costs average six times than ocean container freight. That high cost is compensated by
reduced inventory and warehousing costs.
ADVANTAGES
1. The fastest shipping method: When your goods need to be moved quickly, air freight is
the best solution compared to sea freight or road transport, no doubt about it (after space
travel, that is).
2. Highly reliable arrival and departure times: The arrival and departure times of flights are
highly reliable, as airlines tend to be very on top of their schedules. Even missing a flight
wouldn’t cause much delay as there are usually flights departing every hour.
3. Send your cargo almost anywhere: Many airlines have a large network of destinations
that covers almost the entire world. This means that you can send the shipment to nearly
every destination.
4. Low insurance premium means large savings: As the transportation time for air cargo is
comparatively short, the insurance premium is lower. Even if air freight can be expensive,
this brings about savings in terms of lower insurance costs.
5. High level of security and reduced risk of theft and damage: Shipping by air offers the
advantage of a high level of security, as the airport safety controls over cargo are tightly
managed. Tightly managed airport controls also reduce the cargo exposure to theft and
damage.
6. Less need for warehousing and fewer items in stock: With the quicker transit times of air
freight, you have less need for local warehousing and do not need to keep items in stock.
Customs clearance, cargo inspection and cargo handlers are more efficient, as most cargo is
cleared within a matter of hours.
7. Less packaging required: Normally, air shipments require less heavy packing than for
example ocean shipments. This means that you save both time and money to provide
service for additional packing.
8. Follow the status of your cargo: Many companies give you the opportunity to track your
goods using a web application, which means you can monitor the status of your cargo from
departure to arrival to keep constantly updated.
AVIATION AND AIRLINE TECHNOLOGY
Aviation began in the 18th century with the development of the hot air balloon, an
apparatus capable of atmospheric displacement through buoyancy. On September 19, 1783
Pilatre De Rozier, a scientist, launched the first hot air balloon called 'Aerostat Reveillon'. The
balloon stayed in the air for a grand total of 15 minutes before crashing back to the ground.

Some of the most significant advancements in aviation technology came with the controlled
gliding flying of Otto Lilienthal in 1896;

then a large step in significance came with the construction of the first powered airplane by
the Wright brothers in the early 1900s. Since that time, aviation has been technologically
revolutionized by the introduction of the jet which permitted a major form of transport
throughout the world.
Aviation technology is a field that covers a broad range of specialized areas including
flight training, aircraft maintenance, and aircraft security.
IATA AREAS
International Air Transport Association is an association of airline traders around the world
promoting cooperation in ensuring the safety, the security and the reliability of air services.
In addition, a standardised practice is established through the cooperation of the airliners for
efficient air transportation services. IATA was founded in Havana, Cuba, in April 1945.
Membership of IATA amounts to some 330 airlines in over 120 countries.
IATA's mission is to represent, lead and serve the airline industry.
IATA defines the world into 3 areas (IATA area 1/2/3), and defines the IATA area into small
areas (IATA Tariff sub-area).
CURRENCY
A currency, in the most specific sense is money in any form when in use or circulation as a
medium of exchange, especially circulating banknotes and coins.
A more general definition is that a currency is a system of money in common use, especially
for people in a nation.

COUNTRY CAPITAL CURRENCY CONTINENT

INDIA NEW DELHI RUPEE ASIA
Australia Canberra Australian Dollar Oceania
Bangladesh Dhaka Taka Asia
Belgium Brussels Belgian Franc Europe
Bermuda Hamilton Bermuda Dollar North America
Brazil Brasilia Cruzeiro Real South America
Canada Ottawa Canadian Dollar North America
China Beijing Renminbi , basic Asia
unit is in Yuan
Egypt Cairo Egyptian Pound Africa
France paris French Franc Europe
replaced with
EURO
Germany Berlin Deutsche Mark Europe
replaced with
EURO
Iran Teheran Iranian Rial Asia
Iraq Bhagdad Iraqi Dinar Asia
Nepal Kathmandu Nepalese Rupee Asia

AIRLINES
An airline is a company that provides air transport services for traveling passengers and/or
freight.
The first airline was the German airship company DELAG, founded on November 16, 1909.
TOP AIRLINE COMPANIES
1. Singapore Airlines: Singapore Airlines is the flag carrier of the Republic of Singapore with
its hub located at the Singapore Changi Airport. The airline is notable for highlighting the
Singapore Girl as its central figure in the corporate branding segment. Singapore Airlines
operates a fleet of more than 180 aircrafts, with a combined passenger network that
spans more than 110 destinations.

2. Qatar Airways: Qatar Airways Company Q.C.S.C., operating as Qatar Airways, is the flag
carrier of Qatar. Headquartered in the Qatar Airways Tower in Doha, the airline operates
a hub-and-spoke network, flying to over 150 international destinations across Africa,
Asia, Europe, the Americas, and Oceania from its base at Hamad International Airport,
using a fleet of more than 200 aircraft. Qatar Airways Group employs more than 43,000
people.
3. ANA All Nippon Airways: ANA was founded in 1952 with two helicopters and has
become the largest airline in Japan, as well as one of the most significant airlines in Asia,
operating 82 international routes and 118 domestic routes.

4. Emirates: Emirates is one of two flag carriers of the United Arab Emirates. Based in
Garhoud, Dubai, the airline is a subsidiary of The Emirates Group, which is owned by the
government of Dubai's Investment Corporation of Dubai. It operates to more than 150
cities in 80 countries across all continents (except Antarctica) through its fleet of nearly
300 aircraft. Cargo activities are undertaken by Emirates SkyCargo.

5. Japan Airlines: Japan Airlines Co., Ltd., also known as JAL or Nikkō, is an international
airline and Japan's flag carrier and largest airline as of 2022, headquartered in
Shinagawa, Tokyo. Its main hubs are Tokyo's Narita International Airport and Haneda
Airport, as well as Osaka's Kansai International Airport and Itami Airport. Japan Airlines,
with a modern fleet of more than 230 aircraft, serves 95 destinations across 20
territories.
6. Turkish Airlines: Turkish Airlines is the flag carrier of Turkey. As of 2022, it operates
scheduled services to 340 destinations in Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Americas, making
it the largest mainline carrier in the world by number of passenger destinations. The
airline serves more destinations non-stop from a single airport than any other airline in
the world and flies to 126 countries, more than any other airline. With an operational
fleet of 24 cargo aircraft, the airline's cargo division Turkish Cargo serves 82 destinations.

7. Air France: Air France, stylised as AIRFRANCE, is the flag carrier of France headquartered
in Tremblay-en-France. It is a subsidiary of the Air France–KLM Group. As of 2013, Air
France serves 29 destinations in France and operates worldwide scheduled passenger
and cargo services to 201 destinations in 78 countries (93 including overseas
departments and territories of France) and also carried 46,803,000 passengers in 2019.

8. Cathay Pacific Airways: Cathay Pacific Airways Limited, more widely known as Cathay
Pacific, is the flag carrier of Hong Kong, with its head office and main hub located at
Hong Kong International Airport. The airline's operations and subsidiaries have
scheduled passenger and cargo services to over 190 destinations and present in more
than 60 countries worldwide.
9. EVA Air: EVA Airways Corporation, of which "EVA" stands for Evergreen Airways, is one of
the two largest airlines in Taiwan – the other being China Airlines. It operates passenger
and dedicated cargo services to over 40 international destinations in Asia, Australia,
Europe, and North America.

10. Korean Air: Korean Air Lines Co., Ltd., operating as Korean Air, is the flag carrier of South
Korea and its largest airline based on fleet size, international destinations, and
international flights. Korean Air serves 125 destinations across 44 countries , with a fleet
of 169 aircraft.

AIRCRAFT LAYOUT
It mainly shows about the dimensions of a aircraft. In passenger plane, it describes about
the number of business class and economy class.
DIFFERENT TYPES OF AIRCRAFTS
1. Single Engine Piston Aircraft: These are light aircraft powered by a single piston engine,
commonly used for flight training, personal use, and short trips. Single Engine Piston
Aircraft are Fun and Affordable. These aircraft offer good cruising speed, economical
operation, and are typically more affordable than many other types of aircraft for the
beginning pilot. For those with years of flying experience, single engine piston aircraft
are a fun and involving way to fly.

2. Business jet: A business jet, private jet, or bizjet is a jet aircraft designed for transporting
small groups of people. Business jets may be adapted for other roles, such as the
evacuation of casualties or express parcel deliveries, and some are used by public bodies,
government officials or the armed forces.

3. Tricycle gear: Tricycle gear is a type of aircraft undercarriage, or landing gear, arranged in
a tricycle fashion. This refers to an aircraft with a tricycle landing gear configuration,
which includes a nose wheel and two main wheels. This setup improves stability during
 take-off and landing. Many modern light aircraft use this configuration. Tricycle gear
aircraft are the easiest to take-off, land and taxi, and consequently the configuration is
the most widely used on aircraft.

4. Amphibian Aircraft: An amphibious aircraft or amphibian is an aircraft that can take off
and land on both land and water. Amphibious aircraft are heavier and slower, more
complex and more expensive to purchase and operate than comparable landplanes but
are also more versatile. Even if they cannot hover or land vertically, for some jobs they
compete favorably with helicopters and do so at a significantly lower cost.

5. Helicopter: Helicopter to take off and land vertically, to hover, and to fly forward,
backward, and laterally. These attributes allow helicopters to be used in congested or
isolated areas where fixed-wing aircraft and many forms of VTOL (Vertical TakeOff and
Landing) aircraft cannot perform.
Today, helicopter uses include transportation of people and cargo, military uses,
construction, firefighting, search and rescue, tourism, medical transport, law
enforcement, agriculture, news and media, and aerial observation, among others. They
can be used for Reflection seismology or recreation.
6. Taildraggers: These aircraft have a tailwheel (or "taildragger") landing gear configuration,
with two main wheels and a small wheel or skid at the tail. This type of gear was
common in early aircraft designs.

7. Tiltrotor: A hybrid aircraft that combines the vertical lift capabilities of a helicopter with
the speed and range of a fixed-wing airplane. The rotors can tilt from a horizontal
position for forward flight to a vertical position for hovering. The rotors also are able to
shift to face forward, thus changing the configuration from a helicopter, which can take
off vertically without a runway and hover in place, to that of a traditional prop airplane,
which can move faster and has a longer range.

8. Ultralights: Ultralight flying represents one of the fastest and purest ways to experience
the joys of aviation. Very light and small aircraft, often with a maximum takeoff weight of
around 254 pounds (115 kg) in the US. They are designed for recreational flying and are
 typically limited to one or two seats. Travel no faster than 63 mph, and land at slow
speeds.

9. Light Sport Aircraft: A category of aircraft that is simple to operate, with restrictions on
weight, speed, and seating capacity. LSAs are popular for recreational flying and sport
aviation. Many of these aircraft have been flying in Europe and elsewhere in the world
for years but are now making their debuts in America.

10. Gliders: Aircraft designed for unpowered flight, using thermal currents, wind, or gravity
to stay aloft. Gliders are used for recreational flying, racing, and even in some military
operations. The world’s first successful airplanes were all gliders, including many built by
the Wright Brothers. Gliders are towed aloft by powered airplanes, a winch, or a small
retractable engine.

11. Cargo Aircraft: A cargo aircraft (also known as freight aircraft, freighter, airlifter or cargo
jet) is a fixed-wing aircraft that is designed or converted for the carriage of cargo rather
than passengers. Such aircraft usually do not incorporate passenger amenities and
generally feature one or more large doors for loading cargo.
12. Airliner: An airliner is a type of aircraft for transporting passengers and air cargo. Such
aircraft are most often operated by airlines. Although the definition of an airliner can
vary from country to country, an airliner is typically defined as an airplane intended for
carrying multiple passengers or cargo in commercial service.

AIRCRAFT MANUFACTURERS
There are five major manufacturers of civil transport aircraft these include:
1. AIRBUS: Airbus is a European Multinational Aerospace corporation. Since 2019, Airbus is
the world's largest airliner manufacturer and took the most airliner orders. Airbus is
registered in the Netherlands; its shares are traded in France, Germany and Spain. It
designs, manufactures and sells civil and military aerospace products worldwide and
manufactures aircraft in the European Union and various other countries. The company
has three divisions: Commercial Aircraft, Defence and Space, and Helicopters, the third
being the largest in its industry in terms of revenues.
The company's main production and manufacturing facilities mostly in the European
Union (France, Germany, Spain) but also in China, the United Kingdom, the United States
and Canada. Final assembly production is based in Toulouse, France; Hamburg,
Germany; Seville, Spain; Tianjin, China; Mobile, United States; and Montreal, Canada.
The company produces and markets the first commercially viable digital fly-by-
wire airliner, the Airbus A320, and the world's largest passenger airliner, the A380. The
12,000th aircraft, an A220, was delivered to Delta Air Lines on 20 May 2019.
 Airbus's registered headquarters is in Leiden, Netherlands, with the operating head
office located in Toulouse. The company is led by CEO Guillaume Faury.
Airbus has overtaken Boeing to become the world's largest plane manufacturer. The
European company delivered 863 planes in 2019, against 345 by US giant Boeing.

2. BOEING: Boeing Commercial Airplanes is committed to being the leader in commercial

aviation by offering airplanes and services that deliver superior design, efficiency and
value to our customers and a superior flying experience to their customers. Today, there
are more than 10,000 Boeing commercial jetliners in service; airplanes that fly faster on
less fuel, airplanes that reduce airport noise and emissions, airplanes that provide
passenger-preferred comfort while delivering superior bottom-line performance to
operators.
Boeing Commercial Airplanes, a business unit of The Boeing Company, is headquartered
in Seattle, Washington and employs more than 60,000 people worldwide.
Boeing has been the premier manufacturer of commercial jetliners for decades. Today,
the company manufactures the 737, 747, 767, 777 and 787 families of airplanes and the
Boeing Business Jet range. New product development efforts include the Boeing 787-10
Dreamliner, the 737 MAX, and the 777X.
Where does Boeing make planes?
Boeing manufactures, which are assembled in two facilities—Renton and Everett—
in Washington state
CEO- David L Calhoun
3. BOMBARDIER: Bombardier Inc. is a Canadian business jet manufacturer. Bombardier is a
global leader in aviation, focused on designing, manufacturing, and servicing the world's
most exceptional business jets. Bombardier’s Challenger and Global aircraft families are
renowned for their cutting-edge innovation, cabin design, performance, and reliability.
Headquartered in Greater Montréal, Québec, Bombardier operates aerostructure,
assembly and completion facilities in Canada, the United States and Mexico.
What planes do Bombardier make?

• Amphibious. Bombardier 415. ...

• Heavy Business Jets. Bombardier Global 5000. ...
• Light Business Jets. Bombardier Learjet 40XR. ...
• Light Passenger Jets. Bombardier CRJ 1000. ...
• Mid Size Passenger Jets. Bombardier CS100. ...
• Midsize Business Jets. Bombardier Challenger 300. ...
• Passenger Turbo Props. Bombardier Q200.

4. DASSAULT FALCON: Dassault Falcon is an international French aircraft manufacturer of

military and business jets, and is a subsidiary of Dassault Group. The Dassault Falcon is a
family of business jets, manufactured by Dassault Aviation. July 2017 saw the 2,500th
Falcon delivered – a Falcon 900LX – since the first Falcon 20 was handed over to a
 customer in 1965 and as of July 2017 more than 2,100 Falcons are in service. By May
2023, more than 2,700 business jets have been delivered.
Why does Dassault Falcon have 3 engines?

• Falcon tri-jets provide slower, safer approach and landing speeds. Their three-
engine configuration gives peace of mind on long routes over water and
uninhabited areas.

5. EMBRAER: Embraer is a Brazilian multinational aerospace corporation. It designs,

manufactures, and sells commercial, military, executive, and agricultural aircraft, and
also provides aeronautical services. Embraer was founded in 1969 in São José dos
Campos, São Paulo, where it is headquartered. Embraer is the third largest producer of
civil aircraft, after Boeing and Airbus.
Will India partner Brazil's Embraer in developing civilian, military jets?
The Brazilian aerospace giant Embraer considers India, Russia and China as possible new
partners to tie up with its commercial jets division. Embraer is the world's third-largest
aircraft maker after Boeing of the US and pan-European Airbus.
Its commercial division focuses mostly on regional and business jets that are smaller
than aircraft built by Boeing and Airbus.
What are the safest aircraft?
These models currently have a clean flight record and all tie for being the safest airplane:
• Airbus: A220, A319neo, A320neo, A321neo, A340, A350 and A380.
• Boeing: 717, 747-8 and 787.
• Embraer: 135, 140 and 145.
ULD (UNIT LOAD DEVICE)
A unit load device (ULD) is a pallet or container used to load luggage, freight, and mail on
wide-body aircraft and specific narrow-body aircraft. It allows a large quantity of cargo to be
bundled into a single unit.
Each Aircraft Unit Load Device (ULD) is identified by its ULD code. This code is a unique
combination of letters and numbers, starting with a three-letter prefix that identifies the
type of ULD. This prefix is followed by a unique 4 or 5-digit serial number to distinguish it
from others of the same type.

Unit Load Devices (ULDs) come in two forms: Containers and Pallets.
Both pallets and containers allow a large quantity of cargo to be bundled into a single unit,
which can be used on wide-body aircraft and certain narrow-body aircraft.
a) Cargo on pallets are secured by a net, which is attached to the pallet's rim.
 b) Containers, also known as cans and pods, are typically lightweight structures
comprising a base, a frame with side and roof panels, and a fabric or solid door.
There are many different types of containers. Some are collapsible (foldable), some
are insulated, and others are ventilated or refrigerated and so on.

INTERNATIONAL AIR ROUTES

Air route refers to a designated route for aircraft flying between particular ground locations
at specified minimum altitudes.
An airway or air route is a defined corridor that connects one specified location to another
at a specified altitude, along which an aircraft that meets the requirements of the airway
may be flown.
The Busiest International Airline Routes in The World
AIRPORT
An airport is a place where airplanes can land or take off. An airport usually has paved
runways and maintenance facilities and serves as a terminal for passengers and cargo.
An international airport is a large airport that airplanes can use to fly to and from other
countries. A domestic airport is an airport which is usually smaller and only has airplanes
coming from different places in the same country. An airport used by the military is often
called an air force base or airbase.
Airports in India are managed by the Airports Authority of India (AAI). Airports Authority of
India (AAI) manages a total of 137 Airports, which includes 103 Domestic Airports, 24
International Airports, and 10 Customs Airports.
What are the major airports in India?
1. Indhira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi. ...
2. Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport, Mumbai. ...
3. Chennai International Airport, Chennai. ...
4. Cochin International Airport, Kochi. ...
5. Kempegowda International Airport, Bangalore. ...
6. Rajiv Gandhi International Airport, Hyderabad. ...
7. Goa International Airport, Goa.
Which is India's largest airport?
Indira Gandhi International Airport (Indira Gandhi International Airport in the capital city of
Delhi is the biggest airport in India)
Which state has no airport in India?
Sikkim (Sikkim was the only state without an airport in the country)
Which is the cleanest airport in India?
Madurai airport (The Madurai airport has been adjudged the cleanest and safest airport in
the country among the airports, which handled 1.5 million to 5 million passengers)
Which is the No 1 airport in world?
Singapore Changi Airport
CONSORTIUM
A consortium is an association of two or more individuals, companies, organizations or
governments with the objective of participating in a common activity or pooling their
resources for achieving a common goal.
Within the subject context, airline consortia, formed in cooperation with the airports are “a
group of airlines that join together to hold responsibility in common for operation and
maintenance of facilities, equipment, and/or services at an individual airport, as delegated
by agreement with airport management”
HUB AND SPOKE
Under this system passengers are transported to an intermediate point, called a "hub" to
board planes to their final destinations. To understand the hub and spoke system, imagine a
bicycle wheel with numerous spokes leading from the hub or center. The wheel's hub is
the major city in where passengers can board flights to various destinations. Each spoke is a
route from the hub to one of these different destination points.

An airline hub or hub airport is an airport used by one or more airlines to concentrate
passenger traffic and flight operations. Hubs serve as transfer (or stop-over) points to help
get passengers to their final destination. It is part of the hub-and-spoke system. An airline
may operate flights from several non-hub (spoke) cities to the hub airport, and passengers
traveling between spoke cities connect through the hub.
List of airline hubs in India:
• Delhi (Indira Gandhi International Airport)
• Mumbai (Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport)
• Bangalore (Kempegowda International Airport)
• Kolkata (Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose International Airport)
• Chennai (Chennai International Airport)
• Hyderabad (Rajiv Gandhi International Airport)