THE FAVORITE TRANSPORT FOR YOUR ONLINE SHOPPING

From transporting passengers, high-value goods, perishables and specialized cargo, the different types of air freight offer users a range of versatile and efficient solutions to suit their needs. In this context, it is essential to understand the characteristics, advantages and challenges of air cargo transportation, as well as to know the different types of cargo according to the customer's needs and the nature of the product to be transported.

Air freight is usually the first choice for those users looking for speedy deliveries, especially in globalized markets. It also stands out for its safety compared to other means of transport, which minimizes the risk of damage and loss of goods.

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Airfreight transport increases its share of statistics

The 2025 Strategic Priorities Report for Cargo Operations published by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) shows that during the first half of 2024, air cargo transportation increased by 13.4% in CTK (cargo tons per kilometer), despite trade tensions and political uncertainty.

This increase is mainly due to the rise of e-commerce. Currently, one out of every five packages is transported by air, and estimates indicate that by 2027, one out of every three packages is expected to be transported by air.

Another key factor that triggered the increase in air cargo has to do with the constant disruptions that have occurred in global shipping, mainly the crisis in the Red Sea, which has witnessed Houthi terrorist attacks that put maritime cargo at risk.

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Types of air cargo

There are several types of air cargo, which are classified according to the characteristics and nature of the product to be transported.

Specialized cargo is known as those products that must travel under specific conditions, such as controlled temperature for perishable and pharmaceutical products.

Another type of air cargo is bulk cargo, where the goods are not individually packaged for shipment.

High-value cargo refers to products such as jewelry, technology, works of art. Airfreight stands out for its security, so it is usually the first choice for the shipment of this type of products.

Machinery, electronic equipment and chemical products are categorized as industrial cargo, which is another very common type of cargo within air cargo transportation.

According to the characteristics of the product, airlines take advantage of passenger flights to make shipments, if the nature of the product allows it and does not jeopardize the safety of passengers.

Statistical data confirm that one of the airports with the greatest weight in the country in terms of air cargo is Felipe Angeles International Airport (AIFA), since it transports more than one third of the total air cargo in Mexico.

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Challenges in the air
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For air transport to continue to be considered one of the safest ways to ship goods, it is essential to follow the guidelines on packaging and labeling of products to ensure their protection during transport.

Labeling should include details such as: description of contents, special handling instructions, sender and recipient information, and any other information considered relevant to the shipment of the goods. It is important that product packaging is aligned with standards and regulations.

Sustainability is another issue that is present in air cargo transportation, where companies are looking for a solution to CO2 emissions by trying to produce a sustainable fuel that generates less pollution, as well as trying to reduce the use of plastics in the shipment of goods.

Airfreight plays a crucial role in logistics and the global economy where it faces challenges of efficient and fast deliveries, which is what makes this mode of transportation stand out. Despite being one of the most expensive modes of transportation, its efficiency, safety and capacity allow it to continue to outperform compared to previous periods.

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