1. What is International Air Freight?
International air freight refers to the transportation of goods via aircraft across countries. It includes services such as express air delivery, consolidated cargo flights, charter flights, and air parcel service. Air freight offers high speed, reliability, strong security, and flexibility. Each method has advantages: express for urgent speed, consolidation for cost efficiency, charters for special cargo, parcels for small shipments.
2. Common Customer Issues & Air Freight Advantages
In the China-to-Germany trade lane, customers often face:
(1) Tight delivery schedules
(2) Risk of damage or theft
(3) Complicated customs clearance
(4) Fragile or high-value goods transportation
(5) Need for stable transit times
Air freight addresses these by ensuring 1–5 day delivery, secure handling and packaging, better cargo tracking, priority customs clearance support, and minimal handling frequency—greatly reducing transit-related risk.
3. How Air Freight Works & Requirements
Air freight begins with booking and capacity allocation on a designated flight. Shippers must provide accurate cargo description, weight, and volume, and comply with both China’s and Germany’s aviation and customs regulations. The process includes: cargo pick-up from the supplier, export customs declaration, loading onto aircraft, arrival at destination airport, import customs clearance, and final delivery to consignee. Key requirements are: proper packaging to withstand handling and turbulence, adherence to hazardous goods regulations, timely submission of documentation (commercial invoice, packing list, airway bill), and working with experienced freight agents who have relationships with airlines and customs authorities.
4. Time & Mode Comparison Table
| Mode | Transit Time | Price Level | Safety & Stability | Recommendation Reason |
| Air Freight | 1-5 days | High | Very High | Best for urgent, high-value shipments |
| Sea Freight | 25-40 days | Low | High | Suitable for bulk, non-urgent goods |
| Rail Freight | 14-20 days | Medium | High | Balanced time/cost for medium-size cargo |
| Road Freight | 10-15 days | Medium-High | Medium | Suitable for Europe inland transport |
Avoid using air freight for extra-large goods or items with low urgency due to high costs.
5. Price, Time & Stability Comparison Table
| Mode | Price Level | Transit Time | Stability | Avoid For |
| Air Freight | High | 1-5 days | Very Stable | Oversized, heavy low-value cargo |
| Sea Freight | Low | 25-40 days | Stable | Perishable urgent goods |
| Rail Freight | Medium | 14-20 days | Stable | Extremely fragile goods needing minimal handling |
| Road Freight | Medium | 10-15 days | Medium | High-volume low value cargo over long routes |
6. Recommendation
If you have cargo ready from China to Germany and it fits air freight’s size, weight, and urgency criteria, hytcargo recommends air freight. For those unfamiliar with destination clearance, “air express” (air + local delivery) is better. Be sure to prepare correct documents, ensure proper packing, and confirm airline schedules.
7. Q&A
Q1: What is air freight?
A1: Transporting goods via airplanes across countries.
Q2: What is air express?
A2: Air freight with integrated customs clearance and final delivery service.
Q3: What size limits exist?
A3: Usually per piece max 158cm and weight up to 100-150kg, airline rules apply.
Q4: Packing requirements?
A4: Strong, shock-resistant, stackable packaging; comply with airline regs.
Q5: Can hazardous goods fly?
A5: Yes, if compliant with IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations.
Q6: Customs documents needed?
A6: AWB, commercial invoice, packing list, export & import forms.
Q7: Is tracking available?
A7: Yes, real-time updates via airline or agent systems.
Q8: How to choose agent?
A8: Look for licensed, experienced firms with China-Germany lane expertise.
8. Conclusion
International cargo via air is the fastest way to deliver goods. Choosing an experienced freight forwarder like hytcargo saves time and money, ensuring safe delivery and smooth customs clearance.