What is an air cargo charter?

An air cargo charter is a dedicated freight flight reserved exclusively for a single shipment. Unlike scheduled cargo services, the entire aircraft is not shared with other consignments, giving you full control over routing, timing, and handling requirements.

How much does it cost to charter a cargo plane?

Cargo charter costs depend on aircraft size, route distance, and cargo type. Light freighters start from around $15,000 for short-haul sectors. Widebody aircraft such as the Boeing 747-8F typically start from $250,000 for intercontinental routes and can exceed $500,000 for long-haul operations. Contact Global Charter for a tailored quote.

What types of cargo can be transported by air charter?

Air cargo charter accommodates a wide range of freight, including time-critical spare parts, heavy machinery, automotive cargo, pharmaceuticals, dangerous goods (subject to IATA DGR compliance), humanitarian relief supplies, oversized equipment, and high-value goods.

How quickly can a cargo charter be arranged?

For urgent shipments, cargo charters can often be arranged within hours, subject to aircraft availability and permit requirements. On Board Courier (OBC) solutions can be mobilised even faster for items where physical custody is required throughout transit.

Can dangerous goods be transported on a cargo charter?

Yes. Global Charter arranges dedicated dangerous goods charter flights for hazardous materials including chemicals, flammable liquids, radioactive materials, and explosives. All shipments comply with IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR) and relevant national aviation authority requirements.

What is the difference between air cargo charter and air freight?

Standard air freight involves booking capacity on a scheduled service alongside other consignments. Air cargo charter reserves the entire aircraft for your shipment, providing greater control over departure times, routing, handling, and security.

Which aircraft are used for cargo charter flights?

Options range from light freighters such as the Cessna 208 Caravan for small urgent loads, through narrowbody freighters such as the Boeing 737F for mid-range sectors, to widebody aircraft such as the Boeing 747-8F for high-volume intercontinental routes and the Antonov An-124 for outsize and super-heavy cargo.

Does Global Charter handle humanitarian air cargo?

Yes. Global Charter operates dedicated humanitarian aid and relief charter flights to deliver emergency supplies, medical equipment, and relief personnel to crisis-affected regions, including remote and conflict-affected areas.

AIR CARGO & FREIGHT CHARTER

Experience unmatched air cargo charter services with Global Charter. From Dangerous Goods to Humanitarian Aid, we offer tailored solutions for your logistic needs.

Air Cargo Charter Services

When scheduled freight services cannot meet your requirements, whether due to urgency, cargo dimensions, routing constraints, or the nature of the shipment itself, an air cargo charter provides a fully dedicated solution. Global Charter arranges cargo charter flights worldwide, sourcing the right aircraft for your load from a network of more than 19,000 aircraft across every category.

From a single pallet of critical spare parts to a full Antonov An-124 carrying outsize industrial equipment, our team manages every stage of the operation: aircraft sourcing, permits, ground handling coordination, and documentation.

Global air cargo demand reached a record in 2025, with volumes up 3.4% year-on-year according to IATA -- and the overall air cargo market is projected to grow from $177 billion in 2025 to $273 billion by 2032. For time-critical or specialist freight that cannot wait for scheduled services, charter remains the fastest and most controlled option available.

A SELECTION OF OUR CARGO CHARTER SERVICES

DANGEROUS GOODS CHARTER

Transporting hazardous materials by air requires precise coordination between aircraft type, carrier authorisations, and IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations. Global Charter arranges dedicated dangerous goods charter flights for a wide range of classified cargo, including chemicals, flammable liquids, explosives, radioactive materials, oxidising substances, and infectious substances. Our team is well-versed in ICAO and IATA DGR requirements and ensures all necessary permits, certifications, and documentation are in place prior to departure. We can advise on class, quantity limits, and packaging requirements based on your origin and destination.

HUMANITARIAN AID AND RELIEF

In disaster response and crisis logistics, speed and reliability are critical. Our humanitarian aid charter service is designed to move emergency supplies, medical equipment, shelter materials, food and water, and relief personnel to affected areas with minimal lead time. We work with NGOs, government agencies, and international relief organisations, and have experience operating into challenging destinations including remote locations and conflict zones. Our team is available 24/7 and can provide a comprehensive proposal within 60 minutes of your request.

ON BOARD COURIER (OBC)

For the most time-sensitive shipments, including critical documents, medical samples, high-value components, and prototypes, our On Board Courier service places a dedicated courier with your freight from collection to delivery. The courier personally accompanies your package throughout the journey, ensuring the highest level of security and the fastest possible transit time. OBC is available across a range of industries including energy, aerospace, fashion, high-tech, and corporate. Real-time tracking is provided via RED-TRACK technology throughout the shipment, and we can provide a proposal within 20 minutes of your enquiry.

Automotive Air Cargo Charter

The automotive sector demands exacting standards for vehicle and parts logistics, whether moving prototypes ahead of a launch, supporting motorsport operations, or delivering production-critical components under supply chain pressure. Our automotive cargo charter service covers manufacturer logistics, classic car transportation, and racing team support.

Aerospace Industry Cargo Charter

Aircraft-on-ground (AOG) situations, engine transports, and supply chain interventions require a cargo partner with the network to respond at any hour. Global Charter maintains relationships with freighter operators across key aerospace hubs and can source suitable aircraft rapidly for both scheduled and emergency aerospace cargo requirements.

WHAT IS AIR CARGO CHARTER?

Air cargo charter is the reservation of an entire aircraft exclusively for a single consignment. Unlike scheduled air freight, where your shipment shares space with other cargo on a fixed-route timetable, a dedicated cargo charter flight operates on your schedule, to your chosen airports, with handling requirements set by you.

Charter is the appropriate choice when:
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• Standard freight services cannot accommodate the dimensions or weight of your load.
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• Departure and arrival times are fixed by operational or contractual requirements.
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• The cargo is too sensitive, high-value, or hazardous for general handling.
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• The destination is underserved or inaccessible via scheduled services.
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• The shipment must move within hours rather than days.

Air Cargo Charter: Swift & Dedicated Freight Solutions

Air cargo charter is a solution for transporting goods swiftly across the globe. Unlike standard commercial flights, a cargo charter flight is dedicated solely to your freight. This means your shipment gets the priority it deserves. It's a perfect solution for urgent, sensitive, or large shipments that cannot be accommodated by regular freight services.

Unbeatable Air Freight Solutions

From urgent spare parts to high-value goods, our cargo aircraft charter services handle a vast range of goods. Our specialists have extensive experience in managing all types of cargo, including heavy and outsized pieces, automotive cargo, dangerous goods, and humanitarian relief supplies. We understand the sensitive nature of each type of freight and guarantee a service that is safe, secure, and efficient.

Top Routes for Cargo Charter

Explore some of our popular routes for cargo charter:  

Shanghai to Los Angeles: A key route for electronic goods and components  

Frankfurt to Chicago: Preferred for automotive parts and machinery  

Dubai to Nairobi: Essential for humanitarian and relief goods

Spotlight on Aircraft

We are proud to offer an impressive range of aircraft suitable for cargo charter. Among the most popular is the Antonov An-124, a heavy cargo specialist capable of carrying up to 150 tonnes of freight. Equally versatile is the Boeing 747-8 Freighter, with its impressive payload capacity and excellent range.

BOOKING YOUR CARGO CHARTER

Booking your cargo charter with us is easy and hassle-free. Simply get in touch with our team, and we'll handle everything else.

THE COST OF CHARTERING A CARGO PLANE

The cost to hire a cargo plane can vary depending on factors such as the type of aircraft, the nature of the goods, and the route. For a short-haul flight on a smaller cargo aircraft, prices start from around $15,000. For a long-haul flight on a larger freight aircraft like the Boeing 747-8F, prices can exceed $500,000. For an accurate quote, please contact us directly. Our team of experts is always ready to assist you with any inquiries.

Choose Global Charter for Your Cargo Needs

Global Charter offers the ultimate solution for your cargo charter needs. We provide flexible, efficient, and cost-effective air cargo charter solutions around the world. Experience the difference with us. Get in touch today to book your cargo charter flight.  

Please note: Our available aircraft and services extend beyond what's featured on this page. To explore more options, reach out to our team.

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„Ich habe schon bei vielen Unternehmen Jets gechartert, aber der Service bei Global Charter – insbesondere der von Harry – sticht hervor. Die Liebe zum Detail ist lobenswert.“

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London

Global Charter 
142 Cromwell Road 
London
SW7 4EF 
+44 20 7157 9525