Air freight is the transportation of goods by aircraft. It is a vital part of the global logistics industry, allowing businesses to transport goods quickly and efficiently across vast distances. The history of air freight can be traced back to the early days of aviation, when pilots and entrepreneurs first realised the potential of aircraft as a means of transporting goods.
In this blog, we'll take a closer look at where air freight all began, how it rose to popularity and how it's used today as one of the worlds fastest and most convenient modes of transport for cargo.
When was the first air freight shipment?
The first air freight shipment took place in 1910, when a bolt of silk was transported by airplane from Dayton to Columbus, Ohio. Over the next few decades, air freight continued to develop as a small, experimental industry, with a handful of airlines offering cargo services.
However, it was not until after World War II that air freight really took off as a major industry. The rapid growth of air travel during the war had led to the development of new aircraft and technologies, which in turn made air freight more practical and cost-effective.
In the postwar years, a number of airlines began to specialize in air cargo, and new technologies such as the pallet and the cargo container made it easier to load and transport goods by air.
Today, air freight is a multi-billion-dollar industry, with millions of tons of goods transported by air every year. It plays a vital role in the global economy, allowing businesses to move goods quickly and efficiently across borders and around the world.
When did air freight become a popular mode of transport for cargo?
Air freight became popular in the post-World War II era, particularly in the 1950s and 1960s. During this time, a number of factors came together to make air freight more practical and cost-effective.
First, the rapid growth of air travel during the war had led to the development of new aircraft and technologies, which made air freight more efficient and reliable. Second, the rise of the global economy and the growth of international trade created a demand for faster and more reliable transport of goods. Third, the development of new cargo-handling technologies, such as the pallet and the cargo container, made it easier to load and transport goods by air.
These factors, along with others, helped to spur the growth of the air freight industry. Airlines began to specialise in air cargo, offering dedicated cargo services and building dedicated cargo terminals at airports.
By the 1970s, air freight had become an established part of the global logistics industry, and it has continued to grow and evolve ever since. Today, air freight is a vital part of the global economy, allowing businesses to transport goods quickly and efficiently across vast distances.
Is air freight the most popular transportation method for cargo?
The most popular form of freight depends on various factors such as distance, urgency, nature of goods, cost, and more. There are several modes of freight transport available, including road, rail, sea, and air. Each mode has its own advantages and disadvantages, and businesses typically choose the mode that best fits their needs.
In terms of volume, sea freight is the most popular mode of freight transport, as it is capable of carrying large quantities of goods over long distances at a relatively low cost. Sea freight is particularly popular for transporting bulky goods, such as raw materials, construction equipment, and consumer goods.
However, air freight is the fastest mode of transport and is often used for urgent or time-sensitive shipments, such as perishable goods, high-value items, or critical spare parts. Air freight is also preferred for shipments that need to be transported across long distances quickly, such as international shipments.
Road and rail freight are commonly used for domestic transport, especially for shorter distances. Road freight is often preferred for smaller shipments or those with time-sensitive delivery requirements, while rail freight is more cost-effective for larger shipments or those that are not time-sensitive.
Overall, the most popular form of freight depends on a variety of factors, and businesses typically choose the mode of transport that best fits their specific needs.
Where should I go for my logistics needs?
Whatever your logistics needs, Lojistico offer the best possible solutions for your shipping requirements across a variety of transportation methods.
Ocean freight, air freight and road freight are among our preferred methods of shipping, and with agents across the globe, we can ship pretty much anything to and from anywhere, safely and securely, at competitive rates. We also offer unparalleled logistics consultancy services should you require any assistance or advice in that area.
We offer international shipping services in London and around the world, and will work with you to understand exactly what your requirements are, and get you the best possible prices and provide you unparalleled service.
Get in touch to find the perfect freight forwarding solution for you!
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