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Global express air freight solutions for time-critical cargo

Make sure your shipments always arrive on time. Avoid delays and overcome uncertainty with a global network of chartered aircraft.


Standard air freight services often don’t have available capacity when you need it most.

With customised air charter logistics, you can move beyond these constraints to ship time-critical cargo anywhere across the globe on a schedule that suits you.

Enjoy priority end-to-end shipping with a vast network of chartered aircraft. Specialised handling by trained staff ensures even the most sensitive air cargo will arrive intact. Our express air freight services can easily handle fluctuating volumes and provide reliable delivery in peak seasons.

An airplane flies above the clouds toward the setting sun

Specialised solutions for all types of air cargo

Remove uncertainty with a global air charter network that always has capacity when you need it.

End-to-end operational control reduces the risk of cargo loss and damage while enabling shorter handover times at origin and faster cargo availability at destination.

Supply chain disruptions or delays can be costly. Our air charter logistics help you protect your operations against commercial flight disruptions and last-minute schedule changes.

We partner with carefully selected, capacity-rich, and reputable carriers across the globe. As well as Transpacific and Transatlantic routings, our Intra-Asia network opens up the growing Asia Pacific region.

Get "Inspire-d"


Inspire provides you with flexible air freight solutions customised to suit your schedule.

  • Time-critical, heavy, or oversized cargo can be transported safely and efficiently to any location, no matter how remote

  • Expert, highly trained staff and cutting-edge digital tools deliver complete transparency and visibility at every stage

  • Our air charter logistics can accommodate a wide range of needs, including special cargo, emergency relief, Aircraft on Ground (AOG) support, or vital factory replacement services

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Secure, stable, and scalable air cargo solutions

Specialised handlers and complete end-to-end visibility allow you to ship sensitive, time-critical cargo with confidence.


Complete flexibility to meet changing demand

Stay one step ahead of demand changes and capacity gaps with priority access to a global air charter logistics network.


Transport specialised cargo with ease

Safely and securely transport urgent, heavy, or oversized cargo with chartered aircraft that meet your exact requirements.


Worldwide air cargo services

Global origins and destinations are served with regular and prioritised uplifts via a broad network of air carrier partnerships.

The benefits of a controlled charter network


  • Connect to major industrial hubs across the globe with our extensive network and versatile air charter capabilities

  • Transport all types of air cargo safely and securely, from aircraft engines and livestock to humanitarian aid

  • Maintain operational agility with full- and part-charter options ranging from light Learjet to heavy-lift aircraft such as the AN-124

  • Secure your supply chain with continuous support from a global team of logistics experts that is available 24/7, every day of the year

Kuehne+Nagel Global Gateway Map, updated on September 2026

Air charter logistics FAQs


Air charter logistics involves arranging a dedicated aircraft to transport a specific shipment on a tailored route and schedule. Unlike scheduled air freight, the entire process, from aircraft selection to departure timing - is customised to your requirements. A logistics provider manages planning, permits, cargo handling, and coordination with airports and authorities to ensure direct, efficient delivery with minimal handling or delays.

Standard air freight uses scheduled flights where cargo space is shared with other shipments and follows fixed routes and timetables. Air charter services, by contrast, provide a dedicated aircraft exclusively for your shipment, offering full control over departure times, routing, and handling. This makes charter ideal for urgent, complex, or oversized shipments that cannot fit within standard freight constraints.

Air charter is most suitable when speed, flexibility, or special handling is critical. This includes time-sensitive shipments, supply chain disruptions, capacity shortages, or when cargo requires direct routing without transfers. It is also the preferred option when delays could result in significant operational or financial impact.

Air charters can often be arranged within hours, depending on aircraft availability, location, and regulatory requirements. Because the process is highly flexible, providers can respond rapidly to urgent requests, making charter an ideal solution for time-critical logistics.

A full charter means the entire aircraft is reserved for a single shipment, providing maximum flexibility, speed, and security.

A part charter allows multiple customers to share space on the same aircraft, reducing costs while still offering more flexibility than scheduled services.

The best option depends on shipment size, urgency, and budget.

Air charter is commonly used for:

  • Urgent or time-critical shipments (e.g. AOG or production line stoppages)

  • Oversized or heavy cargo

  • High-value or secure goods

  • Temperature-sensitive or pharmaceutical products

  • Humanitarian aid or emergency relief

  • Shipments to remote or underserved locations

These use cases typically exceed the capabilities of scheduled air freight.

Air charter can accommodate a wide variety of cargo, including:

  • Heavy and oversized equipment

  • Dangerous goods (subject to regulations)

  • Pharmaceutical and temperature-sensitive products

  • Automotive and industrial components

  • High-value or confidential cargo

  • Humanitarian supplies and live animals

Aircraft type and configuration are selected to match the specific cargo requirements.

Yes.

Air charter flights can access a much wider range of airports than scheduled services, including remote or less-served regions. Because routes are customised, aircraft can fly directly to destinations that are not part of standard airline networks, often eliminating the need for multiple stops or transfers.

Yes.

Air charter logistics providers typically offer full end-to-end solutions, including aircraft sourcing, route planning, customs clearance, ground handling, and final delivery. This ensures a seamless, coordinated process from origin to destination, often through a single point of contact.

Yes.

Modern air charter services provide real-time shipment tracking and proactive updates throughout the journey. Advanced visibility tools allow customers to monitor the status of their shipment at every stage, ensuring transparency and better supply chain control.

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