Air Freight

Fast & Reliable

Air Freight Shipping in Northern Ireland

Delays can disrupt your supply chain, impact customer satisfaction, and increase operational costs. Westmond Logistics provides dependable air freight shipping services, helping businesses move urgent, high-value, and time-sensitive cargo quickly, safely, and efficiently across the globe.

Request a Quote
Cargo aircraft at airport terminalUpward growth arrow icon
Commercial airplane in flight

What is Air Freight?

Air freight shipping is the transportation of goods by aircraft and is one of the fastest ways to move cargo internationally. It is commonly used for urgent, high-value, and time-sensitive shipments that require reliable delivery.

While air freight shipping typically costs more than sea or road transport, it offers faster transit times, greater security, and improved supply chain flexibility. At Westmond Logistics, we manage the entire process, including transportation planning, customs requirements, and shipment tracking, to ensure your goods arrive safely and on time.

Airplane flying over ocean

Common Types of Cargo Shipped by Air

Air freight is suitable for a wide range of products, including:
Blue checkmark verification icon
Electronics and technology products
Blue checkmark verification icon
Automotive components
Blue checkmark verification icon
Retail inventory
Blue checkmark verification icon
Industrial equipment
Blue checkmark verification icon
High-value goods
Blue checkmark verification icon
Temperature-sensitive cargo
Blue checkmark verification icon
Time-critical spare parts
Blue checkmark verification icon
Perishable products
Blue checkmark verification icon
Benefits of Air Freight
Blue checkmark verification icon
Pharmaceutical and healthcare supplies
Businesses choose air freight shipping because it offers:
Blue checkmark verification icon
Faster transit times
Blue checkmark verification icon
Reduced inventory holding costs
Blue checkmark verification icon
Greater shipment security
Blue checkmark verification icon
Global reach
Blue checkmark verification icon
Reliable airline schedules
Blue checkmark verification icon
Improved supply chain flexibility

Step-by-Step Air Freight Shipping Process

1
Step

Shipment Assessment

The process begins by evaluating:
Blue checkmark verification icon
Cargo dimensions and weight
Blue checkmark verification icon
Destination country
Blue checkmark verification icon
Delivery deadline
Blue checkmark verification icon
Product classification
Blue checkmark verification icon
Special handling requirements
2
Step

Cargo Preparation

Before transportation, shipments must be prepared according to airline and customs requirements. Preparation may include:
Blue checkmark verification icon
Secure packaging
Blue checkmark verification icon
Cargo labelling
Blue checkmark verification icon
Dangerous goods documentation
Blue checkmark verification icon
Temperature-control arrangements
Blue checkmark verification icon
Security screening compliance
3
Step

Documentation

Accurate documentation is essential for international air freight. Typical documents include:
Blue checkmark verification icon
Commercial Invoice
Blue checkmark verification icon
Packing List
Blue checkmark verification icon
Air Waybill (AWB)
Blue checkmark verification icon
Export Declarations
Blue checkmark verification icon
Certificates of Origin
Blue checkmark verification icon
Import permits (if required)
Blue checkmark verification icon
Dangerous Goods Declarations (if applicable)
4
Step

Collection and Airport Handling

Cargo is collected from the shipper's location and transported to the departure airport. At the airport, goods undergo:
Blue checkmark verification icon
Security inspections
Blue checkmark verification icon
Weight verification
Blue checkmark verification icon
Documentation checks
Blue checkmark verification icon
Cargo acceptance procedures
5
Step

Air Transportation

During transit, shipment status can be monitored through tracking systems, allowing businesses to maintain visibility throughout the journey.
6
Step

Customs Clearance

Upon arrival, customs authorities review the shipment documentation and determine whether duties, taxes, or inspections are required.
7
Step

Final Delivery

Once customs approval is granted, cargo is released and transported to its final destination. Delivery options may include:
Blue checkmark verification icon
Airport-to-airport
Blue checkmark verification icon
Airport-to-door
Blue checkmark verification icon
Door-to-airport
Blue checkmark verification icon
Door-to-door

Air Freight Requirements

Essential Shipping Information

Before arranging air freight, businesses should prepare:
Blue checkmark verification icon
Product description
Blue checkmark verification icon
Commodity codes
Blue checkmark verification icon
Cargo dimensions
Blue checkmark verification icon
Cargo weight
Blue checkmark verification icon
Destination address
Blue checkmark verification icon
Commercial value
Blue checkmark verification icon
Country of origin

Packaging Requirements

Air cargo must be packaged securely to withstand handling during transportation. Packaging should:
Blue checkmark verification icon
Protect products from movement
Blue checkmark verification icon
Prevent damage during loading
Blue checkmark verification icon
Comply with airline requirements
Blue checkmark verification icon
Be clearly labelled

Dangerous Goods Regulations

Certain products are classified as dangerous goods and require special handling.

Examples include:
Blue checkmark verification icon
Batteries
Blue checkmark verification icon
Chemicals
Blue checkmark verification icon
Aerosols
Blue checkmark verification icon
Flammable liquids
Blue checkmark verification icon
Medical substances

Temperature-Controlled Cargo

Products such as pharmaceuticals, vaccines, food products, and medical supplies often require temperature-controlled transportation.

These shipments may involve:
Blue checkmark verification icon
Insulated packaging
Blue checkmark verification icon
Active cooling systems
Blue checkmark verification icon
Temperature monitoring devices
Blue checkmark verification icon
Cold-chain management procedures

Customs Compliance

Common customs requirements include:
Blue checkmark verification icon
Accurate commercial invoices
Blue checkmark verification icon
Correct commodity codes
Blue checkmark verification icon
Import permits
Blue checkmark verification icon
Regulatory certifications
Blue checkmark verification icon
Duty and tax declarations

Air Freight Shipping Tips & Best Practices

Businesses can improve efficiency and reduce costs by following proven air freight best practices.

Plan Ahead Whenever Possible

While air freight shipping is designed for speed, advance planning often results in:
Blue checkmark verification icon
Better flight availability
Blue checkmark verification icon
Lower transportation costs
Blue checkmark verification icon
Improved routing options

Provide Accurate Documentation

Documentation errors remain one of the most common causes of shipment delays. Always verify:
Blue checkmark verification icon
Product descriptions
Blue checkmark verification icon
Values
Blue checkmark verification icon
Weights
Blue checkmark verification icon
Addresses
Blue checkmark verification icon
Commodity codes

Choose the Right Service Level

Not every shipment requires express delivery. Options may include:
Blue checkmark verification icon
Express air freight
Blue checkmark verification icon
Priority air freight
Blue checkmark verification icon
Consolidated air freight
Blue checkmark verification icon
Hand-carried courier services

Understand Customs Requirements

Each country has unique import regulations. Researching destination requirements beforehand helps avoid:
Blue checkmark verification icon
Unexpected inspections
Blue checkmark verification icon
Additional charges
Blue checkmark verification icon
Customs delays

Consider Cargo Insurance

Although air freight is highly secure, cargo insurance provides additional protection against:
Blue checkmark verification icon
Damage
Blue checkmark verification icon
Loss
Blue checkmark verification icon
Theft
Blue checkmark verification icon
Unexpected incidents

Monitor Shipments Throughout Transit

Tracking systems allow businesses to:
Blue checkmark verification icon
Monitor shipment progress
Blue checkmark verification icon
Communicate with customers
Blue checkmark verification icon
Anticipate delivery schedules
Blue checkmark verification icon
Respond quickly to disruptions

On Board Courier (OBC) Services

For particularly urgent, fragile or time-sensitive shipments, our On Board Courier (OBC) service provides a dedicated solution, with a courier personally accompanying your shipment on the flight. We provide OBC services worldwide, tailored to your shipment, destination and required timeframe.
Learn More About Our On Board Courier Service

Air Freight Shipping Costs

One of the most common questions businesses ask is: "How much does air freight cost?" The answer depends on several factors.

Weight and Volume

Airlines calculate charges based on either:
Blue checkmark verification icon
Actual weight
Blue checkmark verification icon
Volumetric weight

Destination

Longer routes generally cost more due to increased transportation and handling expenses.

Service Level

Shipping costs vary depending on whether the shipment requires:
Blue checkmark verification icon
Express delivery
Blue checkmark verification icon
Standard air freight
Blue checkmark verification icon
Priority handling
Blue checkmark verification icon
Hand-carried services

Cargo Type

Specialist shipments often involve additional costs.

Examples include:
Blue checkmark verification icon
Dangerous goods
Blue checkmark verification icon
Temperature-controlled freight
Blue checkmark verification icon
Pharmaceutical products
Blue checkmark verification icon
High-value cargo

Customs Duties and Taxes

Import duties and taxes are separate from freight charges and vary depending on:
Blue checkmark verification icon
Product classification
Blue checkmark verification icon
Destination country
Blue checkmark verification icon
Cargo value

Additional Services

Additional costs may include:
Blue checkmark verification icon
Collection services
Blue checkmark verification icon
Warehousing
Blue checkmark verification icon
Packaging
Blue checkmark verification icon
Insurance
Blue checkmark verification icon
Customs clearance
Blue checkmark verification icon
Final delivery

Benefits of Our Air Freight Services

Learn More About Us
Business growth arrow graphic
Fast parcel delivery icon

Faster Transit Times

Air freight offers rapid international transportation, helping businesses meet deadlines and respond quickly to customer demand.
Customer support service icon

Global Coverage

We connect businesses to destinations worldwide through trusted airline partnerships and international logistics networks.
Business partnership handshake icon

Enhanced Cargo Security

Air transport operates under strict security procedures, providing additional protection for high-value and sensitive shipments.
British pound currency icon

Complete Visibility

Real-time tracking and shipment updates allow you to monitor your cargo throughout every stage of transit.
Global delivery tracking icon

Customs Expertise

Our team manages customs documentation and clearance requirements to help prevent delays and keep goods moving efficiently.
Customs inspection package icon

Flexible Shipping Options

From emergency deliveries and consolidated freight to specialist cargo handling, we provide solutions tailored to your operational needs.
Customs inspection package icon

Professional Support

Our logistics specialists remain available throughout the shipment process to answer questions, provide updates, and resolve issues quickly.

Move Your Cargo Faster

When speed, reliability, and global reach matter, Westmond Logistics provides air freight solutions designed to keep your business moving. Contact our team today to discuss your shipment.
Westmond Logistics

FAQs About Air Freight Services

Transit times vary depending on the destination and airline schedules, but most international air freight shipments are delivered within 2–5 business days.
Yes. Air freight generally costs more than sea freight but provides significantly faster delivery, making it ideal for urgent, valuable, or time-sensitive cargo.
We handle a wide variety of shipments, including electronics, pharmaceuticals, medical supplies, industrial goods, perishables, textiles, high-value products, and more.
Yes. Our team is trained in dangerous goods regulations and can arrange compliant transportation for approved hazardous materials.

Yes. We provide specialist solutions for temperature-sensitive products, including pharmaceuticals, healthcare products, and perishable goods.

Absolutely. We provide shipment tracking and regular updates throughout the transportation process.
Yes. Our team manages customs documentation and clearance requirements to help ensure smooth international shipping.

Consolidated air freight combines multiple shipments into one air cargo movement, helping reduce costs while maintaining efficient delivery times.

Yes. We can manage collection, transportation, customs clearance, and final delivery as a complete end-to-end service.

Air-sea solutions combine air and sea transportation to balance speed and cost, offering a practical alternative when air freight alone may not be the most economical option.

Simply contact Westmond Logistics with your shipment details, including cargo type, destination, dimensions, and delivery requirements. We will provide a tailored quotation based on your needs.

menu