FAQ

What is a cargo charter and what sets it apart from a scheduled flight?

A scheduled flight departs at set times, with a certain type of aircraft, flying from A to B comparable to public transport services.
A cargo charter flight is tailor made according to the requirements of the customer, with a type of aircraft that fits the shipment, from/to the departure and arrival airport closest to the production site and destination of the goods comparable to a taxi service. Therefore a charter flight will mostly be more cost intensive than a scheduled flight.

When does a charter request make sense?

If there are no scheduled flights. If the shipment is very time critical, secret or valuable so that a scheduled flight is not an option. If a shipment can not be loaded on a scheduled flight because of its size and/or weight. If the required airport of departure and/or arrival is not served by scheduled flights or by the wrong type of aircraft.

Which different types of charters are available?

Full charter
Chartered exclusively by one customer. Any kind of aircraft type is possible, from a helicopter to the largest wide body freighter.

Part charter
A charter flight is taking place on a certain route and goods can be co-loaded.

One-way
A charter flight is set up from A to B. The aircraft has to go back to A and can be booked for this route.

Charter chain
Multiple charter flights over days, weeks or even months.

Which types of freighter aircrafts are available?

Any type from xxs to XXL, from a helicopter to the Antonov 225, the largest existing freighter aircraft.

Terminology

( the services listed below are not included in the charter price )

Non-objection fees
Fees which might have to be paid to the airline at the country of destination to gain their approval for the shipment of the goods.

Royalties
Fees which might occur at the country of origin or destination in order to obtain traffic rights from the local authorities.

Additional charges for special loading- and/or offloading equipment ( i.e. crane/s )
All costs for special equipment and/or constructions which might be necessary to on- or offload the goods.

Increase due to fuel cost escalation
Charter prices are based on the price of the aircraft and fuel valid on the day of the offer. Fuel prices depend on the oil price and therefore change regularly. The fuel price valid on the day of the offer might have gone up or down on the day of the flight so the charter price will be amended accordingly.

War risk insurance
If the safety of a country is disturbed by political situations or war, the operator of the aircraft has to obtain a special insurance. The costs usually range from 5.000 to 15.000 USD, depending on the aircraft type.

Deicing
Charges for deicing the aircraft before take off. Deicing becomes necessary once temperatures are around or below freezing point. The amount of deicing fluid needed depends on the size of the aircraft and the thickness of the ice. The captain of the flight decides how much deicing fluid is needed to secure the safety of the flight. Prices vary depending on the airport and the amount of fluid needed.