When shipping goods by air, your cargo may travel in the belly of a passenger aircraft or aboard a dedicated freighter. While both methods fall under air transport, they differ significantly in capacity, efficiency, and suitability for various cargo types. For freight forwarders, understanding these differences is critical to optimizing cost, transit time, and cargo safety.
1. Definitions: Passenger Belly vs. Freighters
Passenger Belly: Refers to the cargo space in commercial passenger aircraft, primarily used for luggage and limited commercial freight. Capacity varies by aircraft model—for instance:
- Boeing 787: ~137-175 m³
- Boeing 777: ~150-200 m³
- Boeing 737: ~18-52 m³
Freighters: Aircraft exclusively designed for cargo transport, categorized as:
- Purpose-built freighters: Manufactured specifically for cargo.
- Converted freighters: Retrofitted from retired passenger planes by removing seats and installing cargo systems.
- Combi aircraft: Hybrid configurations with passenger cabins and cargo holds.
2. Five Critical Differences
Capacity: Small vs. Bulk Shipments
Passenger bellies suit smaller consignments, while freighters handle oversized or high-volume shipments.
Cargo Type: General vs. Specialized
Freighters accommodate restricted items like dangerous goods or live animals, which passenger aircraft typically prohibit.
Doors: Passenger Access vs. Cargo Loading
Freighters feature large cargo doors (often >3m wide) for palletized goods, unlike passenger planes' smaller baggage hatches.
Loading: Belts vs. Platforms
Passenger aircraft use conveyor belts, whereas freighters employ hydraulic platforms for efficient heavy-load handling.
Availability: Priority Conflicts vs. Dedicated Space
Passenger belly space competes with luggage during peak travel periods, while freighters offer guaranteed capacity.
3. Selecting the Right Option
Key considerations include:
- Dimensions/weight of cargo
- Nature of goods (e.g., hazardous materials)
- Transit time requirements
- Budget constraints
- Route availability
4. Operational Best Practices
- Book capacity well in advance, especially during peak seasons
- Verify airline-specific regulations on packaging and restrictions
- Ensure robust packaging to withstand handling stresses
- Secure comprehensive cargo insurance
- Partner with experienced freight forwarders
5. Industry Evolution
The growing e-commerce sector and demand for rapid deliveries are driving innovation, including temporary passenger-to-freighter conversions during demand surges. Automation in loading systems continues to enhance operational efficiency across both transport modes.