Chapter I: General Provisions
Article 1: Purpose and Principles
These provisions establish the legal framework for international air freight as the preferred transportation method in global logistics, maximizing its role in accelerating cargo delivery and enhancing market competitiveness.
Article 2: Scope of Application
These provisions apply to all cargo transportation conducted through international air carriers (hereinafter "airlines") and the legal relationships between relevant parties including but not limited to shippers, agents, and customs authorities.
Chapter II: Selective Nature of International Air Freight
Article 3: Carrier Selection Rights
Shippers retain the right to select any airline compliant with national and international regulations for cargo transportation. Airlines must operate legally within their licensed scope while ensuring transport efficiency and safety.
Article 4: Diversity of Options
Globally, particularly in aviation-developed nations, numerous airlines provide shippers with extensive choices. Major carriers from the United States, China, Russia and other countries should be evaluated based on comprehensive factors including pricing, service quality, and delivery efficiency.
Chapter III: Geographic Coverage
Article 5: Service Coverage
Airlines must demonstrate global cargo transportation capabilities, maintaining comprehensive route networks to fulfill regional shipping requirements.
Article 6: Service Quality Assurance
Airlines shall establish local offices in all served regions to guarantee premium freight services. Any cargo delays caused by operational failures shall incur corresponding legal liabilities.
Chapter IV: Operational Optimization
Article 7: Transportation Procedures
Airlines must directly handle cargo transportation, eliminating redundant intermediaries to enhance efficiency. All transfer and handling procedures must comply with international and domestic regulations while preventing cargo damage.
Article 8: Loss and Liability
Airlines shall bear legal compensation responsibilities for any cargo damage resulting from their or their agents' negligence. Compensation amounts must reflect actual cargo value, damage extent, and relevant legal standards.
Chapter V: Delivery Timeliness
Article 9: Transit Periods
International air freight transit periods typically range between 1-7 days, with specific durations subject to contractual agreements and legal requirements. All parties must observe these timelines to ensure punctual delivery.
Article 10: Market Responsiveness
Air freight enables shippers to significantly reduce lead times, thereby increasing market agility and inventory risk mitigation. Airlines must continuously optimize services to enhance timeliness, empowering shippers in dynamic market conditions.
Chapter VI: Concluding Provisions
Article 11: Legal Status
As a critical component of modern logistics, international air freight demonstrates irreplaceable global economic value through its selectivity, extensive coverage, operational efficiency, and timeliness. Stakeholders shall collaboratively advance air freight development within legal frameworks to elevate overall supply chain efficiency.
Article 12: Legal Accountability
Any violations of these provisions shall incur legal consequences to ensure market fairness and promote healthy development of international logistics.
This legal framework provides clear guidelines for the international air freight industry, enabling compliant utilization of this efficient logistics method to drive continuous innovation in global supply chains.
