Freight Charter by Air

In a country as vast and geographically diverse as Australia, traditional freight solutions often fall short—especially when timelines are tight, terrain is remote, or cargo is complex. Enter air freight charter: a high-speed, flexible logistics option that empowers businesses to transport goods precisely where and when they’re needed. Whether it’s critical mining equipment, time-sensitive pharmaceuticals, or emergency relief supplies, chartering an aircraft offers end-to-end control, bypassing the delays and limitations of scheduled freight.

This guide is crafted specifically for logistics managers, supply chain directors, and operations teams across Australia and the Asia-Pacific region who require reliable air transport solutions. Backed by local regulatory insight and real-world examples, it provides a comprehensive overview of aircraft types, pricing, safety compliance, route access, and innovations shaping the future of air freight. If you’re navigating the challenges of remote logistics or mission-critical delivery, this is your essential reference.

Australia’s economy relies on rapid, reliable logistics across vast distances and varied terrain. Freight charter by air is the fastest way to move cargo when every hour counts—or when scheduled services simply can’t reach the destination. This pillar guide delivers an in‑depth, 360° view tailored to businesses operating in Australia and the wider Asia‑Pacific.

1  What Is Air Freight Charter?

Air freight charter is the exclusive hire of an aircraft for cargo transport outside of scheduled airline timetables. The shipper controls the itinerary, routing, loading, and timing. Charters can be full freighters or “combi” aircraft (cabin seats removed to create a cargo bay).

Ideal use‑cases

• Time‑critical or “AOG” (Aircraft on Ground) parts

• Heavy and out‑of‑gauge (OOG) machinery

• Dangerous Goods (Class 1 explosives to Class 7 radioactives)

• Live animals / livestock genetics

• Cold‑chain pharma & vaccines

• Urgent humanitarian relief

Entity note: The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) designates charter flights under Code ‘C’ Non‑scheduled Operations.

2  Why Choose a Charter in Australia?

Australia presents a unique challenge for logistics and supply chain operations: vast unpopulated regions, weather extremes, and limited land transport infrastructure in many remote areas. For businesses operating in the mining, medical, or agricultural sectors—or in urgent humanitarian contexts—air freight charter offers not just speed, but access, precision, and control where no other method can compete.

2.1 Geography & Infrastructure

• 7.7 million km² landmass with limited road/rail in remote regions.

• 2,000+ registered aerodromes; >60 % are unsealed runways unreachable by narrow‑body jets.

2.2 Climate & Natural Hazards

• Wet‑season flooding isolates communities in the Top End (Darwin, Arnhem Land).

• Bushfire & cyclone seasons disrupt road freight in QLD, WA & NT.

2.3 Regulatory Enablers

• Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) enables flexible Part 135 & 138 operations.

• Airservices Australia provides low‑density airspace access with GNSS approaches at remote strips.

Case Snapshot – Cairns → Groote Eylandt
An offshore mining operator needed 6 t of reagents delivered within 10 h after a shipment missed the barge connection. A SAAB 340F was positioned from Townsville, loaded at Cairns, and landed on the island’s 1,900 m strip—saving AU$0.5 M in downtime.

3  Air Charter vs. Scheduled Freight vs. Express Courier

Choosing the right freight solution often depends on factors like urgency, cargo type, route availability, and cost sensitivity. In Australia’s transport environment—marked by long distances and limited regional access—understanding the differences between charter services, scheduled freight, and express couriers is critical. Each option serves a unique logistical purpose and is optimized for distinct operational contexts.

The following comparison outlines the pros, cons, and ideal use cases for each freight method. By aligning your cargo needs with the right service type, you can achieve both time and cost efficiencies—especially when servicing remote mining regions, urgent healthcare demands, or unpredictable weather conditions.

4  End‑to‑End Charter Process

1. Cargo Brief & NDA (weight, dims, DG class, incoterms e.g., CIP / DAP).

2. Aircraft & Route Feasibility — fuel stops, alternate airports, airspace curfews.

3. Quotation & Contract — ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, Insurance) or block‑hour.

4. Regulatory Clearances — CASA Ops Specs, ABF ICS entry, DAFF IMP / EXP permits.

5. Ground Handling — high‑loader, forklift, Envirotainer, live‑animal stalls.

6. Flight Execution & Tracking — ADS‑B + EFB data shared via API.

7. Delivery & POD — E‑POD signed digitally, CoR compliance recorded.

5  Aircraft Types & Operators

Selecting the right aircraft is fundamental to the success of an air freight charter. The type of plane determines not only payload capacity, but also range, airport access, and cargo handling capabilities—especially for specialised loads such as dangerous goods, livestock, or out-of-gauge machinery. Australia’s unique geography and industry demands have led to the deployment of a diverse range of aircraft, from light STOL bush planes to heavy-lift jets capable of intercontinental operations.

This section breaks down the key aircraft categories used in Australian freight charters, including payloads, range, and real-world operator examples. Understanding these options helps logistics teams match the right aircraft to each unique mission, ensuring cost-efficiency, compliance, and operational reliability.

*Operators listed hold valid Australian AOC or operate ad‑hoc charters into Australia.

6  Pricing & Cost Modelling

6.1 Hourly & Day‑Rate Examples (AUD)

6.2 Additional Charges

• Reposition/Demob legs (empty flights)

• Fuel Surcharge (FSC) pegged to Platts Jet A1

• Airport uplift & handling (Hi‑loader, GPU, de‑ice)

• DG Handling Fee (Class 1 / 7 hazard premiums)

• Out‑of‑hours ATC extension (YPPH, YSSY curfews)

Tip: Consolidate consignments to reduce per‑kg cost.

7  Compliance, Safety & Risk

• CASR Part 119 AOC requirements for charter.

• IATA DGR 64th Ed. for DG packaging/segregation.

• ICAO Annex 18 Safe Transport of Dangerous Goods by Air.

• ERP (Emergency Response Plan) mandatory for Class 1 explosives.

• Fatigue Risk Management Systems (FRMS) for crew duty.

• Insurance: Hull War risk, Cargo All‑Risk, Third‑party liability.

8  Industries & Case Studies

8.1 Mining & Resources (WA Pilbara)

• Entity: BHP Billiton

• Cargo: 17 t hydraulic cylinders

• Aircraft: B737‑400F

• Outcome: Avoided 48‑h production halt worth AU$2.3 M.

Read about: FIFO & Mining Logistics: Air Charter Solutions for the Pilbara

8.2 Medical & Pharma (Cold Chain)

• Entity: CSL Seqirus

• Cargo: 2 t flu vaccines @ +2 °C

• Aircraft: PC‑12 with Envirotainer RKN

• Outcome: 12‑h delivery to remote NT clinics before expiry.

Learn more: Cold-Chain & Medical Air Freight Charter Across Remote Australia

8.3 Aerospace AOG (Sydney)

• Entity: Qantas Engineering

• Cargo: B787 nose gear actuator

• Aircraft: L‑382 Hercules due to size

• Outcome: Aircraft returned to service <24 h, avoiding slot penalties.

9  Key Routes & Airports

ICAO airport codes: YPPH, YSSY, YMML, YBBN, YPDN, YAPA.

10  Packaging & Documentation Checklist

Successful air freight charter relies not only on the right aircraft and route planning, but also meticulous attention to cargo packaging and documentation. In Australia—where remote delivery, dangerous goods, and biosecurity controls are common—proper compliance ensures that cargo is accepted for flight, clears customs efficiently, and reaches its destination without delay or penalty.

This checklist outlines the essential documents, declarations, and packaging standards required for both domestic and international air freight charter operations. It includes industry-standard forms, temperature control specifications, and regulatory certifications tailored to Australia’s unique logistics and regulatory environment.

• IATA Dangerous Goods Declaration (DGD)

• Shipper’s Letter of Instruction (SLI) with Incoterms 2020

• Pro‑forma Invoice for customs

• MSDS for chemicals

• Environmentally Controlled packaging validated to ISTA 7D

• Live Animal Checklist (LAR Annex 1)

• Insurance certificate & CoR acknowledgements

11  Sustainability & Emissions

• Average jet charter emits 0.5–0.9 kg CO₂e per tonne‑km (source: ICAO‑CAEP).

• SAF (Sustainable Aviation Fuel) availability at PER, BNE, SYD via BP / Neste.

• Carbon offset schemes with Gold Standard projects may be added to charter quote.

• Operators exploring electric‑hybrid turboprops (e.g., Heart Aerospace ES‑30) after 2028.

12  Choosing a Charter Provider

With dozens of air charter providers operating across Australia, selecting the right partner is a strategic decision that impacts cost, compliance, and reliability. Beyond aircraft availability, businesses must consider safety records, 24/7 operational support, and experience handling specialised cargo—from dangerous goods to temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals.

This section outlines key evaluation criteria to help you choose a provider that not only meets regulatory standards but also aligns with your operational needs and values. From CASA certification to digital transparency, these considerations will help de-risk your supply chain and ensure seamless, responsive cargo movement.

1. AOC & Insurance – Verify CASA authorisation & liability cover.

2. Fleet Diversity – Access to multiple aircraft sizes.

3. 24/7 Ops Desk – Critical for night or weekend uplift.

4. DG & Biosecurity Expertise – Certified staff on call.

5. Digital Transparency – Real‑time tracking & data sharing.

6. Safety Record – Check ATSB incident reports.

13  Glossary of Terms

14  Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How quickly can I arrange a freight charter?
A: Often within 4–6 hours for domestic Australia, or 12–24 h for international sectors after permits.

Q: Can I track my shipment in real time?
A: Yes. API‑enabled GPS data feeds provide ETAs, airborne status, and delivery confirmation.

Q: Are live animals accepted?
A: Yes, under IATA LAR provisions with specialised stalls and veterinary certificates.

Q: What is the maximum pallet height?
A: Up to 2.35 m on an ATR 72F, 2.44 m on a B737‑800BCF bulk‑loaded, higher on Hercules.

Q: Can I load from the nose or tail?
A: Yes—nose‑loading Antonov AN‑124 and tail‑ramp Hercules enable drive‑on vehicles.

15  Get a Charter Quote Today

Need to move urgent freight across Australia, PNG, or the Pacific? Our charter consultants are on‑call 24/7 to design the fastest, safest solution. Get a quote now!