It is possible to move freight in the hold of a passenger aircraft. Of course, the amount of space available is limited as much of the aircraft is reserved for passengers and their luggage. That’s why dedicated freighter aircraft have been produced.
Freight can also be moved via the road, rail, or even the sea. Yet, freighter aircraft remains the most popular and practical option. They play a crucial role in freight transport:
Speed
Perhaps the most obvious reason freighter aircraft are crucial to freight transport is the speed at which you can transport something across the country, or even the globe. This is particularly important when handling urgent products or high-value goods.
In both cases, an aircraft can quickly move the item or items, ensuring the sender is offering a first-class customer experience.
Affordability
Transferring cargo via a plane is usually more expensive than using road or rail. However, it is more affordable than you may realise, especially when moving goods regionally.
Turboprop aircraft are increasingly used in regional cargo operations. They are able to land on shorter runways than jet aircraft, allowing your freight to arrive closer to the final destination.
Of course, there are also many cargo hubs, designed specifically for receiving goods. These shorten the final distance from airport to destination, helping with speed and efficiency.
Turboprop aircraft also use less fuel than similar-sized regional jet aircraft, and they produce fewer emissions. That means transferring cargo by turboprop freighter plane costs less and has less environmental impact.
Equally, freighter aircraft are capable of carrying large quantities of goods. Doing this for multiple businesses provides bulk-like discounts, helping to reduce the cost of aircraft in transferring cargo.
Custom Freight
Instant gratification is commonly expected in the modern digital world. Freighter aircraft help to make this happen. Planes are generally fitted with an array of equipment, all designed to make the transport process easier.
As well as being able to secure unusual freight configurations, freight aircraft can fly directly between two specified airports or hubs. This makes it easier for drop off and collection.
Freighter aircraft are critical when moving unusual loads, such as the blades for a wind turbine. The aircraft can fly to a designated airport, minimising road transport where issues are most likely to arise.
Flexibility
Because freighter aircraft perform just one job, it’s easy for the airline to adjust their timetable or loads, even at short notice. This makes them an attractive option because they effectively work for you.
Even better, it allows you to adopt the ‘just in time’ approach to your products, minimising the need to manufacturer goods before they are sold.
In the past, freighter aircraft were predominantly converted jets. Today, the number of turboprop cargo aircraft is increasing. When it comes to regional services, turboprop aircraft can deliver a more efficient, cost-effective solution. With modern technology, this is even true for some longer destinations. In short, it’s virtually impossible to guarantee the speedy and safe transfer of cargo without freighter aircraft.
