Freighter aircraft for air cargo charter
ACMI Lease assesses air cargo charter requirements for single flights, return rotations and agreed series of flights. Potential aircraft options include the following freighter types, depending on your shipment, route and required dates.
| Aircraft | Freighter variants |
|---|---|
| Boeing 767 | 767-300F, 767-300BCF and 767-300BDSF |
| Airbus A330 | A330-200F, A330-200P2F and A330-300P2F |
| Boeing 777 | 777F |
| Boeing 747-400 | 747-400F, 747-400ERF, 747-400BCF and 747-400BDSF |
| Boeing 747-8 | 747-8F |
Other aircraft options: ATR 42 and ATR 72 freighters, Boeing 737 freighter variants, Airbus A321P2F, Boeing 757 freighters, Airbus A300-600F and McDonnell Douglas MD-11F.
An aircraft is considered available only after ACMI Lease or the responsible AOC holder confirms it for the proposed operation.
Cargo charter for urgent and specialist freight
A full air cargo charter provides dedicated aircraft capacity for an agreed freight movement. The flight can be planned around your cargo and schedule, making it useful when scheduled air freight cannot meet the shipment’s timing, size or routing requirements.
We assess requests from freight forwarders, shippers, airlines, government agencies and humanitarian organisations for:
- Urgent cargo: production-line components, aircraft-on-ground parts and essential replacement equipment.
- Heavy and outsize freight: machinery and individual pieces requiring a specific cargo door, floor strength or loading method.
- Humanitarian aid: food, shelter materials, medical equipment and other relief supplies.
- Project and industrial cargo: automotive, aerospace and energy-sector shipments.
- Specialist commodities: dangerous goods, live animals, temperature-sensitive and high-value freight, subject to appropriate cargo acceptance and handling arrangements.
Charter services can also support destinations with limited scheduled cargo connections or a shipment large enough to justify an entire aircraft.
How ACMI Lease provides cargo capacity
ACMI Lease develops cargo capacity solutions through aircraft we own or manage, established AOC partnerships and our wider aircraft network. Depending on the proposed operation, this may involve an aircraft dry-leased to a partner AOC holder, an aircraft acquired or financed with our involvement, capacity from an established partner fleet or suitable third-party capacity.
The responsible Air Operator Certificate (AOC) holder operates the aircraft and retains operational control. ACMI Lease coordinates the proposed capacity and commercial structure, while the operating AOC holder confirms operational suitability. Aircraft configuration, cargo acceptance, airport capability, permits and agreed commercial terms form part of the assessment.
Choosing the right freighter
The right cargo aircraft depends on more than total shipment weight. Each piece must fit through the cargo door and within the compartment, meet floor-loading and restraint limits, and suit the loading equipment at both airports. Payload and range also depend on the specific aircraft, route and operating conditions.
For example, a Boeing 747-400 charter requires a distinction between factory-built and converted freighters when nose loading is needed. Nose-loading capability applies to appropriate factory-built 747-400F and 747-400ERF configurations and must be confirmed for the aircraft proposed. The operator completes the aircraft-specific loading and performance assessment.
Request an air cargo charter quotation
Send the following details so our team can assess suitable aircraft and provide a proposal:
- Origin and destination airports, including any required intermediate stops.
- Preferred dates, operating window and schedule flexibility.
- Cargo description, total weight and number of pieces.
- Dimensions and weight of each piece, with packing or pallet details.
- Special handling requirements and relevant cargo documentation.
- Whether you need one flight, a return rotation or a series of flights.
We review the shipment and route, assess potential aircraft capacity and present a proposed solution. Once the parties agree the commercial terms, the relevant teams coordinate cargo acceptance, loading, permits, handling and the operating schedule.
What affects the charter price?
Air cargo charter pricing depends on the aircraft type, aircraft positioning, route, fuel, payload, airport and handling charges, permits and schedule. Waiting time and specialist loading requirements may also affect the quotation. A complete cargo brief helps us identify practical options and explain what the proposed price includes.
Air cargo charter or cargo ACMI lease?
A full cargo charter usually serves a specific shipment, flight or agreed series. It suits urgent movements, project cargo and other requirements for dedicated aircraft capacity.
A cargo ACMI lease provides aircraft, crew, maintenance and insurance, typically for an airline’s recurring or seasonal programme. ACMI Lease can assess which structure fits your schedule and capacity requirement.
Frequently asked questions
How quickly can a cargo charter be arranged?
Timing depends on aircraft location, airport operating hours, permits, handling and the completeness of the cargo information. Send your required departure time and any flexibility so we can assess the available options.
Can dangerous goods move on a charter flight?
Requests can be assessed when the goods are correctly classified, packed and documented. Acceptance depends on the operator’s approvals, aircraft configuration and handling arrangements for the proposed route.
Can you arrange return flights or a charter series?
Yes. ACMI Lease assesses single sectors, return rotations and agreed series. Include the full schedule and cargo requirements for each sector so the aircraft and operating plan can be reviewed together.
Ready to discuss your shipment? Complete the aircraft request form below with your route, dates and cargo details.