Types Of Aircraft Used In Air Cargo Business: 2023 Edition
The aircraft type used in the Air Cargo business depends on factors like capacity and range of cargo planes. But first, what aircraft types are used in the Air Cargo business?
Let's have a look at some types of cargo planes:
1. Turboprop Cargo Planes: Having a payload capacity of up to 10,000 pounds, Turboprop Cargo Planes are smaller in size and suitable for carrying small packages, perishable goods often used for regional cargo transportation. These cargo planes are efficient and ideal for accessing airports with shorter runways. Some examples include the ATR 72, Cessna Caravan, and more.
2. Narrow-Body Cargo Planes: With a capacity to carry up to 30,000 pounds, narrow-body cargo planes transport smaller shipments over shorter distances. These cargo planes are modified from passenger planes to freighters used on domestic routes and need long runways for takeoff and landing.
3. Wide-Body Cargo Planes: These are modified cargo planes from wide-body passenger planes to freighters with a capacity of up to 100,000 pounds of cargo. The cargo planes are primarily used for transporting larger shipments over longer distances. They are used for domestic and international routes, requiring long runways for takeoff and landing.
4. Military Transport Aircraft or Super Heavy Transport Aircraft: One of the largest cargo planes, they are designed to transport heavy-duty goods. With a capacity of up to 400,000 pounds of cargo, they are used for military equipment, industrial machinery, and more.
5. Combination Cargo Planes: Also known as a Combi Aircraft, they are passenger planes modified to carry both passenger and cargo. With a capacity of 30,000 pounds of cargo, these planes are used for additional cargo capacity.
Examples of aircraft in each category:
There are various types of cargo planes designed specifically for transporting freight. Here are some of the most commonly used fleets:
1. Boeing 747-8F: One of the largest cargo planes, this aircraft has a high payload capacity. The aircraft has a long-range suitable for international cargo operations.
2. Boeing 777F: This is a wide-body cargo plane with a large capacity. The aircraft is known for its fuel efficiency, providing flexibility.
3. Airbus A330-200F: It has a generous payload capacity and a long range, making it suitable for a wide range of cargo operations.
4. Antonov An-124 Ruslan: It is a military transport aircraft with a high payload capacity and transports oversized and heavy cargo.
5. Lockheed Martin C-130 Hercules: The C-130 Hercules is a versatile military transport aircraft for passenger-cargo operations. It can operate in various conditions and is known for its quick takeoff and landing capabilities.
These are some examples of cargo planes, and various other models are available with their own capacities and capabilities. The selection of a cargo plane depends on factors such as payload requirements, range, operating conditions, and specific cargo transportation needs.
