Currently, international aviation aircraft operations can be divided into two categories, namely scheduled flight transport (flight transport) and non-scheduled transport (charter transport).
(1) Scheduled Flights Transport, also known as flight transport, refers to an operation mode in which an airline uses aircraft to regularly provide regular and repeated transportation services to a large number of non-specific cargo owners between the designated take-off and landing stations on a specific route according to a pre-determined flight schedule, and charges freight according to the provisions of the freight rate book or agreement. The aircraft used for flight transport are mainly passenger and cargo mixed aircraft, and full cargo aircraft are used when there is sufficient cargo supply.
Flights have fixed routes and ports of call, are scheduled to depart at regular intervals, and arrive at fixed points. This method is usually used for international cargo flows. It is particularly effective in transporting urgently needed goods, luggage, fresh animals, valuables, electronic devices, etc. in the international market.
(2) Non-scheduled Flight Transport, mainly non-scheduled charter transport, is another aircraft operation mode relative to flight transport. Generally, an aircraft lease contract is signed to arrange transportation.
Charter transport is when a charterer leases an entire aircraft or several charterers jointly charter an aircraft to transport cargo. If a charter flight is used for round trip, the price is lower than that of a scheduled flight. If it is used for a one-way trip, the price is higher than that of a scheduled flight. Charter flights are suitable for transporting high-value cargo.
Aircraft models and loading restrictions
(1) Classification of civil aviation transport aircraft.
① Classification by the width of the fuselage.
Narrow-body aircraft: The fuselage of a narrow-body aircraft is about three meters wide, with an aisle between the passenger seats. This type of aircraft often only transports bulk cargo in the cargo hold below.
Wide-body aircraft: The fuselage of a wide-body aircraft is wider, with two aisles in the cabin, more than 8 seats per row, and the fuselage width is generally more than 4.72 meters. This type of aircraft can transport containerized cargo and bulk cargo.
② Classification by aircraft usage:
All-cargo aircraft: The main cabin and the lower cabin are all loaded with cargo.
All-passenger aircraft: Cargo is only loaded in the lower cabin.
Combined passenger and cargo aircraft: Passenger seats are provided in the front of the main cabin, cargo can be loaded in the rear, and cargo can also be loaded in the lower cabin.
(2) Loading restrictions of the cargo cabin.
The loading of the cargo cabin is subject to restrictions on weight, volume, cabin door and floor bearing capacity.