Ofer Notes

Training notes for people who are new to air freight. Aircraft types, what they can carry, and where the limits are.

Introduction: how aircraft carry cargo

Aircraft are designed to carry either passengers or cargo. Passenger aircraft are intended for passengers and their baggage. When space remains in the belly, and in most cases there is space, commercial cargo is loaded as well.

Two decks

An aircraft usually has two decks: the main deck, and the lower deck, known as the belly. On a passenger aircraft the main deck is occupied by passengers, seats and the equipment that serves them. The lower deck holds passenger baggage and commercial cargo when space is available.

How cargo is loaded

On smaller narrow-body aircraft, cargo is loaded and unloaded manually or by conveyor belt, directly into the belly.

On larger wide-body aircraft, cargo is packed into special containers called ULDs. These containers are placed on pallets and loaded into the lower deck. Size limits come mainly from the dimensions of the containers and the packaging.

On a freighter there are no passengers, so both the lower deck and the main deck can be used. Cargo limits are determined mainly by pallet size, the aircraft body structure, and the size of the cargo door. Some aircraft are loaded from the side, others through the nose.

Important: every airline operates its own fleet. Always check which aircraft is actually flying and what its specific limitations are.

1. Overview: three aircraft types

Commercial air cargo is carried on three main types of aircraft. The differences directly affect what cargo can be loaded, the dimensions and weight limits, and whether dangerous goods are permitted.

Freighter / CAO	Wide-body PAX	Narrow-body PAX
Main deck + belly	Belly only	Belly only
Height up to 300 cm	Height up to 160 cm	Height 80 to 110 cm
Heavy & oversized cargo	Standard pallets	Cartons / Bulk
Many dangerous goods	Limited DG	Very limited DG

Key principle: the larger and more cargo-oriented the aircraft, the more you can load. Larger pieces, heavier weights, and higher-risk dangerous goods.

2. Narrow-body passenger aircraft

Examples: Boeing 737, Airbus A320 / A321

These aircraft primarily carry passengers. Commercial cargo sits in the belly, together with passenger baggage.

Parameter	Typical value
Cargo location	Belly only
Max height	80 to 110 cm
Weight per piece	Up to about 150 kg
Packaging	Cartons, bags, bulk
Typical capacity	1 to 6 tonnes

What can be loaded

• Small general cargo: small electronics, garments, documents
• Small spare parts
• Medical and pharmaceutical cargo in limited quantities
• Live animals, in some cases, in dedicated compartments

Not suitable for

• Standard pallets (PMC)
• Cargo higher than 110 cm
• Heavy or oversized pieces

3. Wide-body passenger aircraft

Examples: Boeing 777, 787, 747 | Airbus A330, A350, A380

Wide-body aircraft offer more belly space. Standard pallets and ULDs can be loaded. This is the most common type for commercial cargo on passenger flights.

Parameter	Typical value
Cargo location	Belly (lower deck)
Max height	160 cm (the golden rule)
Weight per piece	500 to 1,000 kg
Packaging	PMC / PAG pallets, LD3 / LD6 containers
Typical capacity	10 to 25 tonnes

Golden rule: any cargo higher than 160 cm must go on a freighter.

4. Freighter, Cargo Aircraft Only (CAO)

Examples: Boeing 747F, 777F, 737F | Airbus A330F

Dedicated cargo aircraft, or converted freighters. No passengers, crew only. Both the main deck and the belly are available, so capacity and dimensions are much larger.

Parameter	Typical value
Cargo location	Main deck + belly
Max height	240 to 300 cm
Weight per piece	Up to 5,000 kg and more
Capacity	Tens up to about 140 tonnes (747F)
Doors	Large side doors / nose loader

Especially suitable for

• Oversized cargo
• Machinery, industrial equipment, vehicles
• Very heavy cargo
• Large quantities of dangerous goods
• Cargo not permitted on passenger aircraft

5. Quick comparison table

Criterion	Narrow-body	Wide-body	Freighter
Max height	80 to 110 cm	160 cm	240 to 300 cm
Oversized cargo	No	Limited	Yes
Heavy cargo	Very limited	Medium	Yes
Dangerous goods	Very limited	Limited	Much more flexible
Flight frequency	Very high	High	Lower
Cost	Relatively low	Medium	Higher
Route availability	High	High	More limited

Rule of thumb for selection

1. Regular small to medium cargo: wide-body, cheaper and more available
2. Height over 160 cm: freighter, mandatory
3. Dangerous goods, heavy or oversized: freighter

6. Dangerous Goods (DG)

Rules are set by the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR). Not every substance allowed by air is allowed on a passenger aircraft.

Aircraft type	What is allowed	Notes
Passenger (PAX)	Only lower-risk DG and limited quantities	Passenger columns in the DGR
Freighter (CAO)	More substances and larger quantities	CAO label mandatory on the package

CAO label, Cargo Aircraft Only

If the package carries an orange “Cargo Aircraft Only” label, it is forbidden on passenger aircraft. The shipment must fly on a freighter only.

Examples of goods that usually require CAO

• Certain explosives
• Toxic gases
• Flammable liquids in larger quantities
• Certain lithium batteries (UN3090 / UN3480) in specific quantities and types
• Higher-level radioactive materials

7. Practical daily working rules

Before confirming a quote or booking, always check

1. Cargo height. Over 160 cm? Freighter only.
2. Weight per piece. Very heavy? Check floor and door capability of the aircraft.
3. Dangerous goods. Any DG? Check the DGR, whether PAX or CAO.
4. Out-of-gauge dimensions. Too long or wide? May need a freighter or special packing.
5. Temperature. Needs cooling? Confirm temperature-controlled compartment availability.
6. Route availability. Freighters are not available on every route. Check frequency.

Important tips

• Always ask the customer for exact contents, especially batteries, liquids and gases
• Even oil residues in machinery can turn the shipment into DG
• When in doubt, consult a dangerous goods specialist
• Correct documentation (DGD) is critical. Errors cause delays and fines

Summary: what to remember

• Narrow-body: small cargo only, height up to about 110 cm, almost no pallets
• Wide-body: the most common option for commercial cargo on passenger flights, max height 160 cm
• Freighter: for large, heavy, oversized cargo and many dangerous goods
• 160 cm: the most important limit. Above it, freighter only
• CAO: orange label means forbidden on passenger aircraft
• DG: always check the IATA DGR before confirmation

This material is based on IATA guidelines and industry best practice. Always verify the latest regulations and the specific limitations of the airline you are booking.