Table of contents
    Table of contents

      Overview of Cargo Airplane Types

      Cargo airplanes are the unsung heroes of global trade, forming the backbone of international logistics and supply chains. These specialized aircraft come in a variety of types, each designed to meet specific cargo-carrying needs ranging from small parcels to massive industrial equipment. Understanding the different types of cargo airplanes is crucial for anyone involved in the aviation industry, logistics, or global trade.

      If you want to learn more about air freight in general, check out this guide. We also wrote this guide on the different types of cargo airlines.

      1. Narrow-body Freighters

      Single-aisle aircraft for smaller cargo loads and shorter routes.

      • Examples: Boeing 737F, Airbus A321P2F
      • Capacity: 20-30 tons
      • Key feature: Efficient for regional routes and express cargo

      Airbus A321P2F

      2. Wide-body Freighters

      Large, twin-aisle aircraft for international and high-volume cargo.

      • Examples: Boeing 747F, 777F, Airbus A330F
      • Capacity: 65-140 tons
      • Key feature: Long range and high payload capacity

      boeing 747 cargo wide-body
      Boeing 747 Cargo Wide-Body

      3. Super Transporters

      Specialized aircraft for oversized cargo, often used in aerospace.

      • Examples: Airbus Beluga, Boeing Dreamlifter
      • Capacity: Varies, optimized for volume
      • Key feature: Unique design for outsized components

      The Airbus Beluga is an example

      4. Turboprop Freighters

      Propeller-driven aircraft for regional and short-haul operations.

      • Examples: ATR 72F, Bombardier Q400F
      • Capacity: 8-10 tons
      • Key feature: Fuel efficiency and ability to use shorter runways

      ATR 72F
      ATR 72F cargo plane

      5. Combi Aircraft

      Flexible configuration for both passengers and cargo on the main deck.

      • Examples: Boeing 737-400 Combi, 747-400 Combi
      • Capacity: Variable based on configuration
      • Key feature: Adaptability to market demands

      boeing 737 400 combi freighter
      Boeing 737-400 combi aircraft of First Air with passenger windows behind the wing but not ahead

      6. Military Transport Aircraft

      Designed for military logistics but also used in civilian roles.

      • Examples: C-130 Hercules, C-17 Globemaster III
      • Capacity: 20-77 tons
      • Key feature: Rugged design, ability to use unprepared runways

      Lockheed Martin C130
      Lockheed Martin C130 Hercules

      7. Express Freighters

      Smaller aircraft optimized for time-sensitive deliveries.

      • Examples: Cessna 208 Caravan, Embraer E175F
      • Capacity: 1-10 tons
      • Key feature: Quick loading/unloading, suitable for e-commerce

      8. Heavy Lift Freighters

      Massive aircraft for extremely heavy or large cargo.

      • Examples: Antonov An-124, An-225 (no longer in service)
      • Capacity: Up to 250 tons (An-225)
      • Key feature: Unmatched payload capacity for special projects

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