Aircraft Freighter for Cargo Charter Specifications and Other Details
When it comes to air cargo transportation, selecting the right aircraft is critical for efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and safety. At Safe Fly Aviation, we provide tailored cargo charter solutions with an extensive fleet of aircraft suited for ULD (Unit Load Device) and bulk loading, ensuring seamless global logistics.
This comprehensive guide covers:
✔ Types of cargo aircraft (small turboprops to jumbo freighter
✔ Payload capacity & volume comparisons
✔ ULD vs. Bulk loading – pros and cons
✔ Specialized freighters for oversized & hazardous cargo
✔ How to choose the best aircraft for your shipment
Cargo Aircraft Types & Specifications
1. Small Turboprop & Regional Freighters
Ideal for short-haul, express, or small-volume shipments.
| Aircraft Model | Max Payload (kg) | Volume (m³) | Loading Type | Range (km) | Main Deck Door Size (m) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cessna 208B Grand Caravan | 1,800 | 12.7 | Bulk | 1,700 | 1.52 x 1.35 (Side Door) |
| ATR 42-300F | 5,500 | 50 | Bulk / ULD (optional) | 1,400 | 1.27 x 1.25 |
| ATR 72-200F | 7,500 | 75 | Bulk / ULD (optional) | 1,500 | 1.27 x 1.25 |
| Beechcraft 1900C | 2,200 | 28.3 | Bulk | 1,400 | 1.37 x 1.30 |
| Dornier 228 | 2,400 | 18 | Bulk | 1,000 | 1.35 x 1.25 |
2. Narrow-Body Freighters (Medium Capacity)
Best for domestic and regional cargo operations with containerized loading.
| Aircraft Model | Max Payload (kg) | Volume (m³) | Loading Type | Range (km) | Main Deck Door Size (m) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boeing 737-300F | 16,000 | 100 | ULD (LD3, LD6) | 3,000 | 3.40 x 2.20 |
| Boeing 737-400F | 18,000 | 120 | ULD (LD3, LD6, Pallets) | 3,000 | 3.40 x 2.20 |
| Boeing 757-200F | 30,000 | 185 | ULD (LD8, LD11, Pallets) | 5,900 | 3.40 x 2.00 |
| Airbus A321F | 21,000 | 130 | ULD (LD3, LD6, Pallets) | 3,300 | 3.58 x 2.00 |
| McDonnell Douglas MD-11F | 52,000 | 380 | ULD (Pallets & Containers) | 7,300 | 3.56 x 2.50 |
3. Wide-Body Freighters (Heavy Capacity)
Designed for long-haul, high-volume cargo transport with maximum efficiency.
| Aircraft Model | Max Payload (kg) | Volume (m³) | Loading Type | Range (km) | Main Deck Door Size (m) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Boeing 747-400F | 120,000 | 750 | ULD (Pallets & Containers) | 8,200 | 3.05 x 3.05 (Nose Door) |
| Boeing 747-8F | 140,000 | 855 | ULD (Pallets & Containers) | 8,130 | 3.96 x 3.00 (Nose Door) |
| Boeing 777F | 102,000 | 650 | ULD (Pallets & Containers) | 9,000 | 3.72 x 3.00 |
| Airbus A330-200F | 70,000 | 475 | ULD (Pallets & Containers) | 7,400 | 3.58 x 2.50 |
| Airbus A350F | 90,000 | 695 | ULD (Pallets & Containers) | 8,700 | 3.96 x 2.80 |
4. Oversized & Special Cargo Freighters
For heavy, outsized, military, or rugged field operations.
| Aircraft Model | Max Payload (kg) | Volume (m³) | Loading Type | Range (km) | Door Size (m) | Unique Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Antonov An-12 | 20,000 | 60 | Bulk / ULD (limited) | 3,600 | 2.70 x 3.45 (Rear Ramp) | • Rugged, unpaved runway capability • Common in military/civilian hybrid ops |
| Ilyushin IL-76TD-90 | 50,000 | 180 | Bulk / ULD (pallets) | 4,400 | 3.45 x 3.40 (Rear Ramp) | • High-wing design for rough fields • Built-in cargo winch & roller system |
| Antonov An-124 Ruslan | 150,000 | 750 | Nose + Rear Ramp | 5,400 | 6.40 x 4.40 (Nose) | • World’s largest serial-produced freighter • Hydraulic kneeling nose for direct loading |
| Lockheed C-130 Hercules | 20,000 | 55 | Bulk / Roll-on | 3,800 | 2.77 x 3.05 (Rear Ramp) | • Short takeoff/landing (STOL) • Airdrop capability |
Key Details on IL-76 & An-12
Ilyushin IL-76
- Primary Use: Heavy military/civilian cargo, disaster relief, oilfield logistics.
- Loading System: Rear ramp + built-in cranes for self-loading (no ground equipment needed).
- Strengths: Operates from unpaved airstrips; certified for paratroop & airdrop missions.
- Variants: IL-76MD (extended range), IL-76TD-90 (modernized engines).
Antonov An-12
- Legacy Workhorse: Soviet-era equivalent to the C-130 Hercules.
- Loading Flexibility: The rear ramp allows vehicles/rolling stock; and can accommodate stacked pallets.
- Modern Use: Still active in Africa/Asia for rugged cargo ops; limited ULD compatibility.
Comparison: IL-76 vs. An-12 vs. Western Freighters
| Feature | IL-76 | An-12 | Boeing 737-400F | C-130 Hercules |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Max Payload | 50T | 20T | 18T | 20T |
| Runway Type | Unpaved | Unpaved | Paved only | Unpaved |
| Loading Speed | Medium (manual) | Slow (bulk) | Fast (ULD) | Medium (bulk) |
| Typical Cargo | Oil equipment, military | Construction gear, livestock | E-commerce, parcels | Disaster relief, vehicles |
When to Choose IL-76 or An-12?
- IL-76: For heavy payloads (40-50T) to remote locations with poor infrastructure.
- An-12: Budget-friendly for 20T shipments where ULDs aren’t required.
- Western Freighters (Boeing/Airbus): Prioritize speed, ULDs, and fuel efficiency on paved runways.
Why Safe Fly Aviation?
We operate IL-76 and An-12 charters for clients needing:
✔ Remote site deliveries (mining, oil/gas).
✔ Military/defence logistics.
✔ Oversized cargo where containerization isn’t possible.
📞 Contact us for rugged, high-capacity cargo solutions!
| Aircraft Model | Max Payload (kg) | Main Deck Door Size (m) | Loading Type | Range (km) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Antonov An-124 Ruslan | 150,000 | 6.40 x 4.40 (Nose Door) | Nose Loading | 5,400 |
| Antonov An-225 Mriya (Retired) | 250,000 | 8.80 x 4.10 (Nose Door) | Nose & Overhead | 4,000 (Retired) |
| Boeing 747 LCF (Dreamlifter) | 83,000 | 7.10 x 7.90 (Swing Tail) | Rear Loading | 7,800 |
| Lockheed C-5M Super Galaxy | 130,000 | 5.80 x 4.10 (Nose & Tail) | Dual Door | 9,000 |
ULD vs. Bulk Loading – Key Differences
| Feature | ULD Loading | Bulk Loading |
|---|---|---|
| Loading Method | Standardized containers/pallets (LD3, LD6, PMC, PAG) | Loose cargo loaded directly |
| Speed | Faster (pre-packed) | Slower (manual handling) |
| Cargo Protection | High (secured in containers) | Moderate (risk of shifting) |
| Best For | High-volume, fragile, or time-sensitive shipments | Irregularly shaped, oversized, or last-minute cargo |
How to Select the Right Cargo Aircraft?
Consider these factors:
🔹 Cargo Weight & Volume – Match with aircraft payload and hold capacity.
🔹 Loading Requirements – ULD for efficiency, bulk for flexibility.
🔹 Range & Destination – Short-haul vs. long-haul capabilities.
🔹 Special Needs – Temperature control, hazardous materials, oversized cargo.
Why Choose Safe Fly Aviation?
✔ Global Fleet – From turboprops to jumbo freighters.
✔ Specialized Solutions – Perishables, dangerous goods, live animals, and heavy machinery.
✔ 24/7 Support – Real-time tracking and dedicated logistics experts.
📞 Contact us today for a customized cargo charter quote!
info@flyjettech.com +91-7840000473 Or Use WhatsApp
Disclaimer & Important Notes
Aircraft Availability & Operational Limitations:
The cargo aircraft specifications, capacities, and models listed in this guide are provided for general reference only. Not all aircraft are available in every region, and operations may be restricted due to:
- Regulatory approvals (country-specific bans, sanctions, or airspace restrictions).
- Geopolitical constraints (e.g., no operations in sanctioned/embargoed nations).
- Fleet logistics (aircraft are subject to prior bookings, maintenance, or repositioning delays).
Safe Fly Aviation does not guarantee:
✔ Availability of specific aircraft models on demand.
✔ Service in countries under international sanctions (e.g., Iran, North Korea, Syria, etc.).
✔ Charter operations for prohibited cargo (e.g., weapons, illegal goods).
For real-time availability and compliant shipping solutions, contact our team for a customized quote. All operations adhere to ICAO, IATA, and local aviation regulations.
© 2025 Safe Fly Aviation – This blog is for informational purposes only. Specifications may vary by aircraft configuration, and payloads are subject to fuel, weather, and routing adjustments. Always consult our team for mission-specific planning.