A Guide to International Air Cargo Aircraft Types

I. Dimensions of Cargo Aircraft Classification

International air cargo aircraft vary widely and are typically categorized by fuselage size, cargo compartment type, manufacturer, and conversion source to meet diverse freight needs.

II. Key Categories and Features

1. By Fuselage Size

   • Narrow-Body Aircraft

     • Fuselage width: ~3 meters, single aisle. Ideal for small bulk cargo.
     • Common models: B737, A320 series, B757.
     • Use cases: Short-haul or low-density shipments.

   • Wide-Body Aircraft

     • Fuselage width: ≥4.72 meters, dual aisles, compatible with cargo containers.
     • Common models: B747, B777, A330, A380.
     • Capacity: 100–250 tons per flight, suited for bulk cargo and cross-border logistics.

2. By Cargo Compartment Type

   • Dedicated Freighters

     • Fully optimized for cargo, with main decks accommodating large containers.
     • Key models:
       • Boeing 747-8F: 137-ton capacity, 3.1×3.1m door size for oversized cargo.
       • Airbus A330-200F: 65-ton capacity, ideal for medium-to-long-haul routes.

   • Combi (COMBINE) Aircraft

     • Hybrid design: upper deck for passengers, lower deck (belly) for cargo.
     • Specialized variants:
       • B747 Combi: Partial cargo hold configuration.
       • QC (Quick Change) Aircraft: Removable seats for flexible cargo/passenger use.

3. By Manufacturer

   • Boeing

     • Flagship models: B747-400F (113-ton capacity), B777F (103-ton capacity).
     • Advantage: Dominates 70%+ of the global freighter market with mature conversion tech.

   • Airbus

     • Key models: A300-600F (48-ton capacity), A330-200F.
     • Limitation: Limited freighter variants, reliant on passenger-to-freighter conversions.

4. By Conversion Source

   • Purpose-Built Freighters: Factory-designed (e.g., B747-8F).
   • Converted Freighters: Retrofitted passenger planes (e.g., B737-800BCF, 23.9-ton capacity), cost-effective.

III. Core Applications of Cargo Aircraft

• E-commerce Logistics: Wide-body freighters support time-sensitive cross-border deliveries (e.g., A330-200F’s 475m³ cargo space for small parcels).
• Specialized Cargo: Antonov An-124 (120-ton capacity) transports oversized machinery or hazardous materials.
• Emergency Supply Chains: Dedicated freighters deliver vaccines and medical equipment during crises.