Operations & Supply Chain

Aviation Logistics and Air Cargo Operations

Air cargo moves high-value and time-critical goods worldwide under strict safety and security rules. This course covers air cargo operations: market structure, booking and capacity, ULDs and build-up, dangerous goods, security screening, documentation, special cargo such as pharma and perishables, and aviation spare parts logistics.

5 days Classroom or live online English

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Take the course details with you.

Download the full standard outline: why attend, methodology, objectives, audience, competencies, the daily outline and current plans.

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Why attend

From knowledge to real-world impact.

Air cargo errors cause delays, fines and safety risks. You will learn how air freight works end to end.

Workplace challenges

Professional Problems This Course Is Designed to Solve

The programme explores practical approaches to the following challenges. Results depend on how the learning is applied in your organisation.

Difficulty translating subject knowledge into practical workplace decisions.
Inconsistent approaches to the activities covered in the course outline.
Lack of a structured plan for applying and reviewing new skills.

Course methodology

How you will learn.

Process walkthroughs, documentation exercises, case studies and regulation briefings.

Course objectives

What you'll take away.

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

Explain the air cargo market and players
Manage bookings, capacity and pricing
Understand ULDs, build-up and weight and balance basics
Apply dangerous goods and security requirements
Handle special cargo
Manage aviation spare parts logistics

Target audience

Who should attend.

This course is suitable for:

Air cargo and freight forwarding staff
Airline cargo personnel
Ground handling supervisors
Logistics managers shipping by air
Aviation maintenance logistics staff

Target competencies

Capabilities you will build.

Participants will develop competencies in:

Air cargo processes
Regulatory compliance
Documentation
Special cargo handling
Spare parts logistics

Course outline

Your learning journey.

A focused, practical outline with time to explore, apply and reflect.

Day 1Air Cargo Industry

09:00–10:08Market structure
10:08–11:00Airlines, forwarders and handlers
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Airlines, forwarders and handlers (continued)
11:45–12:53Capacity
12:53–14:00Exercise

Day 2Operations

09:00–10:08Booking and acceptance
10:08–11:00ULDs and build-up
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45ULDs and build-up (continued)
11:45–12:53Documentation
12:53–14:00Workshop

Day 3Safety and Security

09:00–10:08Dangerous goods
10:08–11:00Security screening
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Security screening (continued)
11:45–12:53Regulations
12:53–14:00Exercise

Day 4Special Cargo

09:00–10:08Pharmaceuticals
10:08–11:00Perishables and live animals
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Perishables and live animals (continued)
11:45–12:53Valuables
12:53–14:00Case study

Day 5Aviation Logistics

09:00–10:08AOG and spare parts
10:08–11:00Performance measurement
11:00–11:30Coffee break
11:30–11:45Performance measurement (continued)
11:45–12:53Improvement
12:53–14:00Action plan

The timings provided are estimates and may vary depending on the number of participants and the discussions taking place during the sessions. They are indicative only and do not constitute a binding commitment.

Dates & venues

Find a session that works for you.

Confirmed dates accept registration requests. Tentative dates are enquiry only.

Good to know

A few things to know.

How is the course delivered?

Our classroom programmes combine facilitated discussion, case studies, exercises and reflection. The precise format will be confirmed before enrolment.

Can you deliver this programme for our team?

Yes, you can enquire about a tailored programme. Share your goals, group size and preferred dates with our learning team.

Will I receive a certificate?

Participants who complete the programme receive a Smart Horizon UK certificate of attendance. Smart Horizon UK programmes are not externally accredited and do not award a professional qualification, licence or designation. Where a course title or outline refers to a professional certification (for example, AACE International's Certified Cost Professional), the programme supports learning and preparation only; the credential itself is awarded solely by the relevant professional body under its own application and examination requirements.

What should I confirm before booking travel?

Please confirm the session, exact venue, accessibility arrangements, fees and any visa requirements with the team before arranging travel. Tentative dates are not confirmed sessions.

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