Speed matters. When your cargo cannot wait for ocean shipping timelines, V & S Freight's air freight services get your goods where they need to be — fast.
Operating through King Shaka International Airport in Durban and every major airport in South Africa, our air freight team coordinates with airlines and cargo handlers worldwide to provide reliable, timely deliveries.
When to Choose Air Freight
Air freight is the right choice when:
- Time-critical shipments — Urgent parts, medical supplies, perishable goods
- High-value cargo — Electronics, pharmaceuticals, luxury goods
- Lightweight consignments — Where the volume-to-weight ratio favours air
- Express delivery — Door-to-door within 3-7 business days
- Remote destinations — Landlocked countries where sea freight isn't practical
Not sure which mode suits your shipment? Compare air freight vs sea freight.
Our Air Freight Capabilities
Express Air Cargo
For truly urgent shipments, we arrange next-flight-out services. Your cargo is booked on the earliest available flight and tracked in real-time until delivery.
Standard Air Freight
Cost-balanced air shipping for cargo that needs to arrive within a week. We consolidate shipments to reduce per-kilogram costs where possible.
Charter Flights
For oversized, heavy, or specialised cargo that exceeds standard airline capacity, we arrange dedicated charter services.
Door-to-Door Coordination
We manage the entire chain: collection at origin, export customs clearing, airline booking, import clearance at destination, and final delivery.
How Air Freight Works
- Quote & Booking — We assess your cargo dimensions, weight, and destination to provide the best rate. Get a quote.
- Collection — Cargo is collected from the supplier or delivered to the airport.
- Export Clearance — We process all export documentation and customs formalities.
- Air Transport — Your cargo flies on scheduled or chartered flights.
- Import Clearance — At destination, we coordinate customs clearance (for SA imports, we handle this directly through our EDI system).
- Delivery — Final-mile delivery to your warehouse, factory, or specified address.
Air Freight From South Africa
Key Airports We Operate From
| Airport | Location | Ideal For |
|---|---|---|
| King Shaka International (DUR) | Durban, KZN | Our primary hub — fast access |
| OR Tambo International (JNB) | Johannesburg | Largest cargo hub in Africa |
| Cape Town International (CPT) | Cape Town | Western Cape shipments |
| Port Elizabeth Airport | Port Elizabeth | Eastern Cape cargo |
Popular Air Freight Routes
- Durban ↔ London, UK — 11-12 hours flight time
- Durban ↔ Dubai, UAE — 8-9 hours
- Durban ↔ Mumbai, India — 7-8 hours
- Durban ↔ Shanghai, China — 13-14 hours (via connection)
- Durban ↔ Frankfurt, Germany — 11-12 hours
- Durban ↔ New York, USA — 16-17 hours (via connection)
Air Freight Costs
Air freight rates are calculated by chargeable weight — either the actual gross weight or the volumetric weight, whichever is higher:
Volumetric weight formula: Length (cm) × Width (cm) × Height (cm) ÷ 6000 = volumetric weight (kg)
Typical air freight rates from South Africa range from R25-R80 per kilogram depending on destination, urgency, and cargo type. Request a personalised quote for accurate pricing.
Industries Relying on Air Freight
- Pharmaceuticals — Temperature-controlled, time-critical medicines and vaccines
- Electronics — High-value devices and components
- Automotive — Urgent spare parts to keep production lines running
- Fashion and textiles — Seasonal collections with tight deadlines
- Perishable goods — Fresh flowers, seafood, specialised agricultural products
Air Freight FAQ
How fast is air freight from China to South Africa?
Direct flights from major Chinese cities take approximately 13-14 hours. With handling, customs, and connections, expect total transit of 3-7 days. Full China shipping guide.
What can't be shipped by air?
Certain dangerous goods face restrictions or require special handling. Flammable liquids, compressed gases, and radioactive materials have strict airline regulations.
Is air freight insured?
Airline liability is limited. We strongly recommend cargo insurance for air freight shipments. Learn about cargo insurance.
Do you handle air freight customs clearance?
Yes. Our clearing and forwarding team handles all customs documentation for air freight arriving at any South African airport.
Get an Air Freight Quote
Request a Quote → | Call: 076 982 0036 | Email: vsfreight@telkomsa.net