Mercedes-Benz W124 being secured on an air freight platform before dispatch
WEST MATTERHORN

Air freight for cars

For vehicles needed by a specific date. We check air freight availability and arrange the journey from collection to delivery.

Request an air freight quote

When the deadline outweighs the shipping cost

Air freight is an option when sea transport cannot meet the required deadline. Available flight space alone is not enough: vehicle loading, carrier acceptance and documents must also be confirmed. We check these requirements before proposing a route and quote.

Exhibitions and events

A vehicle needs to arrive for an exhibition, launch or other event. The plan covers clearance, release and delivery to the venue, not just the flight arrival.

Urgent vehicle handover

For dealers, businesses and private owners who cannot wait for a sea shipment. We assess whether the requested delivery date is achievable before confirming the order.

Rare and valuable cars

Air freight can reduce time in transit. Preparation and securing requirements still apply; cargo insurance is arranged on request.

What we check before booking

Dimensions and weight

We need the model, exact dimensions, weight and ground clearance. We check platform suitability, aircraft loading access and handling capabilities at the airports involved.

Condition and powertrain

Tell us whether the car runs, has damage or leaks, and which engine and battery it uses. Electric and hybrid vehicles require a separate check against carrier requirements.

Route and readiness

Collection and delivery addresses, vehicle readiness and the latest acceptable arrival date help us assess flight options and allow time for the road legs.

Shipper and recipient

We confirm party details, vehicle documents and the purpose of import. The procedures for an exhibition visit may differ from those for permanent import.

From vehicle collection to final handover

  1. 01

    Collection

    We agree the address and timing, record vehicle condition and arrange transport to the preparation facility.

  2. 02

    Preparation

    We coordinate the agreed carrier requirements, platform securing and terminal acceptance.

  3. 03

    Air carriage

    Once documents and acceptance are confirmed, we arrange dispatch on the agreed route.

  4. 04

    Clearance and release

    We coordinate the required formalities at the destination airport and prepare for vehicle collection.

  5. 05

    Delivery

    We arrange road transport to the agreed address and handover to the recipient.

Shipping cost and total lead time

What the quote covers

We separate air carriage, collection, preparation and securing, airport handling and onward delivery. The offer specifies the agreed services.

Charges agreed separately

We clarify clearance, storage, additional handling and insurance costs. Duties, taxes and cargo insurance should not be assumed included unless expressly listed in the quote.

Flight time is not delivery time

Preparation, departure waiting time, clearance and release add to the flight itself. We assess the journey to the recipient’s address, not just to the airport.

Preparation and documents for your shipment

Vehicle records
We check the VIN, purchase or ownership records and party details. Export and import documents depend on the route and purpose of the shipment.
Fuel, battery and securing
Preparation requirements are confirmed for the specific vehicle and carrier. Do not drain fuel or disconnect the battery yourself before the arrangements have been agreed.
Air waybill and collection
We check the details for the Air Waybill, release conditions and the recipient’s authority to collect. Our service scope and each party’s responsibilities are set out in the contract.

Mercedes-Benz W124: Tokyo to an exhibition in Istanbul

Mercedes-Benz W124 being secured on an air freight platform before dispatch

The task

Deliver a classic Mercedes-Benz W124 for a vintage car exhibition. The shipment began with acceptance at a Tokyo airport terminal.

Preparation and transport

The car was secured on an air freight platform, documents were prepared and air carriage was arranged. After arrival, we coordinated clearance and delivery to the exhibition venue.

The result

Two days from terminal acceptance in Tokyo to handover to the client in Istanbul.

This was the actual lead time for one project, not a standard for every shipment. Preparation and timing are assessed separately for each new order.

Explore the shipment

Questions about car air freight

Can any car be shipped by air?

Acceptance depends on dimensions, weight, condition, airline requirements and airport equipment. We check the individual car and route before booking.

Can you ship an electric or hybrid car?

These requests are assessed separately. We need model, battery and condition details. Shipment can proceed only once carrier acceptance has been confirmed.

How much does it cost to fly a car?

The price depends on the vehicle, route, available capacity and agreed services. For an initial quote, send the model, dimensions and weight, addresses, vehicle condition and required delivery date.

Can you deliver in two days, as in the case study?

Two days was the result of one shipment, measured from terminal acceptance to client handover. Preparation, flight options, clearance and road delivery are assessed separately for a new order.

Can you deliver to an address rather than just the airport?

Yes, collection and delivery to an address can be included. We check access and agree the service scope before confirming the order.

Are insurance and tracking included?

Insurance is arranged by agreement, with cover and exclusions checked before dispatch. Status updates and tracking availability depend on the route and carriers.

When another method may suit the shipment

If the deadline allows, we can compare air freight with container shipping or a multimodal route. Quotes should cover the same services and final destination.

Container shippingMultimodal shipping

Shipping quote

Get a vehicle shipping quote

Tell us where the vehicle is, where it needs to go and what you are shipping. We will check the route and contact you about the next steps.

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Shipment details

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