Innovative, cost-effective,
and time-sensitive,
Air Freight Services

Elevate your global logistics strategy with precision-engineered
air freight solutions from point of origin to final destination.

Air Freight Services

Competitive Pricing, Reliable Services and Agile Solutions

Santova UK’s experienced airfreight team is well-equipped to assist you with your time-sensitive global shipments. Whether you’re dealing with imports or exports, Santova leverages its purchasing power and extensive global network to provide solutions that ensure timely deliveries in a cost-effective manner.

Our established relationships with key strategic carriers across major trade lanes enable us to offer a wide range of air freight services, including time-critical hand carry, next flight bookings, direct and deferred services, and charters. Our expert team will oversee your shipments from start to finish, ensuring you have complete visibility throughout the process.

Standard Air Freight

Our air freight services, both direct and indirect, provide frequent and reliable options at competitive prices. With TradeNav, our supply chain management tool, we offer visibility, transparency, and accurate real-time tracking for your shipments.

Consolidation Services

Our weekly and bi-weekly consolidation services help customers achieve consistent cost savings. We specialize in consolidating shipments from major trade centers, focusing on imports from the UK, Europe, China, and the United States into South Africa.

Express/Time-Sensitive Deliveries

We offer time-sensitive deliveries, including same-day collection and delivery where possible. Adopting a client-focused approach, we carefully evaluate the cost differences between airfreight and courier services to meet our customers’ delivery and budget needs.

Charter Services

We provide a tailored service for large loads, oversized items, specific shipping schedules, and other customized logistics solutions. Our Full charter and Part Charter air services can deliver to any location worldwide, ensuring exceptional service tailored to your business requirements.

Cross Trades

Our cross-trade services enable direct shipments between countries outside of the UK, reducing freight and handling costs as well as transit times, optimising the logistics process.

Temperature-Controlled Air Freight

Offering solutions for the transport of temperature-sensitive goods, including pharmaceuticals, perishables, and other high-value products, safeguarding the integrity of your cargo and meeting stringent regulatory requirements.

Specialised Services

Tailored services for complex and high-value cargo

Santova offers tailored solutions for complex and high-value cargo needs with precision and attention to detail. We deliver reliable, efficient logistics solutions for even the most demanding cargo requirements:

  • On Board Courier (OBC)
  • Out of Gauge Cargo (OOG)
  • Aircraft on Ground (AOG)
  • Unit Load Device (ULD)
  • Fumigation (where required)
  • Handling and Packaging of Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT)
  • Armed Escorts & Military Products

Courier Express Services

Reliable Courier Services Powered by Leading Brands

Our courier services are designed to provide flexibility, speed and reliability. Partnering with trusted courier leaders like DHL, FedEx, UPS and more, we ensure your parcels reach their destination seamlessly. With real-time tracking and exceptional customer support, you can count on us to deliver with precision and care.

EXPRESS & SAME-DAY DELIVERY

For time-sensitive shipments, we offer express and same-day delivery options, ensuring your parcel arrives as quickly as possible.

INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING

Seamlessly send parcels across borders with our global courier network, offering competitive rates and efficient transit times.

FLEXIBLE PARCEL SOLUTIONS

Choose from standard, tracked, or economy delivery services tailored to your budget and requirements, with easy tracking and full customer support.

Unit Load Devices (ULDs)

Below are details of standardised air cargo containers and pallets designed to fit aircraft cargo holds

Airfreight pallets, such as PAG and PLA, are flat platforms used to secure and transport general cargo. They are lightweight yet durable, allowing goods to be efficiently loaded, secured with nets, and optimized for space in the aircraft’s cargo hold.

Pallets

Type Dimensions (L x W) Max Gross Weight Aircraft Compatibility
PAG 3.18m x 2.44m (125″ x 96″) 6,804 kg (15,000 lbs) Wide-body (e.g., B747, A350, B777)
PLA 3.18m x 2.44m (125″ x 96″) 6,804 kg (15,000 lbs) Wide-body

Air cargo containers (ULDs) like LD3, LD6, and LD7 are enclosed units designed to protect cargo and maximise aircraft space. These containers are tailored for specific aircraft types and are used to transport goods securely, including general freight, fragile items, and high-value cargo.

Containers

Type Dimensions (L x W x H) Internal Volume Max Gross Weight Aircraft Compatibility
LD3 (AKE) 1.53m x 1.56m x 1.63m (60.4″ x 61.5″ x 64.2″) 4.3 m³ (152 ft³) 1,588 kg (3,500 lbs) Wide-body (e.g., B747, A330, B777)
LD6 (ALE) 3.18m x 1.56m x 1.63m (125″ x 61.5″ x 64.2″) 7.3 m³ (258 ft³) 6,804 kg (15,000 lbs) Wide-body
LD7 (PMC) 3.18m x 2.44m x 2.44m (125″ x 96″ x 96″) 14.5 m³ (512 ft³) 6,804 kg (15,000 lbs) Wide-body
LD9 (AAX) 3.18m x 2.44m x 3.12m (125″ x 96″ x 123″) 28.3 m³ (1,000 ft³) 6,804 kg (15,000 lbs) Wide-body

Specialized ULDs, such as RKN and RAP, are designed to transport temperature-sensitive cargo like pharmaceuticals, perishables, and high-value items. They maintain strict temperature ranges throughout the journey to meet regulatory and product-specific requirements.

Temperature-Controlled ULDs

Type Dimensions (L x W x H) Special Features Aircraft Compatibility
RKN (LD3 Size) 1.53m x 1.56m x 1.63m (60.4″ x 61.5″ x 64.2″) Refrigerated for pharma and perishables Wide-body
RAP (LD9 Size) 3.18m x 2.44m x 1.63m (125″ x 96″ x 64.2″) Advanced temperature control systems Wide-body

Specialised ULDs, including open-top units and flat racks, are used for oversized or irregular cargo, such as machinery or Aircraft on Ground (AOG) parts. These units are customised to accommodate unique cargo dimensions and ensure safe and efficient transport.

Specialised ULDs

Type Purpose Aircraft Compatibility
Open Top ULDs For oversized or odd-shaped cargo Wide-body
Flat Racks For heavy machinery and out-of-gauge cargo Wide-body
AOG ULDs Designed for Aircraft on Ground (AOG) parts Wide-body

GOH ULDs are modified airfreight containers or pallets designed specifically for transporting hanging garments. They ensure clothing reaches its destination wrinkle-free and ready for retail, catering to industries like fashion and retail logistics.

Garment-on-Hanger (GOH) ULDs

Type Base ULD Type Purpose Aircraft Compatibility
GOH LD3 Based on LD3 (AKE) Transport of hanging garments Wide-body (e.g., A330, B777)
GOH LD7 Based on LD7 (PMC/PAJ) High-volume garment transport Wide-body

GET IN TOUCH

If you have any questions about our international freight products please get in touch and we will contact you to discuss your requirements.