An Airway Bill (AWB) is a document issued by a carrier or agent, serving to provide detailed tracking and information about shipments. Legally binding, it is often abbreviated as AWB and is recognized as a standard form distributed by the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

Typically, multiple copies of the Airway Bill are generated, allowing all parties involved in the shipment to have documentation. The document contains detailed information about the shipper, consignee, terms and conditions, and other essential sections. Given its legally binding nature, the AWB is a valuable document that must be retained until the transportation process is completed, aiming to protect the rights of both the carrier and the shipper.

WHAT IS AN AIRWAY BILL (AWB)?

The term “Konşimento” translates to a waybill or a transport document. A waybill encompasses procedures, carrier authorization limits and responsibilities, product descriptions, and valid charges. Copies of the document are present with all parties involved, and there are various types such as the AWB (airway bill) and the sea waybill.

FORMAT OF THE AIRWAY BILL (AWB)

The AWB is a single-page document used in national and international shipping, created by the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and distributed to the parties involved. Although the document is prepared in eight different colors, the first three copies are considered originals. The carrier retains the original copy in green, the consignee holds the pink copy, and the shipper keeps the blue copy. Additional copies, such as the brown copy for miscellaneous purposes, and the remaining white copies are also part of the document.

The design of the Airway Bill is generally standardized, featuring a commonly placed airline logo in the top right corner. Information such as the carrier’s name, address, company logo, and the 11-digit AWB number are standard on all airway bills. This 11-digit code is crucial for tracking shipment status and making reservations. Details about both declared values for transportation and customs are typically found in the upper right section. The left upper corner usually includes information about the agent, consignee, shipper, and departure and destination airport details. In the middle of the page, detailed data about the shipment, such as gross weight, the number of pieces, total charges, chargeable weight, product quality, and quantity, should be provided. Finally, at the bottom of the AWB, data regarding additional charges, a space for the sender’s signature, and the date and time of execution should be included.

ELECTRONIC AIRWAY BILL (E-AWB)

Introduced in 2010, the electronic airway bill (e-AWB) became a recognized transport contract for air cargo shipments on January 1, 2019. Although paper documents are still accepted, IATA generally promotes the use of electronic airway bills. Both electronic and printed versions are evaluated in the same way, conveying the same information. Storing documents electronically not only prevents paper waste but also maintains documents in an organized and secure manner.

ADVANTAGES OF THE AIRWAY BILL (AWB)

An Airway Bill (AWB) is a vital document in international courier services, accompanying shipped goods and allowing for tracking. Serving as both evidence of receipt by an airline and a transportation contract between the shipper and carrier, the AWB has several advantages:

Proof of receipt by the airline.
Contains contact information for all parties, facilitating communication in case of any issues.
Serves as a transportation contract, legally protecting the rights of both the shipper and the carrier.
Functions as a shipping list, describing the sent goods.
Essential for customs declarations.
Acts as an invoice or freight bill.
Conveys instructions for use.
Replaces the need for an insurance certificate for airline transportation.
Includes details about the goods, facilitating functionality in case of shortages or damages.
Guides the transportation and delivery of goods.
Essential for shipment tracking.
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN A WAYBILL AND AN AIRWAY BILL

While an Airway Bill (AWB) and a standard waybill are similar documents, there are distinct differences. Both documents serve as legal agreements between the shipper and carrier, detailing how the goods will be transported and their destination. However, some fundamental differences include:

Ownership of goods: A significant difference lies in the ownership of goods. The waybill serves as a document of ownership, stating that the goods will only be delivered to the party to whom the document was sent. This ensures that the goods can only be received by the transportation company. In contrast, an Airway Bill does not contain ownership documentation but includes a waybill.
Non-negotiable: An Airway Bill is non-negotiable, while a regular waybill can be negotiable.
Transportation method: There is a difference in terms of transportation between the waybill and the airway version. The waybill is associated with maritime transportation, ensuring goods reach their intended recipients. In contrast, the airway version is associated with air transportation, with the transportation company being an airline.
Time of document issuance: In an Airway Bill, the document can be issued after the completion of a shipment. In contrast, a waybill can be issued after the goods have been delivered to the ship.
CONCLUSION

Esalco Logistics, with its competent and extensive team, ensures a smooth process throughout all transportation phases. Specializing in international air trade transactions, we meticulously plan your Airway Bill (AWB) processes with expert professionals. By working with Esalco Logistics, you can contribute to the significant position of your company in the international market, ensuring the secure and rapid progress of your AWB operations.