Air Waybill

Definition of an AWB 

An air waybill (AWB) is a transport document issued by an airline used for the air transport of goods. That is, it is an air consignment note used for the carriage of goods by air.

Difference between AWB and marine B/L

The air waybill is approximately equivalent to the sea freight B/L, but it is not a document of title to goods or a negotiable instrument in the same way as is an ocean B/L because the cargo would arrive at the destination airport days or sometimes weeks before the air waybill’s arrival via the banking system. Therefore, the consignee is allowed to take delivery of the goods before receiving the air waybill.

Functions of an AWB

Each air waybill has three originals and at least 6 copies .The air waybill must be accurately completed, and clear and complete forwarding instructions must be given to the airline or agent for efficient service. The air waybill mainly functions as a receipt of the goods for dispatch evidence of the contract of carriage between the carrier and the consignor, a freight bill specifying the charges respectively borne by the consignor and agent, and a source document for clearance.

Common use of standard AWB

The airline industry has adopted a standard formatted air waybill that accommodates both domestic and international traffic. The standard document was designed to enhance the application of modern computerized systems to air freight processing for both the carrier and the shipper.