Air Waybill

An air waybill differs significantly from a sea waybill but is similar to an international rail waybill. It is a crucial document for transporting goods, issued by the carrier or its agent, and serves as a contract of carriage between the shipper and carrier, binding on both parties. An air waybill is non-negotiable, and holding one does not grant ownership of the goods.

An Air Waybill as a Contract of Carriage between the Shipper and the Air Carrier
Unlike a sea waybill, an air waybill not only proves the existence of an air transport contract but is itself a contract of carriage between the shipper and the air carrier. It becomes effective upon signature by both parties and expires upon delivery of the goods to the consignee listed on the waybill at the destination.

An Air Waybill as Proof of Receipt of Goods Issued by the Carrier
An air waybill also serves as a receipt for the goods. After the shipper dispatches the goods, the carrier or its agent will issue a copy to the shipper (the shipper's copy) as proof of receipt. Unless otherwise stated, it serves as proof that the carrier has received the goods and shipped them in good condition.

The air waybill is the invoice upon which the carrier collects freight charges. The air waybill details the charges borne by the consignee, the charges payable to the carrier, and the charges payable to the agent, specifying the type and amount of each charge. Therefore, it can serve as a freight invoice and bill of lading. The carrier often also uses the carrier's copy as an accounting voucher.

The air waybill is one of the customs declaration documents. For export, the air waybill is one of the customs declaration documents. When goods arrive at the destination airport for import customs declaration, the air waybill is usually also the basic document for customs inspection and release.

The air waybill can also serve as an insurance certificate. If the carrier arranges insurance or the shipper requests the carrier to arrange insurance on their behalf, the air waybill can also be used as an insurance certificate.

The air waybill serves as the basis for the carrier's internal business.

The air waybill accompanies the goods, proving their identity. The air waybill contains details regarding the dispatch, transshipment, and delivery of the goods, upon which the carrier will make appropriate arrangements for the transportation of the goods.

The original air waybill is issued in triplicate, each with terms and conditions printed on the reverse side. One copy is given to the shipper and serves as the basis for the carrier or its agent to receive the goods; the second copy is retained by the carrier as an accounting document; and the last copy accompanies the goods and serves as the basis for verification of receipt when the goods arrive at their destination and are delivered to the consignee.