Related Glossary
What is an Airway Bill (AWB)?
An Airway Bill (AWB) is a legal transport document issued by an airline or its authorized agent when goods are shipped by air. It serves as a contract of carriage between the shipper and the airline, acting as proof that the airline has received the cargo and will deliver it to the consignee (receiver) at the agreed destination. Unlike an ocean bill of lading, the AWB is non-negotiable, meaning it cannot be transferred to another party to claim ownership of the goods.
Key Points
Issued by: Airline or its authorized agent.
Nature: Serves as a receipt, contract, and shipping instruction for air cargo.
Non-Negotiable: Cannot be used to transfer ownership of goods, only to confirm transport.
Unique Number: Each AWB carries a unique 11-digit number for tracking shipments worldwide.
Types:
Understanding HAWB and MAWB is essential for smooth shipment handling.Master AWB (MAWB): Issued by the airline to the freight forwarder.
House AWB (HAWB): Issued by the freight forwarder to the actual shipper.
Information Included: Shipper/consignee details, airport of departure and arrival, flight routing, cargo description, weight, charges, and handling instructions.
Example Scenario
A textile manufacturer in Mumbai exports garments to a buyer in New York.
The freight forwarder books cargo space with Emirates Airlines.
Emirates issues a Master AWB (MAWB) to the forwarder.
The forwarder, in turn, issues a House AWB (HAWB) to the textile manufacturer.
The AWB numbers allow both the shipper and consignee to track the shipment online and monitor its movement through each transit point until final delivery.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Is an Airway Bill the same as a Bill of Lading?
No. An AWB is non-negotiable and cannot transfer ownership of goods. A Bill of Lading (used in ocean freight) can be negotiable and serve as a document of title.
2. Who prepares the Airway Bill?
It is usually prepared by the airline or freight forwarder (acting as the airline’s agent) based on the details provided by the shipper.
3. How many copies of an AWB are made?
Traditionally, an AWB is prepared in three original copies – one for the airline, one for the consignee, and one for the shipper – along with several additional copies for internal use.
4. Can I track cargo using the AWB number?
Yes. The 11-digit AWB number can be entered on the airline’s website or cargo tracking platforms to see the shipment status.
5. Is an electronic AWB (e-AWB) different from a paper AWB?
Yes. The e-AWB is a digital version that eliminates paperwork, now widely adopted under IATA’s e-freight initiative.
Additional Insights
Why it matters: Without an AWB, cargo cannot be uplifted on a flight. It is a mandatory document for all air freight.
Related Terms: Master Air Waybill (MAWB), House Air Waybill (HAWB), e-AWB, Bill of Lading.
Expert Tip: Always double-check the AWB details (especially weight, pieces, and consignee name) before cargo acceptance, as errors can lead to delays or customs issues.
Industry Trend: The logistics industry is rapidly shifting from paper AWBs to e-AWBs for speed, cost savings, and compliance with global digitization.