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By Bjorn Fehrm

Introduction

June 16, 2022, © Leeham News: What is the best business; to transport cargo below the floor in passenger airliners or dedicated freighter aircraft?

The market clearly says both, as this is the state of affairs. Market economy says a business will find its optimal form, and it's about fifty-fifty now. But what are the plus and minuses of these two very different ways of transporting cargo, and why do we have the present situation?

We search for answers by looking at the transport fundamentals and comparing costs with revenues.

Summary

• About half of the world’s cargo flies in the bellies of passenger aircraft, and the other half flies on dedicated freighters.
• What are the factors that have created this division, and will it change?