What is an air waybill?

An air waybill is specifically defined as a document used for air shipments, which serves as a bill of lading. It contains details about the shipment, including information about the sender, destination, and contents, and it acts as a contract between the shipper and the airline carrying the goods. The importance of the air waybill lies in its role as a receipt for the goods and as evidence of a contract of carriage.

While it is distinct from other shipping documents, such as those used for sea freight, it is crucial for air transportation. It does not serve as a customs document or a mere notification of shipment delivery; rather, it facilitates the actual movement of goods through air logistics, ensuring that airlines, freight forwarders, and customs authorities have a standardized way to manage air cargo. This specificity in function and usage is why the designation of an air waybill as a bill of lading for air shipments is the correct understanding.