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What is an air waybill? Know role, types, uses, format, and importance in shipping
An Air Waybill (AWB) is a document for international air shipments that provides shipment details and enables tracking. Learn more about it in the blog.
An air waybill (AWB) is the backbone of smooth air freight operations. Without it, airlines cannot accept goods, customs clearance becomes impossible, and tracking shipments turns into a guessing game.
This blog explains the meaning of AWB, while elaborating on why it is important, how it works, and its role in exports from India. It will cover the types of AWB, their functions, the AWB format, and how to get and track an AWB number. It will also discuss charges, the difference between an air waybill and a bill of lading, and how Indian exporters can use it effectively to ship products internationally.
This blog explains the meaning of AWB, while elaborating on why it is important, how it works, and its role in exports from India. It will cover the types of AWB, their functions, the AWB format, and how to get and track an AWB number. It will also discuss charges, the difference between an air waybill and a bill of lading, and how Indian exporters can use it effectively to ship products internationally.
What is an air waybill (AWB)?
An air waybill (AWB) is a consignment letter or dispatch note that contains information about the contract signed between the shipper and the carrier (airline). The International Air Transport Association (IATA) is the global authority in charge of maintaining the format of the AWB.1
What is an electronic air waybill?
An electronic air waybill (e-AWB) is a digital version of the traditional paper air waybill. It replaces the physical document with a digital one, making shipment tracking more efficient. The e-AWB uses the same format as the paper version, but its digital nature helps Indian exporters like you reduce paperwork. This digital upgrade aligns with global logistics standards and supports scalable e-commerce exports.2
What is the importance of an air waybill (AWB)?
The AWB is important for Indian exporters because it:
● Serves as the contract of carriage and proof of receipt between shipper and airline.
● Enables customs clearance for both Indian and international authorities.
● Allows real-time shipment tracking.
● Details AWB charges and terms of transportation.
● Acts as primary documentation for insurance and claims in case of loss or damage.3
Who issues air waybill?
In India, AWBs are typically issued by:
Airlines and their agents:
Airlines issue AWBs directly when shippers book cargo space with them. Authorized airline agents may also issue AWBs on the carrier’s behalf.
Freight forwarders:
They issue House Air Waybills (HAWB) to individual shippers and obtain a Master Air Waybill (MAWB) from the airline for the consolidated shipment.
Cargo agents (IATA-accredited):
These agents issue AWBs under the authority of airlines they represent, ensuring compliance with IATA rules.
Customs brokers:
For shipments requiring complex documentation, customs brokers may assist exporters by arranging and issuing AWBs along with other export paperwork.
Third-party logistics providers (3PLs):
3PLs often manage end-to-end logistics, including preparing documents and issuing AWBs for exporters who outsource their shipping needs.4
How to issue an air waybill
Issuing an AWB is a process that involves several steps, primarily handled by a freight forwarder or the airline itself.
Step 1: Sharing consignment details:
The shipper provides all the necessary details of the consignment to the freight forwarder. This includes information about the goods, the consignee, the origin, the destination, and any special handling instructions.
Step 2: Preparing the draft AWB:
The freight forwarder prepares the draft AWB based on the information provided. This draft is then sent to the airline for confirmation and processing.
Step 3: Airline confirmation and final AWB:
The airline reviews the details, confirms the booking, and generates the final AWB. The airline assigns a unique air waybill number to the document, which is then used for tracking and identification purposes.5
What is the use of an air waybill?
Primary AWB uses in India include:
● It establishes legal shipment contract and shipper accountability.
● It assists in export/import custom clearance and tax assessment.
● It enables tracking of goods en route by air.
● It facilitates air waybill charges calculations and payment processes.
● It serves as documentary evidence for insurance claims or dispute resolution.6
● It assists in export/import custom clearance and tax assessment.
● It enables tracking of goods en route by air.
● It facilitates air waybill charges calculations and payment processes.
● It serves as documentary evidence for insurance claims or dispute resolution.6
What are the functions of air waybill?
The AWB fulfills multiple operational and legal functions:
● Functions as a receipt for goods delivered to the airline.
● Provides a contract of carriage detailing obligations/rights of each party.
● Contains freight and AWB charges breakdown.
● Aids in shipment identification, tracking, and custom clearance.
● Facilitates efficient processing, especially in large-volume exports from India.7
● Provides a contract of carriage detailing obligations/rights of each party.
● Contains freight and AWB charges breakdown.
● Aids in shipment identification, tracking, and custom clearance.
● Facilitates efficient processing, especially in large-volume exports from India.7
What are the types of air waybill?
There are two major types of AWB:
1. House Air Waybill (HAWB):
When the freight forwarder receives export goods from the exporter, the HAWB is issued by them to the exporter. In this document, the shipper is the exporter and the consignee is the importer.
2. Master Air Waybill (MAWB):
After customs clearance and transfer to the main carrier, the MAWB is issued by the carrier to the freight forwarder or shipper. In this document, the freight forwarder acts as the shipper, while the consignee is the receiver at the destination port who arranges final delivery.8
Contents of an air waybill
1. Airline-specific AWB:
● Unique 11-digit AWB number (first 3 digits: airline prefix, next 8: serial number).
● Shipper and consignee names, addresses, and contact details.
● Origin and destination airports.
● Cargo nature, quantity, chargeable weight, dimension, and declared value.
● Payment terms and AWB charges itemization.
● Carrier signature and date of issue.9
● Shipper and consignee names, addresses, and contact details.
● Origin and destination airports.
● Cargo nature, quantity, chargeable weight, dimension, and declared value.
● Payment terms and AWB charges itemization.
● Carrier signature and date of issue.9
2. Neutral AWB:
A neutral AWB contains all the regulatory and shipment details found in an airline-specific AWB, ensuring full compliance and complete information required for air cargo shipments. The primary distinction is that the neutral AWB omits any carrier branding, making it a versatile document commonly used by freight forwarders who may book with multiple airlines. This format allows forwarders to maintain flexibility in their shipping operations while adhering to all essential documentation standards.10
Format of air waybill
Here is a sample format of an air waybill:11
How to get an air waybill number
The process of getting an AWB number is a fundamental step in preparing a shipment for air freight.
Step 1: Book the shipment
The shipper begins by booking the shipment with an airline or a freight forwarder. The shipper must provide complete cargo details, including weight, dimensions, and contents, to initiate the AWB generation process.
Step 2: AWB generation and number assignment
Once the booking is confirmed, the airline or freight forwarder generates the AWB and assigns a unique 11-digit number to the shipment. This number acts as the official identifier for the cargo in all transport and tracking systems.
Step 3: Receive AWB number and document
The freight forwarder or airline then provides the shipper with the AWB number along with a copy of the AWB. The shipper uses this for recordkeeping, customs clearance, and tracking the shipment until it reaches its destination.12
How to track air waybill
Step 1:
Locate the AWB number on the AWB document. The number is typically an 11-digit code.
Step 2:
Visit the airline’s or freight forwarder’s website and navigate to their tracking section. This is often a prominent feature on their homepage.
Step 3:
Enter the AWB number into the designated tracking field and click ‘Track.’ The system will then display the real-time status and location of your shipment.13
Air waybill charges and factors affecting it
AWB charges vary based on:
● Shipment weight and dimensions: Actual/volumetric weight and parcel dimensions (higher value governs charges).
● Type of cargo: Dangerous goods, perishables, or valuables incur premium fees.
● Route and destination: Origin and destination airports (domestic/export routes).
● Service level: Express and special handling services.
● Additional airport and airline fees: Local terminal, processing, storage, and administration fees as per airport and airline tariff schedules.14
Difference between air waybill and bill of lading
While the terms international trade and foreign trade are often used interchangeably, they differ in scope, usage, and context. Here’s a table that outlines the key distinctions:6
Feature
Air waybill (AWB)
Bill of lading (BOL)
Mode of transport
Air cargo
Sea freight
Transferable
Non-negotiable, not a title of goods
Negotiable, can be title of goods
Usage in India
Mandatory for air exports
Used for sea shipments
Tracking
Via AWB number and airline portals
Via BOL number and marine tools
Issuer
Airline/freight forwarder
Shipping line or agent15
Get documentation assistance on Export Navigator
Export Navigator is a one-stop dashboard that provides Indian exporters with guidance on compliance across five key areas — export registration, product documentation, shipping documentation, tax documentation, and payment reconciliation. Exporters can use the dashboard to understand regulatory requirements for their business and get end-to-end support from third-party service providers to obtain the necessary documents. Export Navigator is available to all Indian exporters, including those not registered on Amazon.
Conclusion
For Indian exporters, understanding the AWB and its practical applications is vital for ensuring smooth international air freight operations. From compliance to tracking, the AWB underpins efficient logistics. As India’s e-commerce exports grow, leveraging digital AWB solutions can further speed up customs clearance and reduce paperwork.
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If you are a business owner and you want to sell your products to the world, Amazon Global Selling enables you to list and sell ‘Made in India’ products on 18 Amazon global marketplaces. As an e-commerce export program, Amazon Global Selling provides support and guidance at every step of your export journey, connecting you to Amazon’s Service Provider Network for tailored compliance, payments, and logistics support.
Registered sellers can choose to ship their products by themselves through Merchant Fulfilled Network (MFN) or they can opt for Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) and outsource order fulfillment to Amazon including packing, storage, delivery, and returns. Amazon Global Selling simplifies the process of international shipping to the world, helping businesses navigate customs and reach a vast audience.
Registered sellers can choose to ship their products by themselves through Merchant Fulfilled Network (MFN) or they can opt for Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) and outsource order fulfillment to Amazon including packing, storage, delivery, and returns. Amazon Global Selling simplifies the process of international shipping to the world, helping businesses navigate customs and reach a vast audience.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why is the air waybill a non-negotiable document?
An air waybill is a non-negotiable document because this bill does not transfer ownership of the shipment to anyone; it is just proof of receipt.
2. Where can I find my air waybill number?
The air waybill number is mentioned on all copies of the bill. You also receive your AWB number in messages on your registered mobile number and email.
3. How can I track my shipment through the air waybill number?
To track your cargo using your air waybill, visit your shipping company’s website and enter your unique air waybill number. All your cargo details and tracking-related information will be displayed.
4. What is required in an air waybill?
The name, address of the carrier’s head office, logo, and air waybill number must all be included on every airline AWB. The format and layout of neutral air waybills are identical to those of airline AWBs; you must fill them in. Some airlines only permit access to electronic air waybills; they no longer print paper versions.
5. What is the difference between air waybill and sea waybill?
An air waybill is used for air cargo shipments, while a sea waybill is for ocean freight. Unlike an air waybill, a sea waybill can sometimes serve as a negotiable document, enabling transfer of goods ownership.
Published on August 29, 2022.
Updated on October 07, 2025.
Sources:
1. https://www.investopedia.com/terms/a/airway-bill.asp#toc-air-waybill-vs-bill-of-lading
2. https://www.loginextsolutions.com/blog/eawb-electronic-air-waybill/
3. https://www.mygstrefund.com/blog/air-waybill-guide/
4. https://www.emotrans-global.com/blog/airway-bill-guide/
5. https://www.karboncard.com/blog/airway-bill-of-imports#:~:text=Consignor%20and%20Consignee%20Details:%20Information,information%20provided%20in%20the%20document.
6. https://www.dhl.com/discover/en-my/logistics-advice/essential-guides/airway-bill-introduction
7. https://www.credlix.com/blogs/understanding-an-airway-bill-awb
8. https://www.altexsoft.com/blog/awb-air-waybill/
9. https://www.maersk.com/logistics-explained/shipping-documentation/2024/12/12/air-waybi
10. https://www.shipthis.co/blog/airway-bill
11. https://khatabook.com/blog/air-waybill/
12. https://shipglobal.in/blogs/airway-bill-number/
13. https://www.dripcapital.com/en-us/resources/blog/what-is-an-airway-bill-awb
14. https://wefreight.com/factors-affecting-air-freight/
15. https://corporatefinanceinstitute.com/resources/fixed-income/air-waybill-awb/
https://www.investopedia.com/terms/a/airway-bill.asp#toc-air-waybill-vs-bill-of-lading
Updated on October 07, 2025.
Sources:
1. https://www.investopedia.com/terms/a/airway-bill.asp#toc-air-waybill-vs-bill-of-lading
2. https://www.loginextsolutions.com/blog/eawb-electronic-air-waybill/
3. https://www.mygstrefund.com/blog/air-waybill-guide/
4. https://www.emotrans-global.com/blog/airway-bill-guide/
5. https://www.karboncard.com/blog/airway-bill-of-imports#:~:text=Consignor%20and%20Consignee%20Details:%20Information,information%20provided%20in%20the%20document.
6. https://www.dhl.com/discover/en-my/logistics-advice/essential-guides/airway-bill-introduction
7. https://www.credlix.com/blogs/understanding-an-airway-bill-awb
8. https://www.altexsoft.com/blog/awb-air-waybill/
9. https://www.maersk.com/logistics-explained/shipping-documentation/2024/12/12/air-waybi
10. https://www.shipthis.co/blog/airway-bill
11. https://khatabook.com/blog/air-waybill/
12. https://shipglobal.in/blogs/airway-bill-number/
13. https://www.dripcapital.com/en-us/resources/blog/what-is-an-airway-bill-awb
14. https://wefreight.com/factors-affecting-air-freight/
15. https://corporatefinanceinstitute.com/resources/fixed-income/air-waybill-awb/
https://www.investopedia.com/terms/a/airway-bill.asp#toc-air-waybill-vs-bill-of-lading
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