What is ADG in aviation?

ADG, or Aircraft Documentation and Guidance, refers to the documentation and operational guidance required for specific types of cargo carried on a commercial flight. It covers requirements for special cargo categories such as live animals, perishables, dangerous goods, and valuables, helping ensure that handling agents and crews have the correct instructions for loading, securing, and handling each category.

What are IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations (DGR)?

IATA DGR, or the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations, is the industry-standard regulatory framework governing how dangerous goods and hazardous materials may be transported by air. It classifies dangerous goods into nine categories, defines packaging, labelling, and documentation requirements for each, and sets the responsibilities of shippers, freight forwarders, and airlines throughout the chain.

Who is responsible for IATA DGR compliance?

Under IATA DGR, the shipper is responsible for the correct classification, packaging, and labeling of dangerous goods. The freight forwarder is responsible for the correct documentation. The airline is responsible for acceptance checking, stowage, and handling. ASM supports the documentation, coordination, and ground handling oversight stages of this chain.

Does ASM support both scheduled and ad hoc cargo flights?

Yes. ASM supports regular scheduled freighter programmes, ad hoc cargo charters, and special mission cargo flights, including humanitarian and time-critical shipments.

Can ASM coordinate cargo operations at remote airports?

Yes, though coverage varies by location. ASM will advise on available handling and coordination options and identify suitable local partners where direct supervision is not feasible.

Does ASM handle cargo permits differently from passenger permits?

Yes. Cargo operator permit requirements can differ from passenger operation permit requirements in certain jurisdictions. ASM manages these differences by operation type and aircraft registration.

Can ASM support humanitarian cargo operations?

Yes. ASM has experience coordinating flight support for humanitarian, relief, and time-critical cargo missions, including short-notice permit and handling coordination under urgent timelines.

Does ASM support belly-hold cargo as well as dedicated freighters?

Yes. ASM's cargo flight support service covers both dedicated freighter operations and belly-hold cargo movements on passenger aircraft.

Cargo Flight Support Services

Freighter & Belly Hold Coordination

What Makes Cargo Operations Different

While cargo and passenger flights share many operational requirements, cargo operations introduce specific complexity that standard flight support processes do not fully address. Dangerous goods — from lithium batteries to chemicals to live animals — require correct IATA DGR classification, packaging, documentation, and handling. Customs clearance adds a regulatory layer that passenger operations rarely encounter in the same form. Overnight turnarounds at remote airports require handlers to be available and briefed at hours when standard commercial services are not operational. ADG (Aircraft Documentation and Guidance) requirements vary significantly by cargo type and route.

What ASM Coordinates for Cargo

Cargo Flight Permits

Landing and overflight permits for freighter and charter cargo operations. Cargo operator permit requirements can differ from passenger operation requirements under some jurisdictions — ASM manages these differences by operation type and aircraft registration, ensuring the correct authorisation is in place for each mission.

ADG Documentation Coordination

ADG — Aircraft Documentation and Guidance — covers the documentation and operational guidance required for specific cargo types carried on a flight. ASM coordinates the documentation requirements applicable to each cargo shipment, ensuring that handling agents and crews have the correct information before loading.

IATA DGR Compliance Support

IATA DGR — the IATA Dangerous Goods Regulations — govern the classification, packaging, labelling, documentation, and handling of dangerous goods (hazardous materials) carried by air. While operators and shippers retain ultimate responsibility for correct DGR classification, ASM coordinates the handling and documentation chain at the ground handling stage to reduce compliance risk.

Ground Handling Supervision

On-ground supervision for freighter loading and offloading — covering load sequence, weight and balance compliance, documentation sign-off, and cargo security. ASM supervisors verify all cargo is handled in accordance with applicable regulations and the aircraft's load sheet requirements.

Customs & Regulatory Coordination

Customs notifications and documentation support for cargo movements, particularly for ad hoc and charter cargo flights operating into countries without pre-established customs relationships. ASM coordinates with local customs agents to facilitate smooth clearance.

Overnight & Remote Airport Support

Cargo operations frequently involve overnight turnarounds at airports where standard commercial support is limited or unavailable during night hours. ASM's network allows coordination of handling and fuel even at challenging locations and times.

Ad Hoc & Humanitarian Cargo Support

For time-critical ad hoc cargo charters — including humanitarian missions, relief shipments, and time-sensitive commercial cargo — ASM coordinates the complete support package from permit to handling to fuel on short notice.

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What You Need To Know - Cargo Flight Support Services

ADG — Aircraft Documentation and Guidance — refers to the documentation and operational guidance required for specific types of cargo carried on a commercial flight. It covers requirements for special cargo categories (live animals, perishables, dangerous goods, and valuables) and ensures that handling agents and crews have the correct instructions for loading, securing, and handling each category.