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Air Transportation Services Agreement Template

Air Transportation · NAICS 481 · Transportation Services Agreement

This Air Transportation Services Agreement is designed for airlines, charter operators, cargo carriers, and shippers that need a clear, enforceable contract for the movement of goods or passengers by air. Unlike generic logistics agreements, this template addresses the unique regulatory and operational realities of air transport, including IATA dangerous goods rules, Montreal Convention liability limits, and FAA operational requirements. It covers critical terms such as service scope, scheduling, ground handling, customs compliance, and claims procedures, helping you avoid misunderstandings and costly disputes. Whether you're arranging a one-time charter or an ongoing cargo program, this agreement provides a solid foundation tailored to the air transportation industry.

When you need this document

When a shipper charters a cargo aircraft for a single or multiple flights.
When an airline provides scheduled cargo space to a freight forwarder under a block space agreement.
When a company arranges a passenger charter for employee or group travel.
When an air ambulance service is contracted for medical transport.
When an aircraft is wet-leased (with crew) to another operator for cargo or passenger services.
When a shipper needs to document terms with a cargo airline for ongoing shipping lanes.

What the generated draft includes

Clear identification of carrier and shipper roles, including agent capacity if applicable.
Detailed description of services: route, frequency, aircraft type (if known), and cargo characteristics.
Incorporation by reference of IATA General Conditions of Carriage and applicable international conventions.
Operational responsibilities: ground handling, ULDs, customs, and documentation.
Hazardous materials compliance clause referencing IATA DGR and FAA regulations.
Liability, claims, and insurance provisions aligned with industry standards.

Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between a Transportation Services Agreement and an Air Waybill?

A Transportation Services Agreement is a master contract that sets out the ongoing terms between a carrier and a shipper, such as pricing, liability, and service expectations. An Air Waybill is a specific document for each shipment, serving as a receipt and contract of carriage. The agreement governs the relationship, while the air waybill applies to individual consignments.

Do I need to include hazardous materials clauses if I don't ship dangerous goods?

It is still prudent to include a clause stating that no hazardous materials will be transported unless agreed in writing and prepared in accordance with IATA DGR. This protects the carrier and clarifies the shipper's responsibility if undeclared dangerous goods are discovered.

How does the Montreal Convention affect my liability limits?

The Montreal Convention (or Warsaw Convention, depending on the route) sets international limits on carrier liability for cargo loss, damage, or delay. Your agreement should reference these limits and state that they apply unless a higher value is declared and additional charges are paid.

Self-help document generator: you get a structured draft based on the facts you provide. It is not legal, tax, or financial advice; verify jurisdiction-specific rules before sending.