Fast and Secure International Air Freight
Connecting Chile with the world in days. Air import and export with full customs management and real-time tracking.
International Air Freight to and from Chile
International air freight is the ideal solution when speed and cargo security are top priorities. FirstCargo has over 30 years of experience managing air shipments to and from Chile, working with the leading cargo airlines operating at Santiago's Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport (SCL) and across the globe.
Our air freight service covers everything from cargo pickup at origin, air waybill (AWB) management, coordination with destination agents and customs clearance with Chile's National Customs Service, through to final delivery at your warehouse or address of choice. We cover routes to more than 150 countries, including destinations across Asia (China, Japan, South Korea, India), Europe (Spain, Germany, Italy, France, the Netherlands), North America (United States, Canada, Mexico) and Oceania.
We understand that in international trade, every hour matters. An urgent order of supplies, a commercial sample, medical equipment or industrial spare parts cannot wait weeks. That's why we offer express options and priority services that reduce transit times to the minimum possible, subject to flight availability and agreements with our airline partners.
Our international trade specialists also advise on tariff classification, application of applicable free trade agreements (Chile has FTAs with more than 30 countries and trading blocs) and compliance with Agricultural and Livestock Service (SAG) regulations for restricted cargo — all with full transparency and constant communication throughout the process.
Why choose this service with FirstCargo?
Unmatched Speed
Transit times from 3 business days from Europe and 5–10 days from Asia. Express options available for urgent shipments.
Global Coverage
Access to more than 150 countries through our network of consolidating agents and top-tier cargo airlines.
Full Customs Clearance
We handle all procedures with Chilean Customs: import declarations, export declarations, tariff classification and SAG coordination for special cargo.
Real-Time Tracking
Complete visibility of your cargo from origin to delivery. Customised reports and proactive notifications for any eventuality.
Cargo Insurance Included
Protect your goods with insurance policies tailored to the value and nature of the cargo. Door-to-door coverage available.
Competitive Rates
Thanks to our consolidated volumes, we negotiate preferential rates with airlines, passing the savings directly to your company.
Step-by-Step Process
Request and Quote
Complete our quote form with origin, destination, weight, dimensions and cargo type. An executive will reply within 24 business hours with an all-in rate — no surprises.
Pickup and Documentation
We coordinate pickup at the exporter's warehouse. We prepare the air waybill (AWB), commercial invoice, packing list and any special certificates (SAG, SERNAPESCA, etc.).
Departure and Air Transit
We confirm the flight and cargo slot. We send a pre-alert to our destination agent. You receive a tracking number for real-time monitoring.
Customs Clearance in Chile
Upon arrival at SCL airport (or destination airport for exports), our customs brokers begin the clearance process with the National Customs Service within the first few hours.
Final Delivery
We coordinate pickup from the airport warehouse and delivery to your address in Santiago or the regions, with a dispatch note and proof of receipt.
Why trust FirstCargo?
Choosing FirstCargo as your air freight agent means partnering with over 30 years of experience in Chile's international trade market. We are an established company in Providencia, Santiago, with a team of professionals who have an in-depth knowledge of Chilean customs regulations, active trade agreements and the specifics of each air route.
Unlike large international operators that treat your cargo as just another number, at FirstCargo every client receives personalised attention from a dedicated account executive. We respond in real time, anticipate problems and propose solutions before you even have to ask. Our clearance-without-observations rate with Chilean Customs exceeds 98%, which means fewer delays and lower total costs for your operation. We work with importing and exporting companies of all sizes: from SMEs importing for the first time from China to large corporations with regular global operations.
Contact an ExecutiveFrequently Asked Questions
Standard air transit time from China (Shanghai, Guangzhou, Shenzhen) to Santiago, Chile is 5 to 10 business days, depending on the airline and whether the flight is direct or connecting. For express shipments, we can reduce this to 3–5 business days with services such as China Southern Cargo, Air China Cargo or Emirates SkyCargo.
For an air import into Chile you need: commercial invoice (with FOB value, description and tariff classification), packing list, air waybill (AWB), certificate of origin if an FTA applies, and phytosanitary or SAG certificates if the cargo is of animal or plant origin. Our team will guide you through every document.
Yes, we have our own team of certified customs brokers registered with Chile's National Customs Service (SNA). We manage the entire process: import declarations, export declarations, and all procedures with agencies such as SAG, SERNAPESCA, ISP or the Ministry of Health, depending on the type of goods.
Absolutely. From the moment of departure, we send you the AWB number so you can track your shipment in the airline's system. Our team also sends proactive updates at every milestone: confirmed departure, arrival in Chile, start of customs clearance and final delivery.
Need to move air cargo to or from Chile?
Request your quote now and receive a response from a specialist executive within 24 business hours.
Request a Quote Now