Transporting an aircraft — whether a private jet, helicopter, or commercial fuselage — is one of the most complex logistics operations in existence. At International Shipping Commerce, we don't treat it as "just another oversized shipment." We treat it with the precision, security, and expertise that aviation demands.
Here's why clients worldwide trust us with their most valuable assets.
Most freight forwarders have never touched an aircraft. We have.
| General Forwarder | ISC Airplane Transport |
|---|---|
| Unfamiliar with aircraft drainage requirements | We certify fuel tanks empty and purged per IMO regulations |
| Doesn't know FAA vs. EASA documentation | We prepare EUCs, Form 6, and 8130‑3 correctly the first time |
| Uses standard lashing (5,000 lb capacity) | We use 50,000+ lb breaking strength chains and straps |
| No relationship with RoRo vessel operators | Direct contracts with ocean carriers that accept aircraft |
Our team includes logistics specialists who have worked in aviation maintenance and aircraft ferry operations. We speak your language — not just freight jargon.
When you move an aircraft, multiple parties are involved:
Ocean carrier or cargo airline
Port terminal operators
Customs brokers
Licensed mechanics (disassembly/reassembly)
Towing and ground handling
Security teams
Most forwarders wash their hands after loading. We stay involved until your aircraft is safely in its destination hangar.
| Problem That Arises | Typical Forwarder | ISC Response |
|---|---|---|
| Port strike in Rotterdam | "Not our fault, contact the carrier" | We reroute to Antwerp or Hamburg within 48 hours |
| Customs hold for missing end-user certificate | "You should have provided that" | We expedite certificate via our compliance partner |
| Damage discovered during unloading | "File a claim, here's a form" | Our team inspects on-site, documents with photos, and initiates claim within 24 hours |
Not every aircraft move requires the same solution. We offer four distinct options and help you choose the right one.
| Mode | Best For | Transit Time | Cost | Our Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RoRo Vessel | Complete aircraft, budget-conscious | 20–40 days | Low–Medium | Direct contracts with WW Ocean, Wallenius Wilhelmsen |
| Containerized | Helicopters, disassembled aircraft | 25–45 days | Medium | Custom flat-rack cradles designed per airframe |
| Air Cargo (An-124, B747F) | AOG, time-critical, high-value | 1–5 days | High | Pre-cleared slots at major cargo hubs |
| Flatbed Truck | Domestic or regional moves | 1–7 days | Low–Medium | Oversize permit routing with police escorts |
We don't push you toward the most expensive option. We explain the trade-offs and let you decide.
An aircraft is not a pallet of shoes. It's often worth $1 million to $65 million+.
| Security Measure | What We Provide |
|---|---|
| 24/7 chain of custody | From origin hangar to destination ramp — every handoff logged |
| GPS tracking | Live location updates for ocean, air, and road moves |
| Armed escort (if required) | Available for high-value or sensitive routes |
| Photographic condition report | Before loading and after unloading — proof of no damage |
| All-risk aviation hull insurance | Up to $50 million coverage per shipment (higher upon request) |
| Lloyd's of London partners | Specialized aviation insurance, not standard cargo policies |
We don't ask you to trust us. We prove every step with documentation and transparency.
Exporting or importing an aircraft involves multiple government agencies. Miss one form, and your aircraft sits on a tarmac for weeks (accumulating storage fees).
We manage:
| Agency / Regulation | Document |
|---|---|
| US Bureau of Industry & Security (BIS) | Export license (if required) and EEI filing |
| US Customs & Border Protection (CBP) | ATF Form 6 (aircraft import), 7501 entry summary |
| FAA | Airworthiness certification verification |
| OFAC | Sanctioned country/entity checks |
| Destination country | End-user certificate (EUC), import permit, registration verification |
| IMO / IMDG | Dangerous Goods declaration for drained fuel residues and batteries |
Result: Your aircraft clears customs the first time. No surprises. No demurrage.
Case 1: Gulfstream GIV from Florida to Dubai
Challenge: Owner needed aircraft for a business event in 6 weeks
Solution: Partial disassembly + RoRo vessel + expedited customs in Jebel Ali
Result: Delivered in 5 weeks, under budget, with zero damage
Case 2: Bell 206 Helicopter from Texas to Brazil
Challenge: Rotors could not be removed (time constraints)
Solution: Flatbed truck to Miami + RoRo vessel to Santos + road permit for oversized rotors
Result: Arrived intact, reassembled by local mechanic within 3 days
Case 3: Boeing 737 Fuselage (non-flying) from Germany to US Museum
Challenge: No landing gear, no wheels — needed custom cradle
Solution: Designed steel support cradle, loaded via crane onto flat-rack container
Result: Museum exhibition opened on schedule
We don't learn on your dime. We bring proven solutions to every aircraft move
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Call us directly, submit a sample or email us!
Transporting an aircraft — whether a private jet, helicopter, or commercial fuselage — is one of the most complex logistics operations in existence. At International Shipping Commerce, we don’t treat it as “just another oversized shipment.” We treat it with the precision, security, and expertise that aviation demands.
Here’s why clients worldwide trust us with their most valuable assets.
Most freight forwarders have never touched an aircraft. We have.
| General Forwarder | ISC Airplane Transport |
|---|---|
| Unfamiliar with aircraft drainage requirements | We certify fuel tanks empty and purged per IMO regulations |
| Doesn’t know FAA vs. EASA documentation | We prepare EUCs, Form 6, and 8130‑3 correctly the first time |
| Uses standard lashing (5,000 lb capacity) | We use 50,000+ lb breaking strength chains and straps |
| No relationship with RoRo vessel operators | Direct contracts with ocean carriers that accept aircraft |
Our team includes logistics specialists who have worked in aviation maintenance and aircraft ferry operations. We speak your language — not just freight jargon.
When you move an aircraft, multiple parties are involved:
Ocean carrier or cargo airline
Port terminal operators
Customs brokers
Licensed mechanics (disassembly/reassembly)
Towing and ground handling
Security teams
Most forwarders wash their hands after loading. We stay involved until your aircraft is safely in its destination hangar.
| Problem That Arises | Typical Forwarder | ISC Response |
|---|---|---|
| Port strike in Rotterdam | “Not our fault, contact the carrier” | We reroute to Antwerp or Hamburg within 48 hours |
| Customs hold for missing end-user certificate | “You should have provided that” | We expedite certificate via our compliance partner |
| Damage discovered during unloading | “File a claim, here’s a form” | Our team inspects on-site, documents with photos, and initiates claim within 24 hours |
Not every aircraft move requires the same solution. We offer four distinct options and help you choose the right one.
| Mode | Best For | Transit Time | Cost | Our Advantage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RoRo Vessel | Complete aircraft, budget-conscious | 20–40 days | Low–Medium | Direct contracts with WW Ocean, Wallenius Wilhelmsen |
| Containerized | Helicopters, disassembled aircraft | 25–45 days | Medium | Custom flat-rack cradles designed per airframe |
| Air Cargo (An-124, B747F) | AOG, time-critical, high-value | 1–5 days | High | Pre-cleared slots at major cargo hubs |
| Flatbed Truck | Domestic or regional moves | 1–7 days | Low–Medium | Oversize permit routing with police escorts |
We don’t push you toward the most expensive option. We explain the trade-offs and let you decide.
An aircraft is not a pallet of shoes. It’s often worth $1 million to $65 million+.
| Security Measure | What We Provide |
|---|---|
| 24/7 chain of custody | From origin hangar to destination ramp — every handoff logged |
| GPS tracking | Live location updates for ocean, air, and road moves |
| Armed escort (if required) | Available for high-value or sensitive routes |
| Photographic condition report | Before loading and after unloading — proof of no damage |
| All-risk aviation hull insurance | Up to $50 million coverage per shipment (higher upon request) |
| Lloyd’s of London partners | Specialized aviation insurance, not standard cargo policies |
We don’t ask you to trust us. We prove every step with documentation and transparency.
Exporting or importing an aircraft involves multiple government agencies. Miss one form, and your aircraft sits on a tarmac for weeks (accumulating storage fees).
We manage:
| Agency / Regulation | Document |
|---|---|
| US Bureau of Industry & Security (BIS) | Export license (if required) and EEI filing |
| US Customs & Border Protection (CBP) | ATF Form 6 (aircraft import), 7501 entry summary |
| FAA | Airworthiness certification verification |
| OFAC | Sanctioned country/entity checks |
| Destination country | End-user certificate (EUC), import permit, registration verification |
| IMO / IMDG | Dangerous Goods declaration for drained fuel residues and batteries |
Result: Your aircraft clears customs the first time. No surprises. No demurrage.
Case 1: Gulfstream GIV from Florida to Dubai
Challenge: Owner needed aircraft for a business event in 6 weeks
Solution: Partial disassembly + RoRo vessel + expedited customs in Jebel Ali
Result: Delivered in 5 weeks, under budget, with zero damage
Case 2: Bell 206 Helicopter from Texas to Brazil
Challenge: Rotors could not be removed (time constraints)
Solution: Flatbed truck to Miami + RoRo vessel to Santos + road permit for oversized rotors
Result: Arrived intact, reassembled by local mechanic within 3 days
Case 3: Boeing 737 Fuselage (non-flying) from Germany to US Museum
Challenge: No landing gear, no wheels — needed custom cradle
Solution: Designed steel support cradle, loaded via crane onto flat-rack container
Result: Museum exhibition opened on schedule
We don’t learn on your dime. We bring proven solutions to every aircraft move.
Transparent Pricing — No “Aviation Tax”
Many logistics providers triple their rates when they hear the word “aircraft.” We charge fair, itemized rates:
| Cost Component | Typical Industry Markup | ISC Approach |
|---|---|---|
| Ocean freight (RoRo) | 30–50% margin | 15–20% margin, published carrier rates |
| Disassembly/reassembly | 100%+ markup | We pass through mechanic invoices (+10% coordination fee) |
| Customs brokerage | $500–1,000 flat | $350 flat + document fees at cost |
| Insurance | Commission-heavy | We show you the Lloyd’s quote and add zero markup |
What you see is what you pay. No “aviation surcharge” invented at the last minute.
We don’t just have “a guy with a truck.” Our partner network includes:
RoRo vessel operators: Wallenius Wilhelmsen, NYK Line, Hoegh Autoliners
Air cargo carriers: Antonov Airlines, Volga-Dnepr, Cargolux, Atlas Air
Oversize trucking: Specialized aviation transport carriers with FAA part 145 mechanics on staff
Ports with aircraft handling experience: Miami, Houston, Los Angeles, Rotterdam, Singapore, Dubai, Hamburg
We vet every partner for aviation-specific certifications, insurance, and track record.
Aircraft moves don’t follow office hours. Neither do we.
Weekend customs issue? We have brokers on call 7 days a week.
Mid-ocean storm rerouting? We monitor vessel AIS and update your ETA proactively.
Mechanic doesn’t show for reassembly? We have backup mechanics in every major aviation hub.
You get a real person — not a chatbot or call center — at any hour.
“ISC moved our company’s King Air from Canada to Chile without a single scratch. They handled the export license, the Spanish translation of documents, and even arranged a customs expediter in Santiago. We’ve used them three times since.”
— Regional Air Ambulance Operator
“I was nervous shipping my personal jet overseas for the first time. The ISC team walked me through every step, sent daily updates, and delivered two days early. Worth every penny.”
— Private Aircraft Owner, Florida
“When our usual forwarder said ‘we don’t do aircraft,’ ISC said ‘send us the specs.’ They disassembled, crated, shipped, and reassembled our helicopter like it was routine. It’s not routine — they’re just that good.”
— Helicopter Tour Company, Hawaii
You have one chance to move your aircraft safely and on time. A mistake costs not just money — but weeks of delay, grounded operations, and lost reputation.
International Shipping Commerce delivers:
| Your Need | Our Promise |
|---|---|
| Experience | 50+ aircraft moves completed (helicopters to commercial fuselages) |
| Security | GPS tracking, 24/7 chain of custody, $50M insurance available |
| Speed | Expedited options for AOG (Aircraft on Ground) situations |
| Compliance | We handle all FAA, BIS, CBP, and IMO paperwork |
| Transparency | Itemized quotes, no hidden fees, no aviation markup |
| Peace of mind | One point of contact from pickup to final delivery |
Whether you’re moving a single-engine propeller plane or a corporate jet, we’re ready to prove why ISC is the right choice.
consultation: Send us your aircraft make, model, origin, destination, and timeline — we’ll respond within 24 hours with a no-obligation plan and estimate.
