A Comprehensive Introduction to Air Freight from China to Guatemala

When shipping goods from China to Guatemala by air, you can choose from multiple airports in cities such as Shanghai, Beijing, and Guangzhou. Many airlines offer services with transit times ranging from 5 to 10 days. Charter flights are also available, and air freight prices are influenced by various factors. Making the right choice can help you complete the transportation efficiently and economically.

Airports in China Offering Air Freight Services to Guatemala

Many airports in China can transport goods to Guatemala. Major airports like Shanghai, Beijing, and Guangzhou offer numerous routes, faster transit times, and lower prices. Other airports such as Zhengzhou and Chengdu may require transits but are more cost-effective. Shanghai Pudong Airport is China's largest freight hub, with the most flights and the fastest delivery (3-5 days) to Guatemala at competitive prices. Beijing Capital International Airport is known for its stable services, suitable for electronics and machinery. Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport, the largest in South China, is ideal for general cargo like clothing and daily necessities at lower costs. Hong Kong International Airport, a global freight center, can handle special cargo (e.g., lithium batteries) with dense flight schedules. Below are some of the main airports:

Explanation: Major airports (Shanghai/Beijing/Guangzhou/Hong Kong) offer multiple flights, faster transit (3-5 days), and lower prices, and can handle special cargo. Medium-sized airports (Zhengzhou/Chengdu/Wuhan) require transits to the major airports, increasing costs by 15%-25%, but are suitable for local shipments. Specialized airports (Shenzhen/Xiamen) focus on electronics and provide more tailored services.
For urgent shipments, choose major airports. For general cargo, medium-sized airports are more cost-effective. For special cargo, apply one week in advance. During peak seasons (October-December), it is recommended to book space two weeks in advance.
Detailed Information on Airports Offering Air Freight Services from China to Guatemala
Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG): China's largest international freight hub with the most flight options! Multiple daily flights to Guatemala, with the fastest delivery in just 3-5 days. It is particularly suitable for high-value goods, urgent orders, and items requiring special handling (e.g., lithium batteries, precision instruments). The freight rates are affordable, making it the top choice for most customers.
Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK): The most important freight gateway in North China, known for its stable and reliable services. It mainly handles high-value goods such as electronics and machinery. With transits via Los Angeles or Dallas in the United States, it typically takes 4-6 days to deliver goods to Guatemala. The customs clearance efficiency at Beijing Airport is high, making it suitable for cargo with strict time requirements.
Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN): The largest freight airport in South China, primarily handling general cargo such as clothing, daily necessities, and electronic accessories. It takes 5-7 days to reach Guatemala. The freight rates are highly competitive, making it an ideal choice for e-commerce and small commodity transportation.
Hong Kong International Airport (HKG): One of the world's busiest freight airports, operating 24/7. It can handle various special cargo, including dangerous goods and temperature-controlled pharmaceuticals. With high flight density, it can arrange takeoff within 48 hours and deliver goods to Guatemala within 3-5 working days.
Zhengzhou Xinzheng International Airport (CGO): An important hub for China's cross-border e-commerce, specializing in small and medium-sized packages and e-commerce cargo. It requires domestic transportation to Shanghai or Hong Kong for transit to Guatemala, with a total transit time of about 6-8 days. The freight rates are 15%-20% cheaper than those at first-tier airports, making it particularly suitable for non-urgent general cargo.
Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport (CTU): The main freight hub in Southwest China, primarily handling electronics and automotive parts. It takes 5-7 days to reach Guatemala. The airport offers professional packaging and transportation services for electronics, ensuring high safety standards.
Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport (SZX): Located in the Pearl River Delta manufacturing center, it is the preferred choice for electronics transportation. It has dedicated freight channels for handling high-value electronics such as mobile phones and computers. With transits via Hong Kong or Guangzhou, it takes 4-6 days to reach Guatemala, offering professional anti-vibration and moisture-proof packaging.
Xiamen Gaoqi International Airport (XMN): Mainly handles light industrial products such as clothing, footwear, and handicrafts. It takes 6-8 days to deliver goods to Guatemala. Xiamen Airport's import and export procedures are simple, making it particularly suitable for customers who are purchasing from China for the first time.

Airlines Offering Air Freight Services from China to Guatemala

These airlines cover a wide range of routes and networks, providing cargo transportation services from China to Guatemala. Currently, there are no direct flights from China to Guatemala, and most shipments require transits via European, American, or Latin American airlines to reach Guatemala. If you prioritize transit time, you can choose 5X, Emirates + Panama Airlines. If you focus on cost-effectiveness, Thai Airways, Malaysia Airlines, and Korean carriers are all good options.

Information for Guatemalan Customers on Airlines
China Southern Airlines (CZ): China Southern Airlines is a major airline with a large fleet and extensive routes, flying to destinations worldwide. For cargo transportation from China to Guatemala, it offers dedicated freight flights departing from major cities like Shanghai and Guangzhou. The airline's large and safe aircraft can carry a wide variety of goods, from ordinary daily necessities to items with special requirements. The transportation speed is relatively fast, ensuring that your goods reach their destination as soon as possible.
Air China (CA): Air China is one of China's most important airlines. With a large fleet of various aircraft models and attentive service, it transports goods to Guatemala from major airports such as Beijing and Shanghai. The freight warehouses are equipped with advanced facilities, and the cargo handling process is standardized. Each shipment to Guatemala is carefully handled to ensure safe and timely delivery.
Cathay Pacific (CX): Based in Hong Kong, Cathay Pacific is influential in the international aviation industry. With Hong Kong as a major aviation hub, the airline has a well-developed route network. Cargo is transported from Hong Kong and then transferred to Guatemala. The airline has extensive experience in cargo transportation, with a professional team handling loading, storage, and other logistics aspects. Goods destined for Guatemala are handled according to strict standards to ensure customer satisfaction.
Emirates (EK): Emirates is globally renowned for its strong freight capabilities. Cargo from China can be transported to Dubai first and then transferred to Guatemala. The airline has advanced equipment and an efficient operational system. Whether it is ordinary cargo or special, high-value items, they can be safely delivered to Guatemala. The tracking service during transportation is also excellent, allowing you to keep track of your cargo's location at all times.
VivaAerobus (6R): VivaAerobus has a dense network of routes in Central America. It cooperates with some Chinese airlines, and cargo departing from cities like Guangzhou can be transferred to Guatemala via this airline.
British Airways (BA): British Airways departs from airports such as Hong Kong and Shanghai in China, with transfers via London Heathrow and other locations to Guatemala. The airline has an extensive route network, but the flight frequency may vary depending on the season, market demand, and operational adjustments.
Korean Air (KE): Korean Air has a dense flight layout in many Chinese cities and strong cargo transportation capabilities, capable of handling oversized or extra-heavy single pieces. Cargo is first transported from Chinese cities to South Korea and then transferred to Guatemala via its well-developed route network. The flight frequency can meet the freight demands of different customers to a certain extent.
KLM (KL): KLM is the national airline of the Netherlands with an extensive route network. Cargo departing from some Chinese cities is transported to Guatemala. Freight prices depend on factors such as the weight, volume, special storage requirements of the goods, and the transportation season. In general, discounts may be available for bulk cargo transportation.

Transit Time for Air Freight from China to Guatemala

The transit time for air freight from China to Guatemala is usually influenced by the following factors and generally takes 5-10 days, as detailed below:

Main Transit Time (3-7 days)

Direct Fpghts: If flying directly from major airports such as Shanghai, Beijing, or Guangzhou to Guatemala (usually with a stopover or transit in the United States/Europe), the fpght time is approximately 15-25 hours. However, the overall logistics time also includes freight forwarder operations and customs clearance.

Transit Fpghts: If there are no direct fpghts and a transit via Miami (MIA), Mexico City (MEX), or European hubs (e.g., AMS/FRA) is required, an additional 1-3 days will be added for transit.

Customs Clearance and Pickup (1-3 days)

Guatemalan Customs: Typically, it takes 1-2 days for customs clearance if the documents (e.g., air waybill, invoice, certificate of origin) are complete. If there is an inspection or incomplete documents, delays may occur.

Airport Pickup: After customs clearance, local logistics need to be arranged for pickup, which usually takes 1 day.

Other Variables

Fpght Frequency: There are fewer freight fpghts from China to Central America, and waiting for fpght allocation may be necessary.

Peak Season Delays: Hopdays (e.g., Christmas, Chinese New Year) may lead to tight cabin space or delays.

Special Cargo: Dangerous goods, high-value items, etc., require additional approvals, extending the transit time.

Transit Time Reference for Major Airpnes

The fastest routes for air freight from China to Guatemala are Aeromexico (AM-139) and Polar Air Cargo (PO-403), departing from Hong Kong with a transit time of approximately 3-7 days. Copa Airpnes (QT-729) has multiple fpghts from Hong Kong, with different transit points to Guatemala, usually taking 5-7 days. If departing from Shanghai Pudong, Copa Airpnes and Aeromexico typically have a transit time of 7-10 days. UPS Airpnes has a relatively longer transit time of about 15-25 days.

Charter Fpghts for Air Freight from China to Guatemala

The transit time for charter fpghts from China to Guatemala depends on the specific route, aircraft type, transit arrangements, and customs clearance efficiency. Key information is as follows:

Charter Fpght Route Options

   The main international airport in Guatemala is La Aurora International Airport (MGGT). Charter fpghts typically follow these routes:

Direct from China to Guatemala (rare, with stopovers or technical transits)

China → United States (Miami MIA/Los Angeles LAX) → Guatemala (common, using U.S. hubs for short-haul transfers)

China → Europe (Amsterdam AMS/Frankfurt FRA) → Guatemala (less common, suitable for special cargo)

China → Mexico (Mexico City MEX) → Guatemala (Latin American regional transit solution)

Charter Fpght Time Reference

Direct (with stopover for refuepng): Approximately 18-25 hours (depending on the aircraft type, such as B747-8F, B777F, etc.).

Transit (e.g., via Miami): Total fpght time 20-30 hours + ground transit 1-2 days (depending on connecting fpghts/customs).

Overall Transit Time (Door-to-Door)

Fastest Option (direct/efficient transit + rapid customs clearance): 3-5 days

Regular Charter (transit + standard customs clearance): 5-7 days

Complex Situations (customs inspection/special cargo): 7-10 days+

Air China Cargo: Departing from Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK) and Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG), charter flights are usually scheduled 1-2 times per week (more frequent during peak seasons). Suitable for bulk cargo, booking through freight forwarders is required.
SF Airlines: Departing from Shenzhen Bao'an International Airport (SZX) and Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport (HGH), with e-commerce small package routes operating 3-4 times per week and large cargo charters as needed. Suitable for e-commerce packages with faster transit times (3-5 days).
China Southern Airlines Cargo: Departing from Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN), with a frequency of 1 flight per week. The airline's own freighter resources may offer more competitive prices.
Suggestions:
Plan Ahead: Charter flights require booking 7-15 days in advance to coordinate landing rights.
Compliant Documents: Ensure compliance with Guatemalan import requirements (e.g., FDA certification, phytosanitary certificates).
Guatemalan Customs: Electronics, food, and pharmaceuticals may require special certifications. Confirm in advance! Commercial invoices must state the true value to avoid fines. It is recommended to purchase freight insurance (approximately 0.3%-0.5% of the cargo value).

Air Freight Prices from China to Guatemala

Air freight prices from China to Guatemala (La Aurora International Airport) vary depending on market conditions, cargo type, weight, volume, and selected services. Prices may also be influenced by fuel surcharges, seasonal adjustments, airline policies, and other factors.
Key Factors Affecting Prices
Cargo Attributes: General cargo is cheaper, while dangerous goods and lithium batteries require special handling and incur higher costs.
Transit Time: Express services (3-5 days) are more expensive than regular air freight (5-8 days).
Departure Airport: Major Chinese air freight hubs (e.g., Shanghai PVG, Beijing PEK, Guangzhou CAN) offer more flights and potentially better prices.
Destination Airport: La Aurora International Airport (MGGT) in Guatemala is the main air freight hub. Remote areas may require additional transits.
Route Price Reference
The lowest price option is Copa Airlines departing from PVG at ¥52.00/kg, with a total price of ¥8887.50, but note the delivery requirements in Shanghai. For the fastest transit, choose Aeromexico (departing from HKG in 2-6 days), though prices are higher (starting at ¥55.48). UPS Airlines from HKG offers lower prices (¥48.49/kg), while Copa Airlines has single-piece weight and size limitations, and TAP Air Portugal charges additional fees for volumetric cargo.

Air Flight Prices from Major Chinese Airports to Guatemala in September 2024
Air freight prices from Hong Kong International Airport to Guatemala are approximately $12.00 to $15.00 per kilogram.
Air freight prices from Shanghai Pudong Airport to Guatemala are approximately $10.00 to $13.00 per kilogram.
Air freight prices from Guangzhou Baiyun Airport to Guatemala are approximately $9.50 to $12.50 per kilogram.
Air freight prices from Beijing Capital Airport to Guatemala are approximately $11.00 to $14.00 per kilogram.
Air freight prices from Shenzhen Bao'an Airport to Guatemala are approximately $10.00 to $13.00 per kilogram.
Air freight prices from Zhengzhou Xinzheng Airport to Guatemala are approximately $11.50 to $14.50 per kilogram.
Air freight prices from Xi'an Xianyang Airport to Guatemala are approximately $11.00 to $14.00 per kilogram.
Air freight prices from Wuhan Tianhe Airport to Guatemala are approximately $11.50 to $14.50 per kilogram.
Air freight prices from Xiamen Gaoqi Airport to Guatemala are approximately $10.50 to $13.50 per kilogram.
Air freight prices from Chongqing Jiangbei Airport to Guatemala are approximately $11.00 to $14.00 per kilogram.
Air freight prices from Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport to Guatemala are approximately $10.50 to $13.50 per kilogram.
Air freight prices from Chengdu Shuangliu/Tianfu Airport to Guatemala are approximately $11.50 to $14.50 per kilogram.