Why Are Air Cargo Costs for Transporting the Deceased So High?

Transporting a deceased person by air, known as air cargo for the deceased, is a service many people are unaware of, yet it is extremely important in certain circumstances.

This process allows a person's remains to be sent from one place to another quickly and safely. Even so, the service is not cheap. This article will discuss what air cargo for the deceased is, its cost range, and the reasons why it is expensive.

What Is Air Cargo for the Deceased?

Air cargo for the deceased is a service for transporting remains by airplane. It is commonly used to bring a deceased person home from overseas to their country of origin, or to transport remains between cities or provinces within a single country.

The process requires very detailed coordination and involves many parties, including airlines, hospitals, funeral homes, and immigration and customs authorities if the shipment crosses borders.

The Air Cargo Process for the Deceased

The air cargo process for the deceased is an intricate procedure with many steps to ensure the remains can be transported safely and in accordance with applicable regulations. Here is a detailed explanation of the process:

1. Handling of the Remains

The first step is handling the remains at the hospital or funeral home. The body must be cleaned, preserved, and packed according to international standards for transport. Typically, the remains will be placed in an airtight, leak-proof coffin.

2. Documentation

This step involves many documents, such as a death certificate, a letter from the hospital, a transport permit from the authorities, and, for international shipments, immigration and customs documents.

3. Coordination with the Airline

The remains must be scheduled on a specific flight. Not all airlines offer this service, and those that do usually have strict rules regarding the handling and transport of remains.

4. Shipment and Collection

Once all documents are complete and the flight schedule has been confirmed, the remains are taken to the airport and loaded into the aircraft's cargo hold. After arrival at the destination, the remains are collected by the authorized party and taken to the funeral home or location designated by the family.

Cost Range of Air Cargo for the Deceased

The cost of air cargo for the deceased can vary widely depending on many factors, including shipping distance, the airline used, and any additional services that may be needed. Below is an overview of the cost ranges offered by air cargo services for the deceased by Kamboja:

A. Western Area Air Cargo for the Deceased

The economy air cargo service for the deceased from Jakarta (Soekarno-Hatta Airport) to Sumatra, Java, and Kalimantan includes several main services with a maximum weight of 170 kg.

This service covers handling, bathing, and preservation of the remains for seven days, provision of the coffin and packaging, standard transport of the remains from the funeral home or hospital to the airport, and administrative handling of the air cargo departure and airport fees. The price for this service is IDR 31,500,000.

B. Central Area Air Cargo for the Deceased

The economy air cargo service for the deceased from Jakarta (Soekarno-Hatta Airport) to Sulawesi, Bali, NTB, NTT, Berau, and Ambon includes a range of services with a maximum weight of 170 kg.

This service covers handling, bathing, and preservation of the remains for seven days, provision of the coffin and packaging, standard transport of the remains from the funeral home or hospital to the airport, and administrative handling of the air cargo departure and airport fees. The price for this service is IDR 41,500,000.

C. Eastern Area Air Cargo for the Deceased

The economy air cargo service for the deceased from Jakarta (Soekarno-Hatta Airport) to Papua includes a range of services with a maximum weight of 170 kg.

This service covers handling, bathing, and preservation of the remains for seven days, provision of the coffin and packaging, standard transport of the remains from the funeral home or hospital to the airport, and administrative handling of the air cargo departure and airport fees. The price for this service is IDR 57,500,000.

Why Is Air Cargo for the Deceased So Expensive?

There are several reasons why air cargo for the deceased is expensive, including:

1. Special Handling and Safety Standards

Handling the remains requires special procedures that comply with international health and safety standards. The body must be preserved and packed in an airtight coffin to prevent leakage or the spread of disease.

2. Documentation and Permits

Arranging the documentation for transporting remains is very complicated and requires many permits from various parties, including hospitals, local government, and, for international shipments, immigration and customs documents.

3. Airline Services

Not all airlines provide services for transporting remains. Airlines that do offer this service usually charge additional fees for special handling and for storing the remains aboard the aircraft.

In addition, the cargo space used to transport remains usually cannot be used for other freight, which adds to the airline's operational costs.

4. Coordination and Logistics

Transporting a body by air requires complex coordination among several parties, including the hospital, the funeral home, the airline, and the authorities at both the departure and destination airports. This logistical process takes considerable time and effort, which contributes to the higher cost.

5. Emotional Factors

Grieving families usually want the repatriation of their loved one to proceed as quickly as possible and without obstacles. Air cargo providers for deceased persons often offer additional services, such as expedited processing and special handling, which also add to the cost.

Conclusion

Air cargo for deceased persons is an essential service that ensures a person's remains can be returned or transported safely and promptly. Although the cost of this service is high, however, this service offers many benefits.

By understanding the processes and costs involved, we can better appreciate the importance of this service and why its price is quite high. If you need air cargo services for a deceased loved one, you can entrust them to Kamboja.