What Is Belly Cargo? Definition & Meaning in Aviation
Belly cargo is freight carried in the lower hold of a passenger aircraft, beneath the passengers.
In plain language
Many airlines earn extra revenue by carrying cargo with passengers’ baggage. Wide-body aircraft on long routes carry a lot of belly cargo.
Example
Exports such as perishable goods can travel in the belly of passenger flights from Pakistan to the Gulf and Europe.
Why it matters
Belly cargo is why passenger flights matter to trade. Cargo revenue helps airlines keep routes running, and weight limits on hot days can mean cargo is offloaded before bags.