Outline of air waybills and their use.

An air waybill is used for air transport and is documentary evidence of the conclusion of a contract for carriage. It serves as:

• Proof of receipt of the goods for shipment
• An invoice for the freight
• A certificate of insurance
• A guide to airline staff for the handling, dispatch and delivery of the consignment.

Usually, the document consists of three originals and nine copies. The first original is intended for the carrier and is signed by a export agent; the second original, the consignee's copy, is signed by an export agent and accompanies the goods; the third original is signed by the carrier and is handed to the export agent as a receipt for the goods after they have been accepted for carriage.