Air transportation is the fastest way to deliver art worldwide but is also the most expensive. This is because transporting artwork is delicate and requires careful planning to protect it. While many art enthusiasts enjoy visiting galleries, they may not know the intricacies of transporting artworks to their exhibition locations.

Several unique challenges must be addressed to maintain the artwork's perfect condition during transit. So, the question arises – what are these challenges, and how do operators ensure fine art's safe and secure movement?

Art moving checklist

When flying the fine art, specific actions need to be taken to ensure its safe delivery. Cargo airlines, art logistic companies, and art couriers all follow these steps, considering the artwork's value, size, fragility, delivery timeline, and destination requirements. Let's look at these steps more closely:

  • Artwork's value and insurance

Before transporting valuable art in an aircraft, it is necessary to have it appraised to determine its value. This helps to decide how much insurance is needed in case the artwork is damaged or lost.

If the artwork crosses international borders, it most likely will need to go through customs clearance. This may involve obtaining permits or licenses, paying duties or taxes, and providing documentation such as certificates of authenticity or provenance.

  • Packaging, handling, temperature, and humidity control

Artworks are delicate and can be permanently damaged by fluctuations in temperature and humidity. It is crucial to maintain a stable environment during transportation to prevent any such damage from occurring.

Modern-day aircraft cargo hold
Photo: Yatrik Sheth | Shutterstock

To safeguard and package artwork during transportation, handling teams utilize specialized transport crates specifically designed for this purpose. These crates must resist potential hazards and external factors such as humidity, shocks, temperature variations, and atmospheric pressure. Packing materials should also be included in the container to keep the artwork from moving around or being tossed about.

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  • Security during the flight

Due to its high value, fine art can be a target for thieves, and transporting it by air makes it more susceptible to theft, as it must pass through several hands and locations before reaching its final destination. Therefore, taking security measures such as using GPS tracking devices and hiring specialized security staff can help prevent theft.

Which type of aircraft can transport fine art?

The choice of aircraft often depends on various criteria, as artworks come in different shapes, sizes, and forms.

Generally, any type of aircraft can transport fine art, including passenger planes like Boeing 737 or Airbus A350, cargo planes like freighter versions of the Boeing 747 or Boeing 777, and private jets like Gulfstream G650 and Bombardier Global 7500. In fact, transporting fine art by private jet is quite a popular option for those who require swift delivery.

Lufthansa Cargo
Photo: Jakub Rutkiewicz/Shutterstock

It is worth noting that turboprop aircraft such as Pilatus PC-12 is also a popular option for delivering small artwork regionally.

However, the aircraft must have special features in their cargo hold to ensure the safe transportation of the artwork. These features may include climate control systems, specialized cargo containers, and vibration-dampening technology.

Which airlines offer this service?

Many airlines offer fine art transportation, including Lufthansa Cargo, Swiss WorldCargo, Emirates SkyCargo, and British Airways World Cargo, just to name a few. These airlines often partner with museums, galleries, or special fine art shipping companies that supervise and help the airlines safely handle and transport valuable artwork.

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