Air waybill explainedAir waybill, explained simply.
An air waybill (AWB) is the document an airline or forwarder issues for air cargo: a receipt for the goods and the contract of carriage, but not a document of title. Airlift Logistics, a freight forwarder in Dubai, explains the 11-digit AWB number and its check digit, MAWB versus HAWB, the main boxes on the form, the electronic e-AWB, and offers a free number checker.
Check an AWB number
Type the 11 digits from your booking. We test the check digit and show the airline prefix. To follow a flight, use our shipment tracking page.
A correct check digit shows the number is well formed, not that a booking exists. This tool does not store what you type.
How an AWB number is built
Every air waybill number has 11 digits: a 3-digit airline prefix, a 7-digit serial number and a check digit. Example: 176-1234567-5.
| Part | Example | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 176 | Three digits that identify the issuing airline. 176 is Emirates | |
| Serial number | 1234567 | Seven digits chosen by the airline |
| 5 | The serial number divided by 7; the remainder is the check digit |
Worked example: 1234567 divided by 7 leaves a remainder of 5, so the full number is 176-12345675.
Master vs house air waybill
Two levels of air waybill often exist for one shipment, as with sea freight.
| Point | MAWB (master) | HAWB (house) |
|---|---|---|
| The airline | The freight forwarder | |
| Issued to | The forwarder | The real shipper |
| Number | Airline prefix and 8 digits | Forwarder's own numbering |
| Shows | The forwarder as shipper, consolidated cargo | The real shipper and consignee |
| Used for | Airline handling and customs | Forwarder's own billing and release |
The main boxes on an AWB
Check these boxes before the cargo is handed over. Corrections afterwards cost time and money.
| Box | What to check |
|---|---|
| Shipper and consignee | Names, addresses and phone numbers, as on the invoice |
| Airport of departure and destination | Three-letter IATA codes, for example DXB |
| Handling information | Special handling, notify party, DG or temperature notes |
| Pieces and gross weight | Must match the packing list and what is delivered |
| Chargeable weight | The greater of actual and volumetric weight |
| Nature and quantity of goods | A clear description that matches the invoice |
| Declared value | For carriage and for customs, or "NVD" / "NCV" |
| Charges prepaid or collect | Who pays the freight |
An AWB is for air cargo; a bill of lading is for sea cargo. An AWB is not a document of title and need not be shown to collect the goods. A negotiable bill of lading can be traded, and the holder claims the cargo.
- AWBs are always non-negotiable.
- Seaway bills work like AWBs.
It has eleven digits. The first three are the airline prefix, followed by a seven-digit serial number and a final check digit. The check digit is the remainder of the serial number divided by seven, which lets systems spot typing errors straight away.
- Example: 176-12345675.
- The prefix names the airline.
The freight forwarder issues it, not the airline. A forwarder consolidating cargo from several shippers into one booking gets a master air waybill from the airline, then issues its own house air waybills to each shipper. The consignee uses the house AWB to clear and collect the goods.
- The airline never sees the HAWB shipper.
- Both numbers show on the manifest.
Yes. Many airlines and forwarders in Dubai use the IATA e-AWB, which replaces the paper waybill with electronic data. Both the airline and the forwarder must have an e-AWB agreement, and the shipper must agree. Customs data is sent electronically for clearance.
- Ask for e-AWB when you book.
- Some routes still need paper.