What is an Airway Bill (AWB)? A Complete Guide

What is an Airway Bill?

An Airway Bill (AWB) is a document issued by an airline or freight forwarder that serves as a receipt for cargo and a contract of carriage between the shipper and the airline. Unlike a Bill of Lading used in sea freight, an AWB is non-negotiable, meaning it cannot be transferred to a third party.

Key Information on an AWB

Every AWB contains critical shipment information including: the shipper and consignee details, origin and destination airports (using IATA codes), a description of the goods, weight and dimensions, declared value, and special handling instructions.

Types of Airway Bills

Master AWB (MAWB) is issued by the airline to the freight forwarder. House AWB (HAWB) is issued by the freight forwarder to the individual shipper. When consolidating multiple shipments, the forwarder holds the MAWB while each shipper receives their HAWB.

How to Track Using Your AWB

Your AWB number is your key to tracking your shipment in real time. At Ambara Artha, you can enter your tracking number directly on our website to get live status updates at every checkpoint from CGK to your destination.