What Is Freighter? Definition & Meaning in Aviation
A freighter is an aircraft that carries only cargo, with no passenger cabin.
In plain language
Freighters may be purpose-built or converted from passenger aircraft. They often fly at night and use cargo-oriented airports.
Example
Freighter flights, such as a Boeing 747 cargo aircraft, can be seen crossing Pakistan on flight trackers.
Why it matters
Freighters keep supply chains moving and account for many of the large aircraft you see crossing the sky at night. They are an easy way to spot cargo flows between regions.