Rahtikone

Rahtikone, or freighter aircraft, is an aircraft designed or configured to carry cargo rather than passengers. The term covers both purpose-built freighters and passenger aircraft that have been converted for cargo operations. Freighters operate in domestic and international air freight markets, transporting a wide range of goods including mail, consumer products, industrial equipment, and perishable items.

Design and configuration vary, but most freighters have a reinforced airframe and strengthened landing gear to handle heavy payloads. They typically feature one or more large cargo doors, a dedicated main deck for pallets and containers, and a reduced or eliminated passenger cabin. Some models support roll-on/roll-off operations with palletized units, while others use lower-deck holds for heavy or outsized cargo. Temperature-controlled units may be installed for perishables or specialized goods.

Operations and economics: Cargo aircraft are operated by dedicated cargo airlines and by courier and freight divisions of passenger carriers. They enable high payload-to-seat ratios and flexible routing, which can improve supply-chain efficiency. The market includes both new, purpose-built freighters and converted passenger airplanes that are repurposed to expand capacity when demand grows.

Regulatory and logistical context: Rahtikone must comply with international airworthiness standards, safety, and security regulations, as well as the proper handling of dangerous goods. Efficient operation relies on robust ground-handling infrastructure, cargo terminals, and unit load devices. The term is widely used in aviation literature and industry discussions to denote the broader category of cargo aircraft.