From roadways to runways: How supercars are transported by air around the world

  • Ever wondered how supercars are transported around the world?
  • Well, there are several options
  • The fastest and safest is via air – but it’s a bit of a process and pricey too

Published on Mar 10, 2025 at 3:43 AM (UTC+4)
by Claire Reid

Last updated on Mar 06, 2025 at 12:22 PM (UTC+4)
Edited by Kate Bain

Have you ever wondered how luxury supercars get transported around the globe? Well, there’s actually a few options – one of which is by air.

Car collectors, celebrities, and the world’s richest can spend hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars on high-end exotic cars. 

So, when it comes to shipping them – they want to ensure that the process is as safe and efficient as possible. 

And one of the ways that companies will freight your new supercar is via air – but it’s quite the process and costs a lot too.

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Supercars can be shipped across the globe, if you’re willing to pay

Shipping supercars like the Lamborghini Sián is big business. 

For those who can afford such luxury motors, coughing up the extra cash to have them sent around the world is just another expense to add to the list.

Many car owners who are shipping a vehicle internationally will go for the slightly cheaper – and slower – option of shipping on water. 

You can choose from a closed container for better protection from the elements, or save a bit of money and choose to have it shipped on an open trailer.

However, there is another option available: having it transported via air freight

While the thought of stowing a car away onto a plane may seem slightly out there, it’s one of the safest methods of travel for supercars. 

What does the transporting process involve?

The process starts by booking and paying for a spot on a cargo plane, and then delivering the vehicle to the cargo center where it can undergo a security screening.

Once cleared, the car can be loaded onto an aircraft for departure where it will be carefully secured by special aircraft pallets and a super-strong fabric to ensure minimal movement during travel. 

There are also several things you’ll need to do before your vehicle can take to the skies, including making sure any leaks are fixed, disabling the alarm system, removing all your personal belongings, and ensuring your fuel tank is less than 1/8th full.

As well as being the safest method, this method is also the most expensive.

One shipping company estimates that transporting a car from London to Los Angeles costs around $7,656.

Price can also vary depending on the weight, model of the car, import duties and insurance.

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With a background in both local and national press in the UK, Claire moved to New Zealand before joining the editorial team at Supercar Blondie in May 2024. As a Senior Content Writer working on New Zealand Standard Time (NZST), Claire was the first writer on the team to make the site’s output a slick 24/7 operation covering the latest in automotive news.