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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Claire Reid is a journalist who hails from the UK but is now living in New Zealand. She began her career after graduating with a degree in Journalism from Liverpool John Moore’s University and has more than a decade of experience, writing for both local newspapers and national news sites. Claire covers a wide variety of topics, with a special focus on cars, technology, planes, cryptocurrency, and luxury.
