How do I track an AWB number starting with 640?

Enter your full 11-digit AWB number (640-XXXXXXXX) in the tracker at the top of this page. TraceAWB will instantly open Safair's official cargo tracking page with your shipment pre-loaded.

What if my AWB prefix doesn't match any airline?

If your AWB prefix does not match a known airline, it may be a House AWB (HAWB) issued by a freight forwarder rather than the actual airline. For tracking on the airline's official portal, you need the Master AWB (MAWB), which your freight forwarder can provide.

Prefix Decoded

What is AWB Prefix 640?

Q: What airline has AWB prefix 640?

AWB prefix 640 belongs to Safair (IATA code FA), based in South Africa. All air waybills issued by Safair start with 640-XXXXXXXX.

Q: How many digits is an IATA AWB prefix?

An IATA AWB prefix is always exactly 3 digits (000–999). It is the first part of an 11-digit air waybill number in the format XXX-XXXXXXXX. Prefix 640 belongs to Safair.

Q: Is 640 the only AWB prefix for Safair?

Yes, 640 is the IATA-assigned AWB prefix exclusively for Safair. Each IATA member airline has a unique 3-digit prefix. Safair's prefix is 640, so all their air waybills follow the 640-XXXXXXXX format.

AWB prefix 640 is the IATA-assigned airline identification code for Safair (FA), based in South Africa. Every air waybill issued by Safair begins with the digits 640, followed by a hyphen and an 8-digit shipment serial number — giving a total of 11 digits in the format 640-XXXXXXXX.

When you see a cargo AWB beginning with 640, you can be certain it was issued by Safair or by a freight forwarder acting on their behalf. Safair operates as a Scheduled Cargo & Passenger Network, with its primary hub at O.R. Tambo International (JNB). Typical air transit times range from 1 to 3 business days depending on origin and destination.

The IATA prefix system assigns a unique 3-digit code to every member airline, ensuring there is no ambiguity in airway bill identification across the global air freight network. Prefix 640 is exclusively reserved for Safair and cannot be used by any other carrier. For detailed shipment status, use the tracker above to reach Safair's official tracking portal instantly.

Prefix 640 — Quick Reference

Prefix Number640

Airline

Safair

IATA CodeFA

ICAO CodeSFR

CountrySouth Africa

HubO.R. Tambo International (JNB)

AWB Format640-XXXXXXXX

Cargo TypeScheduled Cargo & Passenger Network

Transit Time1–3 days

Official SiteVisit

Format Guide

How to Read an AWB Starting with 640

The 11-digit IATA airway bill number is split into two parts separated by a hyphen. The first three digits (640) tell you instantly which airline issued it.

640

Airline Prefix
→ Safair

-

12345678

Shipment Serial
(8 digits)

640 always identifies Safair as the issuing carrier. The 8-digit serial is unique to each shipment. Together: 640-12345678 is a complete, valid Safair airway bill.

Prefix Lookup

Look Up Any AWB Prefix

Have a different AWB prefix? Enter any 3-digit IATA prefix below to identify the airline and get instant tracking.

Enter Any AWB Prefix

Type the first 3 digits of your airway bill number

Prefix Range 600–699

AWB Prefixes Near 640

Not sure you have the right prefix? Browse nearby IATA AWB prefixes to find the correct airline for your air waybill.

Prefix	Airline	Country	IATA	Track
619	JD Airlines	China (People's Republic of)	JG	View
627	Lao Airlines	Lao PDR	QV	View
633	Sky express	Greece	GQ	View
640 You are here	Safair	South Africa	FA	Track
655	SCAT Airlines	Kazakhstan	DV	View
659	Proflight Zambia	Zambia	P0	View
665	Myanmar National Airlines	Myanmar	UB	View
668	Scoot	Singapore	TR	View

Browse by Range

All AWB Prefix Ranges

IATA assigns AWB prefixes across the full 000–999 range. Browse all prefixes by range to find any airline.

000–099 100–199 200–299 300–399 400–499 500–599 600–699 700–799 800–899 900–999

← See the full AWB prefix index (all 440+ airlines)

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions about AWB Prefix 640

What airline has AWB prefix 640? +

AWB prefix 640 belongs to Safair (IATA code FA, ICAO code SFR), based in South Africa. All air waybills with this prefix follow the format 640-XXXXXXXX and were issued by Safair or by a freight forwarder on their behalf.

How do I track an AWB starting with 640? +

Enter your full 11-digit AWB number — 640-XXXXXXXX — into the tracker at the top of this page and click "Track". TraceAWB identifies prefix 640 as Safair and opens their official cargo tracking portal with your shipment pre-loaded.

What does AWB prefix 640 mean? +

In the IATA air cargo numbering system, the first three digits of any air waybill identify the issuing airline. Prefix 640 is exclusively assigned to Safair. The remaining eight digits (after the hyphen) are the unique shipment serial number assigned to your individual cargo. The two parts together form a globally unique shipment identifier: 640-XXXXXXXX.

How many digits is an IATA AWB prefix? +

An IATA AWB prefix is always exactly 3 digits (ranging from 000 to 999). It forms the first part of an 11-digit air waybill number in the standard format XXX-XXXXXXXX. Prefix 640 identifies Safair. IATA maintains a registry of all assigned prefixes and each is unique to one airline.

What is the difference between a Master AWB and a House AWB? +

A Master Air Waybill (MAWB) is issued by the airline — in this case Safair — directly to the freight forwarder. It begins with the airline's prefix: 640. A House Air Waybill (HAWB) is issued by the freight forwarder to the individual shipper and uses the forwarder's own numbering system. For tracking on Safair's official portal, you need the MAWB starting with 640-. If you only have a HAWB, ask your freight forwarder for the corresponding MAWB.

Is 640 the only AWB prefix for Safair? +

Yes. 640 is the single IATA-assigned AWB prefix exclusively for Safair. IATA assigns one unique 3-digit prefix per airline. No other carrier uses prefix 640, so whenever you see an airway bill starting with 640, it is guaranteed to be a Safair shipment.

What if my 640 AWB shows no tracking status? +

Tracking status for a 640 AWB may not appear immediately after booking. It becomes visible only after the cargo has been physically accepted at a Safair cargo terminal and the AWB has been activated in their system. This typically takes 2–8 hours after acceptance. If your AWB still shows no status after 12 hours, contact Safair cargo customer service or your freight forwarder directly.