Abstract A field study was conducted on board a Boeing 747 Combi (freight and passenger) aircraft on the route Stockholm (Arlanda) via Oslo (Gardermoen) to New York (John F. Kennedy Airport) and return to Stockholm (Arlanda). Shock and vibration, acting on the cargo, during air transportation were measured and analysed. The study encompassed all phases of the flight, including taxiing, climb, cruise during both calm and turbulent conditions, descent and approach, landing including touchdown and taxiing to apron. The field data were analysed by conventional frequency analysis and modelling techniques. In order to generalize the results, flight recorder data from the field trial and from other flights are included. Guide-lines for the development of realistic, simulation test programs for product and package design are included.