The air waybill is the transport contract and receipt for air cargo. It is not a document of title. Its 11-digit number starts with the airline's 3-digit prefix and is your tracking number.
With consolidated cargo there are two: the master air waybill (MAWB) from the airline for the whole consolidation, and the house air waybill (HAWB) from the forwarder for your shipment.
Most AWBs are now electronic (e-AWB). Goods are released to the consignee named on the AWB, no original needed.