Air Charter Service (ACS) has demonstrated the flexibility of its Time Critical division by successfully coordinating a complex 65-tonne cargo movement from China to the United States using a 20-flight Next Flight Out (NFO) solution.
The shipment involved transporting energy sector machinery from Shanghai to Nashville, Tennessee. After evaluating both charter and scheduled air freight options, ACS determined that a multi-flight NFO operation would provide the most efficient and cost-effective solution for the customer.
Rather than flying directly to Nashville, ACS routed the cargo through Chicago, where greater flight frequency and enhanced cargo handling capabilities allowed for faster processing and smoother logistics operations.
“One of our customers came to us with 65 tonnes of machinery that they needed to get from Shanghai in China to Nashville, Tennessee,” said Robert Alleman, CEO of ACS Time Critical. “Having a wide range of premium cargo services available to our clients really paid off in this situation. We looked at both charter and NFO options separately to decide on the best solution for the customer.”
ACS developed the complete logistics plan on the same day the enquiry was received. The operation involved 20 separate scheduled flight departures over several days, with the first shipment departing only a few days after confirmation.
To manage the complexity of the project, ACS relied on its 24-hour operations team alongside colleagues located across multiple global time zones, ensuring continuous oversight of departures and arrivals.
“In a little over a week, all the cargo had arrived in time for the customer’s deadline and for less than the cost of a full charter,” added Robert Alleman. “The operation is a prime example of the benefit of having the ACS network and range of premium cargo solutions.”
The project highlights the growing role of flexible air cargo solutions in supporting time-sensitive industrial and energy sector shipments, particularly when traditional charter options may not offer the most efficient outcome.
