Express Air Freight
Same Day, NFO, AOG, Hand Carry and Standard Express – decision matrix, costs, process and carrier comparison.


Express Services Overview
AOG – Aircraft on Ground
EUR 2,000–15,000 flat fee
Emergency service for grounded aircraft. Around the clock. Coordination within minutes. Specialised service for aircraft parts and MRO material.
Same Day
EUR 15–50/kg
Pickup and delivery on the same day. Available for all directly connected destinations with multiple daily flights. Ideal for production stoppages and emergencies.
Hand Carry / On-Board Courier
EUR 500–3,000 + flight ticket
Courier personally accompanies shipment as cabin baggage in passenger aircraft. No cargo terminal processes, maximum control. Ideal for small, high-value shipments.
NFO – Next Flight Out
EUR 10–25/kg
Shipment transported on the next available flight to destination, including passenger aircraft. Most flexible express option.
Standard Express (24–48h)
EUR 5–15/kg
Prioritised express service with direct flight. Most affordable express service, suitable for most time-critical shipments without emergency character.
Economy Air (3–7 Werktage)
EUR 2–8/kg
Standard air freight without priority. Space on available flights (belly cargo or freighter). Most affordable air freight option for non-time-critical goods.
Decision Matrix – Which Express Service Fits?
Express Air Freight Cost Comparison
Economy Air
3–7 business days
EUR 2–8/kg
Standard Express
24–48h
EUR 5–15/kg
NFO
6–24 hours
EUR 10–25/kg
Hand Carry
6–24 hours
EUR 500–3.000 fix
Same Day
4–12 hours
EUR 15–50/kg
AOG
2–6 hours
EUR 2.000–15.000 fix
Express Air Freight Process – 7 Steps
Determine service
Urgency, weight, destination → choose appropriate express service
Request & offer
Share shipment data. NFO/AOG: offer within 15–30 min.
Prepare shipment
AWB, invoice, packing list. Dangerous goods: Shipper's Declaration.
Pickup
Courier picks up. NFO: directly to airport.
Flight booking
Next available flight booked (including passenger).
Tracking
Real-time status via AWB number. Prioritised updates.
Delivery
Pre-clearance + delivery within hours of arrival.
Express Carrier Comparison

When Does Express Air Freight Pay Off?

Express pays off for...
- Production stoppage (cost: EUR 10k–100k/h)
- Aircraft downtime (AOG: EUR 50k–500k/day)
- Medical emergencies / donor organs
- Contractual penalties for delivery delay
- Perishables with narrow time window
- Cargo value far exceeds express costs
When standard air freight suffices
- Shipment has 3–5 days without consequences
- Cargo value is proportionate to express surcharge
- Alternative solution already in sight
- No contractual delivery obligations
- Large volumes / heavy cargo (better charter)