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Air Charter Service (ACS) has recently demonstrated its versatility in air freight logistics by developing a complex transport solution for nearly 65 tons of energy equipment from Shanghai to Chicago. The ACS Time Critical division planned a Next Flight Out (NFO) operation consisting of 20 scheduled flights.
Robert Alleman, CEO of ACS Time Critical, explained that a client tasked the company with transporting the machinery from Shanghai to Nashville, Tennessee. To find the best solution, the team evaluated both charter and NFO options. Due to various factors, including the wait time for all necessary flight permits, a comprehensive NFO solution involving 20 flights was developed.
Efficient planning and execution
The chosen solution involved transporting the cargo to Chicago instead of directly to Nashville. This decision was made because Chicago had more frequent flights and better handling capabilities, allowing for faster processing of the cargo and making the entire operation more cost-effective. The team was able to provide the client with a complete solution on the same day as the request, which included a total of 20 separate departures over several days, with the first flight departing just a few days after confirmation. To keep track of all departures and arrivals, especially at night, ACS’s 24-hour operations team was involved, along with colleagues from various time zones.
Within just over a week, all cargo arrived on time for the client’s scheduled deadline, and at a price lower than that of a full charter flight. Alleman emphasized that years of experience in the NFO sector were highly beneficial for this assignment. While a single flight is the norm, such requests pose a unique challenge. This operation highlights the advantages of the ACS network and the available air freight solutions. Clients do not necessarily approach ACS for a specific service but to transport their cargo, knowing that the company has the options to find the optimal solution.
