AOG services can absolutely handle oversized aircraft parts, but these shipments require significantly more planning, coordination, and resources than standard AOG deliveries. When you consider that aircraft engines can weigh 5-10 tons, landing gear assemblies can be 4 meters long, and wing sections can span 20 meters, it becomes clear why oversized AOG logistics represents a specialized field within an already specialized industry.

Charter flights become essential for truly large components that cannot fit in the cargo holds of commercial passenger aircraft. Specialized cargo aircraft like the Antonov An-124 or Boeing 747-8F have cargo doors large enough to accommodate aircraft engines, wing sections, or fuselage parts. These charter flights must be coordinated carefully with the availability of both the cargo aircraft and qualified pilots, ground handling equipment at both origin and destination airports, and customs authorities who may need to inspect these valuable shipments.

Ground handling at airports requires specialized equipment for oversized aircraft parts. Loading an aircraft engine onto a cargo plane requires heavy-duty forklifts, custom cradles to protect the engine during movement, and careful weight distribution planning to ensure the cargo aircraft remains properly balanced. Airport cargo facilities must have sufficient space and ceiling height to accommodate large parts, and ground crews need specialized training to handle these valuable and often fragile components safely.

Road transport offers an alternative for oversized parts traveling shorter distances, particularly within Europe where road networks can accommodate large truck combinations. Transporting an aircraft engine by road from Amsterdam to Frankfurt might take 12-18 hours and cost significantly less than charter air transport, while still meeting urgent AOG timelines. However, road transport requires special permits for oversized loads, route planning to avoid bridges or tunnels with height restrictions, and police escorts in some jurisdictions.

Advance coordination becomes critical for oversized AOG shipments because these operations cannot be improvised. Airports need notice to arrange ground handling equipment and cargo space. Customs authorities may want to inspect large, valuable shipments more thoroughly. Insurance companies need to assess risks and coverage. Airlines receiving the parts must ensure their maintenance facilities can accommodate delivery trucks or have access to aircraft loading equipment.