Next Flight Out (NFO) shipping is like having a VIP pass for aircraft parts on commercial airlines. Instead of waiting for scheduled cargo flights that might run once or twice a week, NFO services book space on regular passenger flights that operate multiple times daily between major cities.

Here’s how the process typically works: When an airline needs an urgent part, the AOG logistics provider immediately checks all available commercial flights heading to the destination airport. They then book cargo space on whichever flight departs soonest, regardless of which airline operates it. The parts are rushed to the departure airport, processed through security and customs as quickly as possible, and loaded into the cargo hold of the passenger plane.

NFO is particularly effective for smaller, lighter aircraft components such as electronic units, sensors, small mechanical parts, or computer systems that typically weigh under 50 kilograms and can fit within standard cargo containers. These might include things like navigation computers, radio equipment, engine sensors, or cockpit instruments.

The cost-effectiveness of NFO comes from using existing passenger flight infrastructure rather than chartering dedicated cargo aircraft. While still expensive compared to normal shipping, NFO typically costs 70-90% less than chartering a private cargo plane. The trade-off is that you’re dependent on commercial flight schedules and cargo space availability, which can sometimes limit options during peak travel periods or to smaller destinations with fewer flights.

Airlines and logistics providers have developed sophisticated tracking systems for NFO shipments, allowing maintenance teams to know exactly when parts will arrive and plan their work accordingly. This precision planning is crucial because maintenance crews might be working around the clock to prepare the aircraft for the part’s arrival.