China to Europe
China → Germany
Yuhuan → Kronach
≈ 44 hours
Door to door
Onboard Courier Service for Urgent Shipments
Nova OBC delivers urgent shipments worldwide with a dedicated onboard courier on the next available passenger flight. Our operations team is available 24/7, from collection to final delivery.
Offers in 20 minutes · Door-to-door delivery · 1,500+ onboard couriers
What Is an Onboard Courier?
An Onboard Courier, also known as an OBC, is a professional logistics courier who accompanies an urgent shipment on a passenger flight.
Companies turn to an OBC when standard air freight simply cannot meet the delivery deadline.
OBC Transit Times
- Within Europe: 5–12 hours
- Europe to USA / Mexico: around 22 hours
- Asia to Europe: around 25 hours
- Asia to USA / Mexico: around 30 hours
Transit time depends on flight schedules and courier availability.
Real delivery examples
Real onboard courier delivery times
See how long it took us to deliver these shipments.
China to the USA
China → United States
Tianjin → Delphos, OH
≈ 38 hours
Door to door
Europe to Mexico
Portugal → Mexico
Braga → Apaseo el Grande
≈ 41 hours
Door to door
Within the USA
Pennsylvania → Arizona
Madison, PA → Buckeye, AZ
≈ 12 hours
Door to door
Within Europe
Germany → Ireland
Oberding → Tuam
≈ 8 hours
Door to door
UK to Europe
United Kingdom → France
Slinfold → Paris CDG
≈ 6 hours
Door to airport
How We Arrange an OBC Shipment
DetailsEvery OBC request starts with the shipment details: origin, destination, ready time, number of pieces, weight and dimensions.
RoutingOur operations team checks courier availability, suitable departure airports and available passenger flight options.
DeliveryOnce the option is confirmed, the courier collects the shipment, boards the flight and continues to the receiver's address after arrival.
What We Need to Check an OBC Option
To prepare an OBC option, we need the main shipment details:
- Shipment ready time
- Origin
- Destination
- Number of pieces
- Weight and dimensions per piece
- Any special handling notes
You do not need to complete a long shipment form. A short email or message is enough for our operations team to start checking courier availability, routing options and flight schedules.
Carry-On and Checked Baggage
Many OBC shipments can travel in the aircraft cabin with the courier when the size and airline rules allow. Larger or heavier shipments may need to be checked in as baggage, depending on the route, aircraft type and airline baggage allowance.
Our operations team works with airline baggage requirements and airport restrictions every day, checking the number of pieces, dimensions and weight before confirming the best available option.
Our couriers handle shipments ranging from document envelopes to heavy multi-piece consignments of up to 700 kg for automotive manufacturers.
Global OBC Network
Nova OBC works with 1,500+ onboard couriers across Europe, the Americas and Asia.
Our courier network is not limited to the largest airport hubs. We also work with couriers near regional airports, which helps when the shipment is not close to a main gateway.
Fast Collection
Speed is our priority. In most cases, your shipment can be on its way as soon as 40 minutes after you give us the go-ahead.
Regional & Global Reach
From major gateways to small regional airfields, we position the courier where they're needed. We go wherever your shipment is, no matter how remote.
Smart Routing
We identify the best-positioned courier and the most logical departure airport, selecting the specific flight option that fits your exact delivery deadline.
One Consolidated OBC Service
One onboard courier service covers it all: AOG and aircraft parts, automotive components, ship spares, semiconductors and electronics, industrial automation, oil and gas equipment, and urgent documents.
We arrange OBC transport worldwide, with regular assignments across Europe, Asia, North America, Africa and the Middle East.
Job reports
Completed onboard courier deliveries
Before you book
Onboard courier and hand carry: common questions
Here are the main points to clarify before booking an urgent shipment.
For a grounded aircraft or an urgent maintenance requirement, see our AOG courier and aircraft parts delivery page.
Is hand carry the same as an onboard courier service?
Hand carry is another term for onboard courier transport. A courier accompanies the shipment on a passenger flight. Depending on its packed size and the airline’s rules, it may travel in the cabin or as checked baggage.
How much does an onboard courier cost?
The price depends on airline ticket costs, collection and delivery distances, and baggage weight and size. Send your request so we can check the options and propose a transport plan.
Can you deliver on the same day?
Same-day delivery may be possible within the EU or on domestic routes in the USA. It depends on when the shipment is ready and which flights are available. We check the route and provide an estimated delivery time before you confirm.
Do you accept Dangerous Goods?
No. Nova OBC does not accept Dangerous Goods. Tell us what the shipment contains and include any special handling information in your request.
What needs to be checked for customs?
For routes involving customs clearance, the shipment documents and requirements need to be checked before transport is confirmed.
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