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Notes to Editors

  • Chapman Freeborn is the largest air charter broker in the world with 36 offices in 20 countries
  • In June 2007, we were voted"Air Cargo Charter Broker of The Year" at the ACW World Air Cargo Awards in Munich
  • Chapman Freeborn was established in 1973
  • Annual group turnover is over $450m
  • The Chapman Freeborn group employs nearly 300 personnel
  • We specialise in moving urgent cargo, heavy and outsize pieces, high value commodities, dangerous goods and AOG parts
  • Many of the world’s major relief organisations, governments, NGOs and other aid providers use our expertise in transporting relief goods and organising personnel evacuations
  • We provide ACMI, wet, damp and dry leasing solutions for many of the world’s largest airlines
  • We also provide General Sales Agency (GSA), Station Management and Ground Handling Services
  • Our operations division, Paragon Global Flight Support provides 24 hour outsourced flight support
  • Chapman Freeborn is listed in the Sunday Times’ Top Track 250 of the biggest mid-market private companies in the UK

For further information on this story, or about the Chapman Freeborn Group, please contact Julie Black or Andy James on +44 (0)1293 572832

Chapman Freeborn Brazil & Belgium coordinate royal flights in South America

21st December 2007

Chapman Freeborn has just set up yet another air charter operation in Brazil and not a moment too soon as Sao Paulo based Andre Rodrigues was soon working with Ostend-based Chris Van Den Plas on a flight for the Luxembourg Royal Family on a state visit to South America.

Work started on this project on behalf of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for Luxembourg back in September. It was decided that their Royal Highnesses the Duke & Duchess of Luxembourg would travel there by first class scheduled airline and then use a local carrier who would be comfortable with the unique culture and issues arising from flying in the region.

Our newest employee, Andre, located the ideal aircraft in the Boeing 737 of a local airline which was dressed to include special headrest covers, special crockery and cutlery and loaded with upgraded catering. And who better than to project manage the set up of such a prestigious flight, from the liaison with local protocol and media officials, handling agents and caterers, airports and Civil Aviation personnel for permission for internal flights within Brazil on a foreign carrier and of course, security than of course, Andre, who travelled on board the flight throughout.

Some of the airports visited on the tour were smaller regional airports unaccustomed to such visitors and arrangements. The routing started on 25th November from Santiago in Chile, to Belo Horizonte, Säo Paulo, Ribeiräo Preto, Säo Paulo again, then Brazilia, Vitoria and finishing in Säo Paulo once more on 29th November. The passengers included not only their Royal Highnesses, but also local dignitaries, Ambassadors, local business people and a media entourage.

At one point, the weather in Säo Paulo was so bad that unknown to the passengers, a whole diversion contingency plan was put into place but thanks to the skill of the crew which included an ex Air Force pilot, they were able to arrive in Säo Paulo just in time before weather forced closure of the airport.

The five day tour was considered to be a great success by all and Andre was personally thanked by their Royal passengers for all of his work to make the trip go so well before he then transferred them over to Lufthansa for their long haul flight home.

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