Chapman Freeborn reports soaring demand for sports industry charters
Chapman Freeborn has recently seen an increase in demand for its sports charter expertise – and with a packed calendar in the coming months the company is planning a winning performance in 2012.
The global aircraft charter specialist’s London passenger team coordinated several flights for Formula 1 teams last season – and the department is already gearing up for the new tour which starts with the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne, March 16-18.
Last year Chapman Freeborn flew mechanics and other support staff between race circuits on narrow and widebody aircraft, while the company’s VIP division supplied private jet services for drivers and corporate sponsors.
The London Olympics is also proving a major draw for private aviation users. Slots will be limited at all London airports including Farnborough, Luton and Biggin Hill, so regional airports such as Oxford, Southend and Lydd will also see large numbers of private jets in July and August.
Elsewhere, Chapman Freeborn has been arranging bespoke charters for many of Europe’s elite football sides – including flights for domestic games and European fixtures.
This summer’s UEFA EURO 2012 in Poland and Ukraine is also helping to drive charter demand for the summer months – with Chapman Freeborn’s Warsaw team helping to coordinate flights for international clients.
The convenience and flexibility chartering provides make it an increasingly attractive option for sports events. Unlike scheduled services there is the freedom to set your own flight schedule and travel to the closest airports to the venue, as well as the opportunity to brand the aircraft and further customise the experience.
Cargo charter demand
In addition to passenger charter services, Chapman Freeborn also assists with the logistical side of staging major sporting events.
Chapman Freeborn’s Africa office was involved in coordinating two Boeing B747-400 freighter charters from Kuala Lumpur to Barcelona for the Spanish leg of the MotoGP tour, the world´s premier motorcycling championship.
Over 200 tons of cargo was moved on the two charters, including 70 bikes and other technical support equipment.
The high-profile operation was carefully managed by Lloyd D’Souza in South Africa with assistance from the Chapman Freeborn Barcelona team.
Elsewhere, Chapman Freeborn’s London and Barcelona teams were involved moving 45 polo ponies to Miami for the polo season in the US on board a Douglas DC-8 aircraft.
The charter departed from Kent’s Manston International Airport where the horses were handled at the airport’s brand-new Equine Border Inspection Post.
