Press release: Chapman Freeborn supports historic Seychelles Air Force Dornier ferry flight

The movement carried additional significance as it involved Sylvie Tamboo, the first Seychellois woman to fly a Seychelles Air Force Dornier aircraft. Her achievement marks an important milestone for women in aviation in Seychelles and reflects the growing role of women across the wider aviation industry.

Chapman Freeborn’s Flight Support team assisted the aircraft from Gan Island onwards, supporting its journey through the Maldives and India before it entered maintenance in Kanpur. The route included stops in Gan Island, Trivandrum International Airport and HAL Bangalore, requiring close coordination across several locations.

Throughout the movement, the team coordinated airport slots, Flight Information Clearances, Air Defence Clearances, ground handling, fuel arrangements, crew accommodation, transport, catering, flight planning, weather reports, NOTAMs, crew briefing packs and flight following.

The operation required detailed planning across multiple sectors, with the team ensuring that the necessary operational, regulatory and crew welfare arrangements were in place at each stage of the journey. The movement also highlighted the contribution of women across the wider aviation ecosystem, from the cockpit to the operational and communications teams working behind the scenes. Notably, the operation was supported throughout by female duty officers within Chapman Freeborn’s Flight Support team, who played a key role in coordinating the movement across multiple locations.

“This was a meaningful operation for our team, not only because of the coordination required across multiple international sectors, but also because of the story behind the flight. Supporting a movement involving the first Seychellois woman to fly the Seychelles Air Force Dornier is something we are proud to have been part of. It reflects the important role women play across aviation, both in the air and behind the scenes. We were also proud to have female duty officers supporting the operation throughout the journey,” says David Selby, Flight Support Commercial Manager at Chapman Freeborn.

The successful support of the Dornier 228 ferry flight demonstrates Chapman Freeborn’s ability to manage complex aircraft movements requiring precise planning, strong supplier coordination and real-time operational oversight across international routes.