2025/07/21/ | Press Release
Chapman Freeborn, one of the world’s leading aircraft charter and aviation
support companies, has arranged an urgent delivery of critical aircraft parts from
Paris to Athens in under 24 hours. Despite the complexity of the task, the aircraft
in question not only received the necessary parts on time but also departed
ahead of schedule.
In May 2025, the team at Chapman Freeborn received an urgent task of delivering
crucial parts from Paris Vatry Airport (XCR) to Athens International Airport (ATH), for a
client experiencing an AOG (Aircraft On Ground) event. In cases like these, timing is of
utmost importance, as every hour the plane is grounded can cost the airline tens of
thousands of euros.
Taz Mears, Cargo Charter Broker at Chapman Freeborn, emphasizes that under such
circumstances, reaction time and efficiency are what keep aircraft flying, production
lines moving, and entire systems running smoothly.
“The task was incredibly time-critical. Our client has a very tight schedule and major
contracts they need to honor under any circumstances. Needless to say, the necessary
parts had to be in place as promptly as possible,” he says.
To accomplish the task, Chapman Freeborn’s Cargo Charter team utilized the iconic
Antonov AN-26 turboprop aircraft, as its loading capabilities and the size of the cargo
hold made it an ideal choice for the job.
The vital cargo touched down in Athens in less than 24 hours of the initial request, and
despite having to wait for the approval of all permits, the client’s aircraft took off ahead
of schedule. According to Mr. Mears, this impressive feat was possible only thanks to
the deep expertise that Chapman Freeborn’s team had amassed in various similar
situations.
“Our task was challenging and complex. In fact, we almost didn’t get the necessary
permits in time for the planned flight. However, our persistence, along with that of our
client, helped to overcome this hurdle. We have a great system in place and plenty of
internal knowledge that allows us to plan way ahead and foresee the complications that
may present themselves,” he says.
Despite all the challenges, the aircraft was swiftly returned to service, highlighting the
importance of partnerships, deep expertise, and strategic planning.
“By working collaboratively with both our airport and airline partners, the team
showcased agility, arranging an urgent AOG charter across Europe within 24 hours.
Such a fast turnaround and accuracy is only possible with such a strong global network
and exceptionally experienced colleagues. Because even with the more than 50 years
of experience that our company has garnered, every case is unique,” says Mr. Mears.
About Chapman Freeborn
The Chapman Freeborn Group was established in the UK in 1973. The company has
offices worldwide including North America, Europe, Africa, Asia and Australia. In the
cargo market, Chapman Freeborn Airchartering specialises in the charter and lease of
aircraft for a wide-ranging customer base, including freight forwarders, multinational
corporations, governments, humanitarian agencies and a host of industries around the
globe.
In addition to freight services, Chapman Freeborn offers specialist passenger services
including private jet charters for executive travel and large aircraft for crew rotations and
international group travel, as well as on board courier services.
About Avia Solutions Group
Chapman Freeborn is part of Avia Solutions Group, the world’s largest ACMI (Aircraft,
Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance) provider, operating a fleet of 209 aircraft on 6
continents. The group also provides a range of aviation services: MRO (Maintenance,
Repair, and Overhaul), pilot and crew training, ground handling, as well as a variety of
associated aviation services. Supported by 14,000 highly skilled aviation professionals,
the group is parent company to over 250+ subsidiaries.
For more information, please visit www.chapmanfreeborn.aero
Media contact:
Ruta Siniakovaite
Global PR manager
Avia Solutions Group
Ruta.siniakovaite@aviasg.com
+370 638 48907
Source: Freeborn Chapman