Chapman Freeborn Australia Secures Hercules Aircraft Lease Deal

SINGAPORE, May 24, 2013 (Press-News.org) Chapman Freeborn Airchartering is delighted to announce that it has signed an exclusive contract with Safair to place and operationally manage a L382 Hercules aircraft in Australia.

As the only rear-loading freighter of its kind in the country, there is expected to be strong demand for the aircraft which is based in Brisbane on a long-term lease agreement with immediate effect.

Available for both international and domestic airlift operations, Chapman Freeborn's clients will benefit from enhanced access to the Australia-based Hercules, however the company will maintain its position of neutrality in the marketplace and continue to work in partnership with all cargo airline suppliers to provide the full range of charter aircraft solutions.

Michael Grant, General Manager of Chapman Freeborn Australia, comments:

"Chapman Freeborn has been regularly chartering the Hercules to fly outsize and time-critical cargo in Southeast Asia and Australasia, especially to remote locations in Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, Brunei, Vietnam and Cambodia. It is also within easy reach of New Caledonia, Nauru, Fiji, the Solomon Islands and New Zealand.

"With the Hercules now based in Australia, we are expecting a rise in cargo charter requests to airports including Karratha, Port Hedland, Moomba, Darwin and Broome, as well as other mining destinations in the north west and south west."

The L382 Hercules aircraft can carry up to 20 tons and is one of the most versatile and capable cargo aircraft due to its unique capabilities to operate to and from short and unprepared airstrips worldwide. Its operational efficiencies which require minimal ground support make it the ideal aircraft for transporting cargo to remote locations.

To receive a Hercules L382 fact sheet or to register your interest and take part in a future aircraft inspection, simply contact the Chapman Freeborn Australia team on +61 3 9351 0328 or email australia@chapman-freeborn.com

For more information or interview opportunities, please email gwen.goh@chapman-freeborn.com

ABOUT CHAPMAN FREEBORN

In May 2013 Chapman Freeborn celebrated 40 years of successful aircraft chartering. Founded in 1973 by Chris Chapman and Mike Freeborn, the company was originally established to market Alaska International Air's fleet of Hercules freighters.

The early mission was to find work for the Hercules fleet which flew south to sunnier climes of Botswana, Bangladesh, Oman and Saudi Arabia.

Chris Chapman remains group chairman to this day and has seen the business move into new cargo and passenger markets. With more than 30 offices strategically located across six continents, the company's global coverage is unparalleled.

Renowned in air cargo charter solutions, Chapman Freeborn has been voted Air Cargo Charter Broker of the Year at the World Air Cargo Awards for the last six consecutive years.
Industry publication Air Cargo News also named Chapman Freeborn as its Cargo Charter Broker of the Year consecutively in year 2012 and 2013.

Chapman Freeborn has over 450 employees worldwide and is currently ranked 32nd in the Sunday Times HSBC Top Track 250 list of Britain's biggest mid-market private companies.

http://www.chapman-freeborn.com

ABOUT SAFAIR

Safair is Africa's leading aviation operation with more than 40 years' of experience enabling airlines and operators to successfully navigate an ever-changing business climate. As part of the ASL Aviation Group, one of the world's leading aviation specialists, Safair can offer specialised leasing, finance and operational services with global scale and capabilities.