Chapman Freeborn A legacy of aviation excellence for 50 years
In the dynamic world of aviation, only few companies can boast a history over the past 50 years as illustrious as Chapman Freeborn. Today, the world’s leading aircraft charter and aviation support company operates more than 29,000 flights a year across six continents.
As the company celebrates its 50th anniversary, a testament to its enduring commitment to excellence and innovation, Air Cargo Update had the exhilarating opportunity to engage in a conversation with Russi Batliwala, Chairman of the Chapman Freeborn Group of Companies, to reflect on their milestones, challenges, and vision for the future.
From its humble beginnings in 1973 when Chris Chapman and Mike Freeborn formed the company and worked as marketers of Alaska International Air’s fleet of Lockheed C-130 Hercules freighter aircraft, Chapman Freeborn has grown into a towering presence in the global aviation industry, serving both passenger and cargo flights.
Since 2019, Chapman Freeborn proudly stands as part of the prestigious Avia Solutions Group, a global aviation powerhouse with over 100 offices worldwide. With a remarkable variety of aircraft chartered over the past 50 years, including the legendary Antonov AN-225, the largest air cargo aircraft ever built, Chapman Freeborn has not only redefined the boundaries of aviation logistics but also etched its name in the annals of history.
The company’s journey has been one of constant innovation and adaptation. Over the years, it has forged remarkable collaborations and undertaken extraordinary projects, from the VIP transport of the Olympic flame to supporting Greece’s wildfire fight by swiftly transporting helicopters. Chapman Freeborn’s commitment to excellence has earned it a global presence across six continents, solidifying its position as a trusted partner in the aviation industry.
An Extraordinary Milestone
Fifty years in any industry is a significant achievement, and Batliwala acknowledges the magnitude of this milestone. Recounting his experience at a recent industry event, he shares, “When I arrived, people began congratulating me on the accomplishment, but it was only then that it truly dawned on me—yes, this is quite an achievement. I felt incredibly overwhelmed, and even now, it continues to be overwhelming and emotionally inspiring.”
Chapman Freeborn’s journey commenced with a focus on operating Hercules aircraft within Africa, primarily serving humanitarian organizations. Over time, the company’s charter broking business emerged, transforming the industry landscape.
Batliwala explains, “In the early days, charter broking was more like a used car salesman business. However, the industry has changed significantly today, with regulations, compliance, and legal aspects playing a crucial role.” This adaptability and ability to navigate industry changes propelled Chapman Freeborn’s growth, and the company now operates on a global scale, across six continents.
Global Presence
Diversification and strategic partnerships have played a pivotal role in Chapman Freeborn’s rise as a global leader in aviation logistics. Its extensive network, spanning six continents, has solidified its position and earned the trust of clients worldwide. The company is now filled with hundreds of highly-skilled air charter experts, from charter brokers to flight support officers, each bringing unwavering commitment which allows Chapman Freeborn to consistently provide tailored solutions to meet the diverse needs of industries and individuals. 
Recognizing the need to diversify and adapt to a changing market, Chapman Freeborn embarked on strategic moves to expand its portfolio and its team. Batliwala emphasizes, “We started bringing in new products, investing in our onboard courier business, and acquiring Intradco Global, the number one animal transportation specialist in the world, with Charlie McMullen at the helm. We also purchased Arcus and increased our share in Magma Aviation, working closely with their CEO, Conor Brannigan.” These bold initiatives allowed Chapman Freeborn to have its own assets and broaden its revenue streams, differentiating the company from its competitors.
Chapman Freeborn, a distinguished member of the Avia Solutions Group, stands as a testament to the power of strategic partnerships in the aviation industry. As Batliwala highlights, “The partnership with the Avia Solutions Group has played a vital role in our growth and success.” This collaboration has positioned Chapman Freeborn to thrive in the ever-evolving aviation landscape.
As part of the world’s largest ACMI provider, Avia Solutions Group brings an impressive fleet of 173 aircraft to the table. With a global presence in 68 countries and a workforce of 11,500 highly skilled aviation professionals, the group provides Chapman Freeborn with the resources and expertise necessary to thrive in today’s competitive market.
Indeed, ACMI leasing is a key part of Chapman Freeborn’s onward trajectory, marked by the advent of its new global ACMI department, announced in April of this year. Headed by Scott Collier, President – ACMI Leasing, the team is situated across three continents and provides wet, dry, damp and hybrid lease solutions.
With the backing of Avia Solutions Group, Chapman Freeborn is poised for remarkable collaborations and ventures on the horizon. Batliwala stresses, “This expansion is bringing new capacity for us to market as a broker, and it’s an incredibly exciting development for us.” Through the partnership with Avia Solutions Group, Chapman Freeborn is actively managing and expanding its asset portfolio, extending its focus beyond cargo to encompass passenger services. This strategic positioning reflects the company’s commitment to meeting the evolving demands of the industry. As the Chairman affirms, “We are poised for exciting collaborations and growth opportunities in the passenger services sector. Our team of professionals in this arena is exceptional, and we have recently added several new people into the mix, such as Andy Hutchinson who is our new Head of Sales & Commercial in our UK passenger team, and Matt Feldon, Senior Team Leader Commercial Jets. We are very optimistic and confident about what the future holds for Chapman Freeborn in the passenger sector.”
Embracing Challenges and Forging Memorable Collaborations
Reflecting on the last 20-30 years, Batliwala shares remarkable stories of collaboration and resilience. From delivering humanitarian goods to Somalia to navigating the ever-changing charter business landscape, Chapman Freeborn has embraced challenges and carved a unique path. “I have a deep passion for aviation, and the charter business, in particular, excites me because it’s different every day,” he shared. “This passion is shared by our ever-growing team and remains inherent, even as the business expands and adapts to market changes.”
In 2010, Chapman Freeborn faced a critical turning point. Rising costs and the realization that being a “nice guy” was no longer sufficient prompted the company to redefine its approach. Recognizing the need for value addition, Batliwala explained, “We recognized that being a nice guy alone was not sufficient; we needed to add value and differentiate ourselves.” This led to diversification efforts and the provision of tailored solutions, ensuring the sustainability of the business.
Amidst challenges, Chapman Freeborn has also forged unforgettable collaborations. From witnessing the offloading of humanitarian goods by local villagers in Somalia to engaging in dynamic industry partnerships, the company’s journey is marked by remarkable moments. Half a century of firsthand experiences exemplify the unpredictable nature of the air cargo charter business and fuel his unwavering passion for aviation.
Embracing challenges and cultivating memorable collaborations have defined Chapman Freeborn’s trajectory. With a renewed approach focused on value addition and differentiation, the company continues to thrive.
As it navigates the dynamic aviation landscape for more than half a century, Chapman Freeborn remains committed to shaping the future, leaving an indelible mark on the industry and inspiring aviation enthusiasts worldwide.
Commitment to Sustainability and Carbon Neutrality
In the pursuit of sustainability, Batliwala highlights the current challenges faced by the industry.
“Sustainable aviation fuel is a luxury primarily accessible to legacy carriers like Lufthansa, while the charter market struggles to afford this option,” he acknowledges. However, despite these limitations, Chapman Freeborn is determined to make a difference and promote carbon neutrality within their operations.
Batliwala proudly announces, “As far as Chapman Freeborn is concerned, we have a large onboard courier business headed by Nikolai Bergmann, OBC – Managing Director, with offices in Los Angeles, Hong Kong, and Cologne. All our onboard couriers globally will be CO2 neutral. Which is, I believe, the first in the industry.” This groundbreaking initiative, fronted by Business Development Manager, Felix Deutscher, sets Chapman Freeborn apart as trailblazers in the field, with their onboard courier business leading the way in achieving carbon neutrality. “Already, our Cologne onboard courier office is run entirely on green energy”, Batliwala adds.
To provide tangible proof of their commitment, Batliwala explains, “We will be issuing certificates through our partner who is going to be doing the CO2 compensation. So, if you book an onboard courier, you can confidently inform your customer that this is proof of CO2 neutrality. Which is a big step.” By issuing these certificates, Chapman Freeborn ensures transparency and empowers customers to showcase their environmentally conscious choices.
The commitment to sustainability extends beyond the onboard courier business. In the private aviation sector, Chapman Freeborn offers customers the option to neutralize their CO2 footprint by paying an additional amount. This comprehensive approach reflects their dedication to reducing the environmental impact of their operations and sets the stage for further sustainability initiatives.
Chapman Freeborn is prioritizing transparency, providing tangible proof, and offering eco-conscious solutions, and will inspire change and set a new standard for the aviation community. As they continue their sustainability journey, Chapman Freeborn remains dedicated to shaping a greener and more responsible future for aviation.
A Legacy of Corporate Social Responsibility
Chapman Freeborn’s journey is not only defined by its business accomplishments but also by its commitment to corporate social responsibility. Over the years, the company has actively engaged in various initiatives to support humanitarian causes and give back to society.
Whether it be providing ad hoc sponsorship for special cases or contributing to humanitarian efforts in times of crisis, Chapman Freeborn recognizes the importance of making a positive impact on the communities it serves.
Batliwala acknowledges the need for a more structured approach. He comments, “It might be something we need to consider changing in the future, perhaps by supporting a particular organization consistently. The company recognizes the importance of unified efforts within the Avia Solutions Group, contributing to humanitarian causes and supporting organizations collectively, emphasizing the commitment to operate as one group and provide aid to those in need.”
Soaring Towards a Heritage of Innovation and Impact
As Chapman Freeborn embarks on the next phase of its journey, the company, under the guidance of Batliwala and CEO of almost three years, Eric Erbacher, is poised for growth, innovation, and impactful corporate social responsibility initiatives.
Collaborations, expanding asset portfolios, and a clear vision for the future pave the way for Chapman Freeborn to continue its legacy as a global leader in the aviation industry. With an unwavering commitment to value addition and a dedication to serving society, the company remains well-positioned to navigate the dynamic challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.
Looking toward the future, Batliwala emphasizes the significance of adding value and driving the company forward. He envisions a path of growth and innovation. With an expanding team, strategic partnerships, and a clear roadmap for 2030, the company is poised to seize new opportunities and conquer new challenges. He states, “Even after over 36 years with Chapman Freeborn, I continue to feel excited about what we do every day, and I am continually inspired by the extraordinary people I work with. As long as I continue to add value, I will remain in my role.” This steadfast commitment to excellence and continuous improvement sets the tone for Chapman Freeborn’s trajectory on its continued quest for growth beyond its first 50 years.
Reflecting on Chapman Freeborn’s 50-year journey, it is evident that the company’s success is not merely measured in numbers, but in its ability to adapt, innovate, and make a lasting impact. The remarkable accomplishments over the past 50 years and the resolute dedication of each person within the Chapman Freeborn Group have solidified its place as a true trailblazer in the aviation world. With an exciting future ahead, Chapman Freeborn continues to soar to new heights, leaving an indelible mark on the industry and inspiring the next generation of aviation leaders.
