Global air charter specialist Chapman Freeborn, part of Avia Solutions Group, the world’s largest ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance) provider, successfully managed three charter flights transporting close to 300 tons of solar panels. The full-capacity flights, which used Boeing 777F aircraft belonging to Qatar Airways and Silk Way West Airways, were all made within one week to enable importers to secure stock in Türkiye before a change to taxes on solar panels.
The three charter flights were made between Shanghai Pudong Airport (PVG) and Istanbul Airport (IST). In total, 447 pallets were transported, weighing over 292 tons and amounting to 685 cubic meters. Chapman Freeborn leveraged its expertise in high-volume cargo planning and coordinated closely with the client and airlines to ensure the timely execution of these deliveries to meet a critical market deadline.
Handling such a high volume required detailed coordination and careful planning, explains Emre Sanisoglu, Cargo Charters Consultant at Chapman Freeborn.
“The pallets had varied sizes and weights, so we worked closely with the airlines on pallet build-up and planning to optimise the use of aircraft space. The high volumes tested the 777Fs’ capacity limits of 100 tons and 550 cubic meters. We achieved full aircraft utilisation on all three flights, two with Qatar Airways and one with Silk Way West Airlines. This ensured cost effectiveness, and we also maintained transparent cost communication with the client throughout the process to avoid any unpleasant surprises,” Emre Sanisoglu says.
Alongside the complexity and fine margins in terms of volume and weight, this project also featured very tight turnarounds. “Our team was able to coordinate three charters within one week, with flights taking place on the 3rd, 8th and 10th of September. We also provided the client with real-time updates on departures and arrivals, so they were fully informed during this critical week for their business,” explains Emre.
“This operation demonstrated Chapman Freeborn’s capacity to work in close coordination with stakeholders and draw upon our extensive global network and decades of experience to ensure the timely execution of three complex cargo deliveries,” says Gerhard Coetzee Vice President Cargo – IMEA.
Chapman Freeborn has over 50 years of experience providing air cargo charter services for major corporations, governments, NGOs, relief agencies, and high net-worth individuals. The company is part of Avia Solutions Group, the world’s largest ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance) provider, operating a fleet of 209 aircraft worldwide and the parent company of over 250 subsidiaries. The group offers a wide range of aviation solutions, including MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul), pilot and crew training, ground handling, and other related aviation services. Supported by 14,000 highly skilled aviation professionals, the group operates across 6 continents.
