Chapman Ramps Up India

Charters

     Logistics is becoming big business and with one of the world's leading air chartering companies taking an active interest in India, air cargo charters could become a regular feature.
     Almost every other day there is a story of the immense potential of the Indian economy: whether it is manufacturing or exports, the trend is one of growth.
     In such conducive situations, it is no wonder that logistics majors are making a beeline for the country.
     We have witnessed FedEx's expansion plans and the investments made by DHL to improve facilities in the country. Joining them is Chapman Freeborn Air Chartering.
     One of the largest aircraft charter brokers in the world, Chapman Freeborn provides a whole range of value-added services to the aviation community, from cargo sales and passenger to airport representation.
     The company's client list includes airlines, relief organizations, famous rock bands and others including several companies in the freight forwarding community.
     For 30 years, CF has chartered and assisted with practically every aircraft type in the world from the small Cessna’s through B737s to the B747s and even Antonov AN124.

The recent initiative in India will enable the group to penetrate and better serve, what Michael Roth (left), the newly appointed director of Asian operations, refers to as the "exciting and fast growing market. India, with its population of approximately a billion people and an annual growth rate of 8 percent is producing more charter possibilities both inward and outward".
     “As Chapman has always been "at the forefront of recognizing the need to involve ourselves in new markets—we felt this was one that we could not ignore and this move comes as part of a strategy to expand further within the region."
     Roth said that the new office would provide the opportunity to undertake both cargo and passenger charters in the region as well as the "obtaining of traffic rights and diplomatic clearances in this sometimes operationally difficult part of the world."
     CF's interest in India, according to Michael Roth, stems "basically because of the huge development in extra capacity."
     He estimates that the increase in volumes could range up to 3,500 tons per month from India.
     Chris Chapman, the Group Chairman of Chapman Freeborn felt that India was a vital part of "our expansion plan in the region.      “We already have a very strong presence throughout Europe and the USA and this move would further consolidate the global network of local knowledge and professional staff."
     CF's India story began when it opened an office in New Delhi.
     Last December, Chapman Freeborn was granted approval from the Director General of Civil Aviation to apply for permissions for all types of aircraft operations.
     This included permits for passenger and cargo aircraft landings and overflights.
     Chapman now has an account with the Airports Authority of India as well as all handling and fuelling agents at major international airports. The permission to station itself in India will also provide Chapman with detailed knowledge of availability of aircraft in/out of India.
(TGhosh)