Insights from Chapman Freeborn’s Sharon Vaz-Arab
By Carly Fields
The Covid-19 pandemic has undoubtedly impacted the air freight industry, with traditional carriers facing airport closures and capacity issues while air charter specialists like Chapman Freeborn experienced a surge in demand.
However, as passenger travel slowly resumes and freight demand increases, the industry is witnessing a shift in the types of cargo being transported, leading to a slowdown in charter conversions.
According to Sharon Vaz-Arab, president of Chapman Freeborn IMEA: “There is a certain amount of benchmarking of rates – traditional carriers versus charter operators – but there is also a shortage of capacity so there is less availability of what can fly.”
The shortage of capacity is partly due to the ramping up of freight demand, with many shippers now looking to procure their own capacity rather than relying on traditional carriers.
“Forwarders have been 80 percent of our business. But because of the pandemic and the lack of capacity, we are seeing shippers looking to have their own procured capacity. For example, with Maersk and several others,” Vaz-Arab said.
Chapman Freeborn, an asset-light aircraft charter specialist, was acquired by Avia Solutions Group two years ago, which owns 140 aircraft and plans to double that number. “Although we do have capacity within the group, a large amount of CF’s business is procured from the great relationships we maintain in the industry and an access to a wider network of operators,” Vaz-Arab explained.
The company is also focusing on expansion and strengthening its footprint in its India, Dubai and Johannesburg offices as well as exploring opportunities in and around the wider region.
However, the pandemic has also highlighted the humanitarian aspect of the air freight industry, with a surge in demand for humanitarian and government aid flying into Syria and Turkey. Vaz-Arab added: “That is the need of the hour.
“In addition to that, we are seeing industrial projects growth development in Saudi Arabia. Africa growth continues with various projects and rebuilding of infrastructure, fast development of LNG projects, energy, oil and gas and rail expansion. India is another market rebuilding with a strong domestic market that we will focus on.”
Chapman Freeborn prides itself on maintaining transparency with its clients and adhering to regulatory compliant shipping and air freight standards. “We give them various options, the low cost versus the high costs and the pros and cons with both, so that they can pick the options that fit them best,” Vaz-Arab said.
The company’s global presence, with 100 offices and service centres worldwide, and a workforce of 10,000 highly skilled employees, is a testament to its commitment to the industry for the long haul.
Breakbulk Europe 2023 in Rotterdam will be hosting an “Air Cargo Solutions for Project Cargo” panel session on the main stage on Wednesday 7 June. To find out more about this year’s exhibition, and to reserve your tickets, click here.
