Chapman Freeborn celebrates 50 years with strengthened regional team

Chapman Freeborn has appointed four new leaders to head up its regional divisions as the global air charter specialist prepares to celebrate its 50^th anniversary in 2023.

Andy Hudson is now Regional Chief Executive Officer (CEO), APAC; Reto Hunziker is Regional Director, Europe; David McCown is President, Americas; and Sharon Vaz-Arab is Regional Director, IMEA.

The new management team brings over 80 years’ experience in the aviation sector to help grow Chapman Freeborn’s global footprint and spearhead a major recruitment drive.

“We are heading into 2023 and beyond with the best expertise and knowledge at the helm of our company,” said Eric Erbacher, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Chapman Freeborn.

“Chapman Freeborn’s 50^th anniversary in May is fast approaching, and as we prepare to celebrate this momentous occasion, we are also celebrating the growth, direction, and success that we have mapped out in our plans for the coming years.”

Hudson brings 21 years’ experience in the industry, including launching his own aviation acquisitions and management companies Private Jet Central, PJC Aviation, and Down-Route in 2008, 2012, and 2015, respectively.

“I want to preserve the traditional and historical place that Chapman Freeborn has in our industry, taking it forward to the next generation and ensuring it is always growing,” said Hudson.

Hunziker has worked with Chapman Freeborn since 2013, including roles as Group Cargo Director and Group Cargo and On-Board Courier Sales Director.

“There is still a lot of untapped potential in Europe that we can access in a more efficient and effective way,” said Hunziker.

“The first step towards this will be onboarding new trainees and inspiring the NextGen to enter the industry.”

McCown who launched the world’s first online reservation system for the private jet industry in 1996, will continue to grow Chapman Freeborn’s diverse network in the Americas whilst spearheading career development within the Americas team.

“Chapman Freeborn has a long history of strength in the global aviation industry, driven by a highly experienced and capable team,” said McCown.

“I look forward to continuing to drive its rapid growth and make Chapman Freeborn the employer of choice in the private aviation industry.”

Vaz-Arab brings over 30 years’ experience to her new role and is a veteran of the IMEA region, with career highlights including Director of Middle East and Indian operations for Cargolux Airlines and manager of global accounts for Etihad Airways.

“I am excited to strengthen and connect Chapman Freeborn’s vast networks across IMEA, generate new business, and develop its cargo and passenger air charter operations,” said Vaz-Arab.

Chapman Freeborn was launched in 1973 by Chris Chapman and Mike Freeborn, who spotted a unique business opportunity to market Alaska International Air’s fleet of Hercules freighter aircraft.

The charterer is now a member of Avia Solutions Group, which has over 100 offices and production facilities globally and over 9,000 highly skilled aviation professionals, serving more than 2,000 clients throughout Europe, Asia, North America, Australia, and worldwide.