Chapman Freeborn has expanded its team in Africa by three times due to a 30 percent increase in cargo revenues in the region from 2021 to 2023. This growth comes as the charter specialist prepares to mark its 50th anniversary.
Sharon Vaz-Arab is leading the development of the company’s Africa product offering, which includes cargo charter, live animal (AVI), and on-board courier (OBC) products. The charter broker is seeking to broaden its reach beyond South Africa to encompass all of sub-Saharan Africa in 2023.
To support the ongoing demand for oil and gas, energy, and automotive imports in the region, Chapman Freeborn is increasing its short-term and medium-term block charters, as well as developing its Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance (ACMI) leasing product.
“Infrastructure in Africa is developing quickly to support international trade and we see major advancements on the logistics and supply chain front,” said Sharon Vaz-Arab, Regional Chief Executive Officer (CEO), India, Middle East, and Africa (IMEA), Chapman Freeborn.
“South Africa is high on automotive trade and our OBC product serves the sector’s increasing calls for time sensitive critical hand carry movements that are faster than a charter or a courier.
“We have an extremely talented team in Africa and my estimate is that if Chapman Freeborn’s Africa operations continue at this pace, we will need a much larger office by the year end.”
