Global air charter specialist Chapman Freeborn has strengthened its commercial footprint in Europe with the appointment of R-BAG Group as its General Sales Agent (GSA) across Eastern Europe, effective 1 March 2026.
The agreement will focus primarily on expanding cargo charter services throughout the region, reinforcing the company’s sales capabilities and enhancing customer support in what is widely regarded as one of the most dynamic growth markets in the aviation sector.
Under the terms of the partnership, R-BAG Group will assume responsibility for representing Chapman Freeborn across Eastern Europe, excluding Poland, where the charter specialist maintains its own dedicated in-house team. The arrangement ensures the company retains consistent regional coverage while leveraging local market expertise to develop new business opportunities.
Expanding regional sales reach
The collaboration reflects Chapman Freeborn’s broader strategy to strengthen its presence in Europe by building partnerships with established local specialists capable of driving sales growth and delivering tailored charter solutions to regional customers.
Commenting on the partnership, Markus Schmidt, Vice President Cargo Commercial Operations at Chapman Freeborn, said the company required a trusted regional partner to fully capitalise on the opportunities emerging across Eastern Europe.
“We needed a reliable partner on the ground to maximise Eastern Europe’s potential for charter services, and we are confident that R-BAG will fulfil that role better than anyone,” Schmidt said.
He added that R-BAG’s extensive regional network and commercial expertise will complement Chapman Freeborn’s global charter capabilities.
“The Group is known not only for its deep-rooted network of regional connections, but also for its track record of sales expertise that will complement our own capabilities perfectly,” Schmidt explained.
“This partnership reflects Chapman Freeborn’s commitment to expanding our presence in Europe and ensuring our clients receive the highest standard of service, regardless of where they operate.”
Growing demand in Eastern Europe
Eastern Europe has increasingly emerged as an important market for ad-hoc and specialised air cargo charter services, driven by growth in sectors such as manufacturing, automotive, aerospace, and time-critical logistics.
For R-BAG Group, the partnership provides an opportunity to deliver stronger charter solutions to customers across the region while connecting them with Chapman Freeborn’s global aircraft network and operational expertise.
Éva Van Baaren-Horváth, Group Managing Director of R-BAG Group, said the company has observed steady growth in demand for charter services across Eastern Europe in recent years.
“We’ve watched demand for air charter services grow steadily across Eastern Europe, and we’ve long believed the region deserves a stronger, more locally grounded offer,” she said.
“Representing Chapman Freeborn finally gives us a platform to deliver just that. It’s a partnership that makes perfect sense – and so does the timing.”
Part of a broader European growth strategy
The appointment of R-BAG Group marks the latest step in Chapman Freeborn’s continuing expansion across the European market. The company, founded in 1973 and part of the global aviation services group Avia Solutions Group, has more than 50 years of experience in arranging passenger and cargo charters worldwide.
Operating through a global network of offices and partners, Chapman Freeborn provides a wide range of services including cargo charters, passenger charters, on-board courier solutions, aircraft leasing, and time-critical logistics support for industries ranging from humanitarian relief and oil and gas to automotive and e-commerce.
Recent strategic initiatives across Europe—including partnerships with regional logistics providers and expansion of local operational teams—underscore the company’s focus on strengthening its market reach and responding to growing demand for specialised charter solutions.
With R-BAG Group now representing the brand across much of Eastern Europe, Chapman Freeborn aims to further consolidate its presence in the region while ensuring customers benefit from local expertise backed by a global charter network.
