Global air charter specialist manages complex multi-country operation while supporting a landmark milestone for women in aviation
Chapman Freeborn, the global aircraft charter and aviation support specialist and a member of Avia Solutions Group, has successfully coordinated the ferry flight of a Seychelles Air Force Dornier 228 aircraft from the Seychelles to India for scheduled maintenance, delivering comprehensive flight support services throughout the multi-sector international operation.
Beyond its operational significance, the mission marked a historic milestone for aviation in the Seychelles, as the aircraft was flown by Sylvie Tamboo, the first Seychellois woman to pilot a Seychelles Air Force Dornier 228. Her achievement represents an important step forward for gender diversity within the country’s aviation sector while highlighting the increasing contribution of women across military and civil aviation worldwide.
The operation, confirmed by Chapman Freeborn through its official announcement, showcased the company’s expertise in managing complex international aircraft movements requiring detailed regulatory coordination, operational planning and real-time logistical support.
Comprehensive operational support across international sectors
Chapman Freeborn’s dedicated Flight Support division became involved in the operation from Gan International Airport in the Maldives, overseeing the aircraft’s onward journey through the Maldives and India before its arrival at its maintenance destination in Kanpur.
The carefully coordinated routing included operational stops at Gan International Airport, Trivandrum International Airport and HAL Airport, Bengaluru, with each sector requiring close collaboration between airport authorities, aviation regulators, service providers and local operational partners.
To ensure the seamless execution of the mission, Chapman Freeborn coordinated a comprehensive range of flight support services, including:
- Airport slot coordination
- Flight Information Clearances (FIC)
- Air Defence Clearances (ADC)
- Ground handling arrangements
- Aircraft refuelling services
- Flight planning and operational documentation
- Meteorological briefings and weather analysis
- Notices to Airmen (NOTAMs)
- Crew briefing packs
- Crew accommodation and ground transportation
- Catering services
- Real-time flight following and operational monitoring
The movement required meticulous planning across multiple jurisdictions to ensure regulatory compliance while maintaining operational efficiency and crew welfare throughout the journey.
Highlighting the growing role of women in aviation
The ferry flight carried broader symbolic importance beyond its technical execution.
While Captain Sylvie Tamboo made history in the cockpit, Chapman Freeborn noted that the operation was also coordinated by female duty officers within its Flight Support team, who managed the mission from behind the scenes through continuous operational oversight, communication and coordination across multiple international locations.
The mission therefore reflected the expanding contribution of women across every aspect of the aviation industry—from flight operations and aircraft command to flight dispatch, communications and operational support.
Commenting on the successful operation, David Selby, Flight Support Commercial Manager at Chapman Freeborn, said the mission represented both an operational achievement and an inspiring moment for the aviation community.
“This was a meaningful operation for our team, not only because of the coordination required across multiple international sectors, but also because of the story behind the flight. Supporting a movement involving the first Seychellois woman to fly the Seychelles Air Force Dornier is something we are proud to have been part of. It reflects the important role women play across aviation, both in the air and behind the scenes. We were also proud to have female duty officers supporting the operation throughout the journey.”
Demonstrating global flight support expertise
The successful completion of the Dornier 228 ferry mission further reinforces Chapman Freeborn’s capabilities in managing specialised aircraft movements involving multiple regulatory authorities, airports and operational service providers.
Aircraft ferry flights often present unique logistical challenges, requiring careful coordination of international overflight permissions, landing clearances, fuel planning, maintenance scheduling and operational contingency planning. Such missions demand continuous oversight to ensure aircraft, crew and regulatory requirements remain fully aligned throughout the journey.
With more than five decades of aviation experience, Chapman Freeborn has established itself as one of the world’s leading providers of aircraft charter and aviation support services, delivering passenger and cargo charter solutions, flight support, onboard courier services and specialist aviation logistics for governments, multinational corporations, humanitarian organisations and the defence sector.
As part of Avia Solutions Group—the world’s largest ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance and Insurance) provider—the company benefits from a global aviation network encompassing more than 250 subsidiaries, a fleet of approximately 145 aircraft, and a workforce of around 14,000 aviation professionals operating across six continents. The wider group also provides aircraft maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO), pilot and crew training, ground handling and a broad portfolio of aviation support services.
The successful Seychelles Air Force operation highlights Chapman Freeborn’s continued ability to deliver tailored flight support solutions for complex international missions while contributing to broader industry milestones that advance diversity and operational excellence across global aviation.
