Global air charter specialist Chapman Freeborn, part of Avia Solutions Group, has completed a series of high-volume, time-critical cargo operations transporting nearly 300 tons of solar panels from China to Türkiye.
The three charter flights, operated within just one week, utilized Boeing 777 freighters from Qatar Airways Cargo and Silk Way West Airlines. In total, the operation moved 447 pallets, weighing more than 292 tons and occupying 685 cubic meters, between Shanghai Pudong (PVG) and Istanbul (IST). The rapid deployment was critical for importers in Türkiye to secure stock ahead of impending tax changes on solar panels.
Handling such scale required meticulous planning and precise execution. “The pallets varied in size and weight, so we worked closely with the airlines on pallet build-up and load planning to maximize space,” explained Emre Sanisoglu, Cargo Charters Consultant at Chapman Freeborn. “The volumes pushed the 777F’s limits—100 tons and 550 cubic meters—but we achieved full utilization on each flight. Two were operated with Qatar Airways, and one with Silk Way West Airlines. This ensured cost-effectiveness while maintaining transparent communication with the client at every stage.”
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Beyond the complexity of load management, the project demanded exceptionally tight turnaround times. The three flights departed on September 3rd, 8th, and 10th, with Chapman Freeborn providing the client with real-time updates on each departure and arrival. “Our ability to coordinate multiple charters within such a narrow timeframe highlights the strength of our network and our experience in handling time-sensitive projects,” Sanisoglu added.
Gerhard Coetzee, Vice President Cargo – IMEA at Chapman Freeborn, noted that the project underscored the company’s expertise in managing large-scale, deadline-driven operations. “This mission showcased our ability to align with multiple stakeholders and leverage our global reach to ensure critical deliveries were executed seamlessly,” he said.
With over 50 years of experience in air cargo charters, Chapman Freeborn serves corporations, governments, NGOs, and relief agencies worldwide. Its parent company, Avia Solutions Group, is the world’s largest ACMI provider, operating a fleet of 209 aircraft and overseeing more than 250 subsidiaries across six continents, supported by 14,000 aviation professionals.
