Chapman Freeborn Airchartering is delighted to announce the expansion of its worldwide network with the opening of a new office in Melbourne, Australia.

The global aircraft charter specialist has successfully completed the acquisition of Alltrans International - a highly-respected logistics company with over 12 years experience in the Australian freight market.

The new venture will trade as Chapman Freeborn Airchartering and will allow the company's global client base and office network greater access to the Australian market while giving existing Alltrans customers access to the international charter market.

Mike Grant has been appointed as general manager, having previously served as Chapman Freeborn's business development manager for the Australasia region.

The Melbourne-based team will welcome new staff and additional support from Chapman Freeborn's experienced international charter experts as the company looks to increase its operations in Australia and surrounding markets, including New Zealand and Papua New Guinea.

Mark Middleton, regional director for Chapman Freeborn, said:

"The launch of our new business in Melbourne is hugely exciting. The addition of an Australian office consolidates our unrivalled global charter coverage.

"While we have been successfully doing business in Australia for a number of years -- primarily from our regional headquarters located in Singapore -- the acquisition of Alltrans International marks a significant commitment to our ongoing expansion in the region."

The opening of the new business in Australia sees Chapman Freeborn increase its global network to 32 offices in 24 countries - including key commercial and aviation hubs in Europe, North America, South America, Middle East, Africa, Asia and Australasia.

Chapman Freeborn's Australia team will provide local market knowledge and expertise to offer air charter solutions to clients including government agencies, international aid providers, freight forwarders and multinational corporations.

Worldwide Chapman Freeborn currently coordinates over 6,000 charters a year - ranging from small "go now" flights for urgent automotive and manufacturing cargo, to movements of heavy and outsize equipment for energy and mining projects.

The company has been voted Air Cargo Charter Broker of the Year at the World Air Cargo Awards for the last five consecutive years and also recently launched a new specialist On Board Courier (OBC) division for hand-carry shipments.

In addition to cargo operations, Chapman Freeborn offers specialist passenger services including private jet and helicopter charters for executive travel and large aircraft for crew rotations and international group travel.

Contributed by Chapman Freeborn