Chapman Freeborn Australia secures Hercules aircraft lease deal
As the only rear-loading freighter of its kind in the country, there is expected to be strong demand for the aircraft which will be based in Brisbane on a long-term lease agreement with immediate effect.
Available for both international and domestic airlift operations, Chapman Freeborn’s clients will benefit from enhanced access to the Australia-based Hercules, however the company will maintain its position of neutrality in the marketplace and continue to work in partnership with all cargo airline suppliers to provide the full range of charter aircraft solutions.
Michael Grant, general manager of Chapman Freeborn Australia, said: “Chapman Freeborn has been regularly chartering the Hercules to fly outsize and time-critical cargo in Southeast Asia and Australasia, especially to remote locations in Papua New Guinea, Indonesia, Brunei, Vietnam and Cambodia. It is also within easy reach of New Caledonia, Nauru, Fiji, the Solomon Islands and New Zealand.
“With the Hercules now based in Australia, we are expecting a rise in cargo charter requests to airports including Karratha, Port Hedland, Moranbah, Darwin and Broome, as well as other mining destinations in the north west and south west.”
The L382 Hercules aircraft (right) can carry up to 20 tons and is one of the most versatile and capable cargo aircraft due to its unique capabilities to operate to and from short and unprepared airstrips worldwide. Its operational efficiencies which require minimal ground support make it the ideal aircraft for transporting cargo to remote locations.
