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Aerospace

Chapman Freeborn targets India for hand-carry business growth

Chapman Freeborn OBC has announced the strengthening of its global on board courier (OBC) business with a renewed focus on expansion in India.

The global hand-carry specialist is building on its success in other emerging markets by significantly stepping up its investment in India with the prediction the country will become an increasing key market for OBC cargo shipments.

Surging economic growth of 7.6% coupled with the Indian government’s recent ‘Make in India’ initiative has seen the country’s manufacturing industries go from strength to strength – with growing demand for hand-carry services for automotive cargo, electrical components and other time-critical equipment.

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As part of the new expansion drive, Chapman Freeborn has further strengthened its business development team in India with the appointments of Franklin Henry and Paraq Joshi who both bring a wealth of experience to the company, having previously held management and sales positions serving leading cargo airlines.

Shailendra Seth, Country Manager of Chapman Freeborn India, said: “We are delighted to welcome Franklin Henry and Paraq Joshi to Chapman Freeborn.  Working together with our international offices we will focus on expanding our specialist aircraft charter and OBC activities in India.”

The team – which also markets award-winning cargo charter services worldwide – has extensive local market knowledge including an in-depth understanding of India’s complex import and export regulations which have deterred other companies from developing hand-carry cargo services in the country.

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Nikolai Bergmann, General Manager of Chapman Freeborn OBC, added: “We have experienced a significant growth in demand for OBC services to and from India over the last year as the benefits of our hand-carry services have become known. India presents a real opportunity for us and we’re excited about increasing the number of logistics companies and manufacturers who will have access to markets worldwide.”

Chapman Freeborn OBC was established in 2006 and is a specialist subsidiary of aircraft charter broker the Chapman Freeborn Group, Chapman Freeborn group - a UK-headquartered company with over 30 locations spanning six continents. The company is operationally headquartered in Germany and has professional courier teams located worldwide for secure delivery of time-critical consignments.

Over the last decade, Chapman Freeborn has received more than 20 top aviation industry awards for service and innovation, including the recent Charter Provider of the Year title at the STAT Times Awards 2016, held in Mumbai.

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