Inland Port Dillon Achieves Record on Rails
Jan 21, 2026 at 12:20 PM
Nina Harlow new head of energy & logistics
Jan 21, 2026 at 2:21 PM
Chapman Freeborn provided logistical support to Leonardo Aircraft during a multi-month M-346 demonstration tour in the USA and Canada. The tour, which took place from September to November last year, included eleven locations and required extensive coordination of personnel, equipment, and aircraft logistics.
Two aircraft were utilized during this tour: the M-346, which served as the primary demonstration aircraft, and the C-27J, responsible for transporting personnel and necessary equipment. The support from Chapman Freeborn included a variety of operational and logistical services at all locations, including flight planning, weather services, and NOTAM support, as well as the coordination of airport handling.
Comprehensive Logistics for Complex Requirements
The Chapman Freeborn team was responsible for organizing all preparations throughout the tour. This included, among other things, ground handling, hotel accommodations for personnel, and transportation and daily flight demonstrations for representatives of the US government. The planning also involved providing liquid oxygen for the C-27J at each demonstration site, which is rare in modern flight operations.
The logistics presented a significant challenge, as the team had to coordinate a variety of stakeholders, including Leonardo and its end customers. This required precise planning and adaptability to meet operational requirements throughout the demonstration period.
During the tour, the team coordinated 1,503 hotel room bookings, organized 1,379 meals for crew and staff, and arranged 509 transport vehicles for Leonardo personnel. These figures illustrate the scope of the logistical efforts required to support the program.
Successful Collaboration and Positive Feedback
Dave Selby, Commercial Manager of Flight Support, emphasized the importance of collaboration and strong relationships in the industry: “This project demonstrated the strength of our capabilities in flight support at airshows. The success of the tour is a testament to the expertise of our team and our commitment to meeting customer needs in challenging environments.”
Two members of the Flight Support team, Alexandra Sharrock and Vivienne Sinclair, were on-site throughout the operation and played a crucial role in the successful execution of the tour. Their professionalism and dedication were particularly acknowledged by Massimo Sorgato, a representative of Leonardo Aircraft.
The continuous communication and robust support behind the scenes were critical in responding to changing requirements in real-time and ensuring that all services were delivered as planned.
Chapman Freeborn offers flight support and air cargo charter services to businesses, governments, and NGOs, with over 50 years of experience in the industry.
