Chapman Freeborn Airchartering has announced the promotion of Darren Banham to the position of president of its US business.
Banham - who has been with Chapman Freeborn since 2001 and also holds the position of global commercial director - will oversee the management and strategic growth of the company’s cargo and passenger chartering activities in North America and Latin America. He brings nearly 15 years of aviation experience to the Fort Lauderdale-headquartered firm - which has a further office in Houston and a global network of over 30 locations worldwide. In the new role he will lead a team of multilingual aircraft charter specialists which includes American, Brazilian, British, Canadian, Colombian, Dominican, Ecuadorian, Mexican, Puerto Rican and Trinidadian colleagues. The Global Aircraft Charter Specialists Chapman Freeborn’s US team specializes in the charter and lease of fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft for a wide ranging client base including freight forwarders, multinational corporations, governments, humanitarian agencies and a host of industries around the globe. Earlier this year the company also completed the acquisition of Intradco Cargo Services - an equine and livestock transport specialist. The company - which is also at the forefront of designing and leasing its own equipment for animal transportation - will now introduce its services to new markets including North America and Latin America. In addition to cargo related services, 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. Commenting on the new appointment, Russi Batliwala, Chief Executive Officer said: “Leading the Americas region for us is paramount and Darren’s priorities will involve the aggressive and strategic growth of the business into new markets, develop new business in new industries, strengthen corporate relationships with suppliers and build new business alliances to capture the region’s air charter demand for tailor-made charter flights. Getting involved in executive programs will shorten the gap between management layers to the most valuable sources of our business, our clients and our suppliers.” Darren Banham commented: “New changes drive new challenges to make a statement in the market. Widening our sales net will require us, Chapman Freeborn as a team, to improve on business efficiencies and maintain our outstanding customer service relationship which is what we are recognised for. Value for money for the right solution in the market place today is key. This coupled with operational and logistical support is what keeps us as the leader in our field.”