Chapman Freeborn Strengthens Collaboration with OSRL Through Site Visits in Italy

Deepening a Long-Term Partnership

Global air charter specialist Chapman Freeborn, part of the Avia Solutions Group, has taken another step in reinforcing its close relationship with Oil Spill Response Limited (OSRL). The two companies have worked together for several years, particularly in the area of transporting outsized and critical cargo for emergency oil spill responses.

Most recently, Chapman Freeborn organised a series of in-person site visits in Italy, giving both parties the opportunity to evaluate airports and facilities that play a role in emergency logistics. The initiative underscores the importance of preparedness, logistics planning, and close collaboration in the oil and gas sector.

Italian Airport Inspections

The itinerary of the visit included several Italian airports, each assessed for its ability to manage oversized or heavy cargo.

The first stop was Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP), northern Italy’s largest and busiest airport, known for its strong cargo infrastructure.
The delegation then visited Brescia Airport (VBS), which has been expanding its role in specialized freight operations.
Next came Venice Marco Polo Airport (VCE), a key hub for both passenger and freight traffic in northeastern Italy.
Finally, the team inspected Trieste Airport (TRS), a strategic location due to its proximity to OSRL’s facilities.

These inspections allowed Chapman Freeborn and OSRL to carefully evaluate operational capabilities and readiness levels in the event of an oil spill emergency that required rapid mobilization of cargo.

Visit to OSRL’s Trieste Facility

The tour also included a stop at OSRL’s unique storage facility in Trieste, where the company maintains its Offset Installation Equipment (OIE) system. This one-of-a-kind technology is designed for subsea blowouts and represents a vital component of OSRL’s global emergency response toolkit.

The OIE system is purpose-built to operate at depths between 75 and 600 meters and weighs an impressive 234 tons. Given the sheer size and complexity of this equipment, air cargo plays a crucial role in transporting critical parts and components quickly to where they are needed most.

The visit gave Chapman Freeborn’s team, led by Gianluca Modonese (Cargo Sales Manager – Italy) and Jason de Beer (Senior Cargo Charter Broker – UK), valuable insight into the logistical requirements of such operations.

Reinforcing Emergency Response Capabilities

Speaking about the visit, Gianluca Modonese highlighted the importance of the collaboration:

“This trip has served to reinforce the already strong partnership between OSRL and Chapman Freeborn, and it has provided the Chapman Freeborn team with valuable insights into emergency response logistics when dealing with oil spills.”

For Chapman Freeborn, site visits like these are not just about strengthening relationships but also about refining the company’s ability to deliver time-critical cargo solutions during emergencies. Understanding airport capacities and specialized equipment requirements ensures faster, more reliable response times when every hour couChapman Freeborn’s Global Expertise

With over 50 years of experience in air charter services, Chapman Freeborn has built a reputation as a trusted partner in urgent logistics. Its capabilities extend across:

Air cargo charters for outsized and time-sensitive shipments.
Consultancy services for complex logistics planning.
Emergency response support for industries such as oil & gas, energy, and humanitarian aid.

As part of Avia Solutions Group, Chapman Freeborn also benefits from the resources of the world’s largest ACMI (Aircraft, Crew, Maintenance, and Insurance) provider. The group operates a fleet of 187 aircraft and manages over 250 subsidiaries worldwide. Its services span MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul), pilot and crew training, ground handling, and other aviation-related operations. Backed by 14,000 aviation professionals, Avia Solutions Group provides coverage across six continents.

A Commitment to Preparedness and Innovation

The partnership between Chapman Freeborn and OSRL reflects a broader industry commitment to preparedness, innovation, and collaboration in tackling environmental and operational challenges. Oil spills require rapid, coordinated action, and air cargo chartering remains an indispensable tool in transporting the heavy and specialized equipment needed for effective response.

By conducting on-the-ground assessments in Italy, both companies are ensuring that they remain ready to respond quickly and efficiently to emergencies, wherever they may occur.