Chapman Freeborn, part of Avia Solutions Group, has completed a complex, multi-location logistics operation in support of Leonardo Aircraft during a three-month M-346 demonstration tour across the United States and Canada.
Running from September to November, the programme covered 11 air show locations and formed part of a wider agreement with a US manufacturer linked to a potential government aircraft procurement. The tour required the coordinated movement of aircraft, personnel and specialist equipment across multiple regions and time zones, underlining the scale and sensitivity of the operation.
Twin Aircraft Tour
Two aircraft were involved throughout the deployment. Leonardo’s M-346, a twin-seat advanced military trainer, served as the primary demonstration platform, while a C-27J Spartan provided transport for demonstration personnel and essential support equipment. Both aircraft were supported by Chapman Freeborn’s Flight Support team, which delivered comprehensive end-to-end operational services at every location.
These services included flight planning, weather and NOTAM support, fuel release, ground handling coordination, tax management and the provision of specialist ground equipment. The team also arranged hangar space, office facilities, briefing rooms, aircraft security and airport access authorisations, ensuring each airfield could meet the operational and presentation requirements of Leonardo and its end clients.
During the initial phase, Chapman Freeborn managed all pre-flight arrangements, including hotel accommodation, crew transport and daily aircraft displays for US Government stakeholders. Particular complexity arose from the requirement to source liquid oxygen for the C-27J at every US demonstration airfield, a capability that is now uncommon, as well as accommodating a late-stage request to support a Canadian demonstration. Dedicated ground transport was also organised to accompany the tour across the US for oversized equipment that could not be carried onboard the aircraft.
Coordinated Logistical Support
Over the course of the tour, the Flight Support team coordinated more than 1,500 hotel room bookings, arranged almost 1,400 meals for crew and staff, and organised over 500 ground transport vehicles. Managing personnel welfare, synchronising crew movements and ensuring fuel and handling continuity across a geographically dispersed itinerary demanded detailed planning and constant communication.
Two Chapman Freeborn representatives, Alexandra Sharrock and Vivienne Sinclair, attended different phases of the tour as on-site leads, supported by a wider operations team providing continuous back-office coordination. Leonardo Aircraft praised the team’s professionalism and constant presence in both the US and Canada, citing their contribution as fundamental to the success of the programme.
Chapman Freeborn provides flight support and air charter services to defence organisations, governments and international agencies worldwide, drawing on more than five decades of operational experience and a global partner network.
