Chapman Freeborn has appointed its Chief Operating Officer, Bernardo Nunes, to the company’s board, a move aimed at bolstering leadership as the air charter specialist sharpens its long-term strategy and global expansion efforts.
The announcement, made from London on Wednesday, follows Nunes’ promotion to COO in November 2024. With over 25 years of experience in air cargo and finance, his background includes a stint as Director of Transformation and Analytics at Chapman Freeborn, a role that positioned him close to the company’s decision-making core.
“It’s an honour to join the board,” said Nunes. “Since rejoining last year, I’ve worked closely with Eric and the board as we’ve expanded into new markets and strengthened leadership across the group. I look forward to continuing this work.”
In his expanded role, Nunes will continue overseeing operations globally, including subsidiaries such as Magma Aviation, Intradco Global, On Board Courier (OBC), and the Arcus Air Group. His appointment underscores a broader internal shift toward data-led decision-making and operational alignment across the group’s complex structure.
CEO Eric Erbacher welcomed the move, describing Nunes as a valued member of the team. “We look forward to working closely with him as we focus on our 2030 vision and execute the group’s long-term growth strategy,” Erbacher stated.
The board-level appointment comes during a period of workforce development at Chapman Freeborn, including the recruitment of a Vice President for its Humanitarian and Government division in the Americas, and a reported 48% increase in women holding management roles across the organization over the past year.
Established in the UK in 1973, Chapman Freeborn operates globally, offering charter services for both passenger and cargo transport. Its freight operations serve a wide range of clients, including freight forwarders, multinational corporations, and humanitarian agencies. The company also provides on board courier services and has offices across North America, Europe, Africa, Asia, and Australia.
Chapman Freeborn is part of the Avia Solutions Group, the world’s largest ACMI provider with a fleet of 213 aircraft. The parent company employs over 12,000 aviation professionals and delivers services spanning MRO, pilot training, and ground handling.
The timing of Nunes’ appointment suggests Chapman Freeborn is doubling down on leadership depth as it aligns its operations with the evolving demands of global cargo logistics, amid a competitive and volatile air freight landscape.
