Story ID: 
Chapman Freeborn Aids Hurricane Milton Recovery
By: Jessica Reed
Caption: The charter broker facilitated the rapid transport of more than 70 electricians to Florida
Word Count: 327
Charter flight broker Chapman Freeborn helped more than 70 electricians quickly travel to Florida in response to widespread power outages following Hurricane Milton. The Category 3 hurricane made landfall in Sarasota, severely impacting infrastructure and leaving more than 3.4 million homes and businesses without electricity.
To support urgent power restoration efforts, Chapman Freeborn coordinated with air charter operators to deploy the electricians and specialized equipment, including power tools and lithium batteries, in compliance with FAA regulations. Logistics were carefully managed, including close monitoring of airport conditions to ensure safe and timely arrivals for these emergency personnel.
“During the relief effort in the Tampa Bay area, our team expertly navigated several logistical challenges, including airport selection, ground handling, and manifest coordination,” Aniko Mersek, senior v-p of sales at Chapman Freeborn, told AIN. “With the unpredictable nature of hurricanes, we closely monitored forecasts and assessed multiple contingency plans, ultimately working with three different airports until the morning of departure when we confirmed which one would be safe to use.”
“Once the decision was made, we coordinated with the carrier and client to ensure smooth handling and seamless ground transfers for the workers," she explained. "Despite the uncertainty around flight schedules, we arranged in-flight meals overnight through a local family-owned restaurant, delivering food for 70 workers just in time for departure.”
Chapman Freeborn’s aviation emergency services (AES) unit played a crucial role in this mission. As a part of the Avia Solutions Group, the company’s AES division specializes in emergency response charters, leveraging decades of experience in disaster relief, including high-stakes evacuations, critical medical supply transport, and crisis management.
According to the company, the operation in Tampa Bay exemplifies its commitment to supporting communities in crisis through targeted and efficient air logistics solutions. With a portfolio spanning hurricane relief, earthquake response, and conflict zone support, Chapman Freeman has often contributed significantly to global humanitarian efforts through specialized aviation logistics.