Professional football teams across Europe face complex travel logistics, with Chapman Freeborn stepping in to provide tailored charter solutions. The company, part of Avia Solutions Group, assists clubs in Greece and Cyprus by coordinating flights that align with training schedules, recovery times, and last-minute fixture changes, which commercial flights often cannot accommodate.

Anestis Konstantinidis, Passenger Charter Broker at Chapman Freeborn, highlights the time-sensitive nature of football travel. "A team may need to depart after training, arrive at a specific time before a match, or return soon after the final whistle," he explains. Charter flights offer clubs control over departure and arrival times, allowing players and staff to travel together, preserving valuable preparation and recovery time.

Beyond simply moving players, Chapman Freeborn considers numerous factors, including passenger numbers, luggage volume, and catering requirements. Konstantinidis notes, "The flight itself is only the most visible part of the operation." Coordination between teams, airlines, and airports is crucial, especially when schedules change unexpectedly.

Last year, Chapman Freeborn arranged a charter for Pafos FC, transporting 143 members to Athens for a UEFA Champions League match. The operation included personalised touches, such as displaying the club's logo on the aircraft and playing their anthem during boarding.

Whilst charter travel is not necessary for every journey, it offers an effective alternative when commercial options fall short. Konstantinidis believes there is potential to increase awareness of these services among Greek and Cypriot clubs, providing them with greater flexibility and control over their travel arrangements

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