October 31 - Chapman Freeborn Airchartering is opening a new office in Melbourne, Australia, following the acquisition of Alltrans International - a logistics company with over 12 years experience in the Australian freight market.

The new venture will trade as Chapman Freeborn Airchartering and will allow the company's global client base and office network greater access to the Australian market while giving existing Alltrans customers access to the international charter market.

Mike Grant (pictured below) has been appointed as general manager, having previously served as Chapman Freeborn's business development manager for the Australasia region.

The Melbourne-based team will welcome new staff and additional support from Chapman Freeborn's experienced international charter experts as the company looks to increase its operations in Australia and surrounding markets, including New Zealand and Papua New Guinea.

Mark Middleton, regional director for Chapman Freeborn, said: "While we have been successfully doing business in Australia for a number of years - primarily from our regional headquarters located in Singapore - the acquisition of Alltrans International marks a significant commitment to our ongoing expansion in the region."

With the opening in Australia, Chapman Freeborn increase its global network to 32 offices in 24 countries each providing local market knowledge and expertise to offer air charter solutions to clients including government agencies, international aid providers, freight forwarders and multinational corporations.