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Thursday, August 29, 2013

► LIBYA: Air Libya, Chapman Freeborn sign deal for placement, operation of an An-26F in Libya.

Chapman Freeborn logoChapman Freeborn Airchartering has announced the formation of an exclusive partnership with Air Libya (7Q) to place and operationally manage an Antonov An-26 transport in Libya. The freighter will be based out of Tripoli’s Mitiga International Airport (MJI) on a long-term lease agreement with immediate effect.

Antonov An-26
The An-26 - which offers a 5.5 ton payload - will be available for ad hoc cargo charter requirements within Libya as well as international flights to and from the EU and North Africa. Plans are also afoot to introduce internal scheduled services to connect Tripoli and Benghazi with Libya’s more remote airfields - including regular operations to the oil fields in the south of the country.

The venture will provide much needed logistics solutions in a country where few international aviation companies are currently willing to invest in establishing services. It will also provide a viable alternative to sea freight routes to and from Europe which have been subject to high rates.
We're delighted to be working in partnership with Air Libya to develop air cargo solutions in the region. Freight forwarders and energy industry clients will benefit from this cooperation which offers professional, reliable services between the country’s key hubs and more remote locations. Given the limited air freight and sea freight options currently available, the news of this service has been very well received so far,” said Paul Drew, Chapman Freeborn’s project manager.
Established in 1996, Air Libya was the first private aircraft operator to be granted an AOC in the country, as well as being the only airline to be based in Benghazi. Air Libya has focused its attention on increasing its fleet of aircraft to provide tailored solutions for the energy industry, as well as scheduled passenger services and chartered VIP flights. Air Libya primarily operates out of Benina International Airport, with further operations in Tripoli, Mitiga, Sebha and Kufrah.