Chapman Freeborn and EMO Trans fly large turbine for critical repairs

Chapman Freeborn Airchartering and EMO Trans Global Logistics have successfully coordinated the charter of an Antonov AN-124 and an Ilyushin IL-76TD-90VD to transport a large 28 ton payload from Jamaica to the USA and back.

The aircraft were utilised in a joint operation to move an outsized rotor turbine from Montego Bay, Jamaica to a repair facility close to Chicago, IL.  After the successful repairs were made the turbine was flown back from Houston, TX to Montego Bay.

These charter flights were critical to support regional power requirements as the rotor turbine supported the sole transmitter and distributor of electricity at a local power station.

Ruslan International and Volga Dnepr Airlines responded quickly on short notice to support this mission and immediately dispatched their AN-124 and IL-76 aircraft, respectively.

The outsized cargo was loaded through the nose of the AN-124 aircraft with the assistance of a mobile crane, special loading ramp and onboard winches.  

For the return flight on the IL-76, the cargo was placed on wooden pallets and loaded on board the aircraft using a mobile crane and trailer.  

Also contributing was AJAS, the ground handler in Jamaica which provided aircraft and cargo handling, crane coordination and flight support for all crews and support personnel at Sangster International Airport in Montego Bay.

Commenting on the successful operation, Jack Burt, cargo charter broker from Chapman Freeborn USA said:

“Critical to the success of this operation was the ability of Chapman Freeborn, EMO Trans and Volga Dnepr to process urgent, ad-hoc flight permits during the 16-day US government shutdown, as the associated departments at the US Department of Transportation were officially closed at the time of permit application.

“Chapman Freeborn is proud to work with our partner EMO Trans Global Logistics and our air carrier partners to successfully transport and deliver this turbine back to the island and people of Jamaica.  The coordination and synergy of all parties involved created a smooth and flawlessly executed pair of flights“.

Link to press release: https://www.chapman-freeborn.com/blog/antonov-an-124-and-ilyushin-il-76-chartered-to-transport-turbine-for-urgent-repairs/