Exploring the Impact of Aviation Services on Hurricane Relief Operations

Understanding the Role of Aviation Services in Hurricane Relief

The hurricane season kicks off on June 1st, signaling an intense period for the Americas. Predictions from Colorado State’s hurricane forecasting team suggest that this year could see around nine hurricanes, with four classified as major storms. This forecast mirrors the 2024 season, notorious for being one of the costliest on record, ultimately featuring a pair of category 5 hurricanes. Aviation services are indispensable in the immediate aftermath of such disasters, facilitating the delivery of crucial supplies and ensuring emergency personnel can access regions in dire need.

As a key player in this arena, Chapman Freeborn stands out as a global specialist in emergency and humanitarian aviation services. A component of Avia Solutions Group, this company boasts a dedicated Aviation Emergency Service (AES) division. With over 50 years of operational expertise—including missions executed during Hurricanes Katrina, Milton, Dorian, and Maria—Jack Burt, the Senior Vice President of Cargo for the Americas, provides insights into the preparations made by the aviation industry for hurricane-related emergencies.

Delivering Critical Supplies Post-Hurricane

The aftermath of hurricanes brings various challenges, with severe winds, storm surges, and flooding wreaking havoc on essential infrastructure. Consequently, aviation services play a pivotal role in managing these crises through the rapid transportation of vital equipment and supplies.

“After a hurricane strikes, we’re typically tasked with delivering power generation equipment along with supplies like water, Meals Ready-to-Eat (MRE), and other foodstuffs. Medical necessities, such as mobile hospitals, equipment, medicines, and vaccines, are also a high priority,” explains Burt.

Preparedness as a Key Factor for Chapman Freeborn

As the 2025 hurricane season looms, there is a pressing message from Burt directed at clients and partners: remain calm.

“Every natural disaster is distinct, but preparation is key. With over 50 years of experience and a robust global network of airline partners, Chapman Freeborn is always ready for action. We can mobilize an aircraft and crew within mere hours to tackle emergency situations. In extreme cases, our response time can be as short as 60 minutes,” states Burt.

Leading up to the Atlantic hurricane season, Chapman Freeborn has been diligently working to maintain its state of readiness, assuring that operations, once underway, are executed safely and proficiently.

“Our operations team engages in comprehensive business continuity and staff planning. We also prioritize the physical preparedness of our offices and have established evacuation plans,” adds Burt.

“The Cargo team is equipped with rapid response cargo transportation solutions in the Americas,” Burt continues. “This means having aircraft, trucks, ground handling agents (GHAs), and logistics service providers (LSPs) available and primed to respond to hurricane threats.”

By operating as a charter broker, Chapman Freeborn has cultivated strong connections with partners worldwide, ensuring the swift deployment of any aircraft size whenever necessary. “We continuously work to preserve our extensive network of airlines, suppliers, and partners who are always prepared to mobilize during hurricane season,” remarks Burt. “Ongoing preparedness discussions ensure that the logistics are firmly in place at all times.”

“An important aspect of our readiness is the focus and resilience of our team,” Burt elucidates. “Hurricane season can be unpredictable and stressful. Regular training exercises bolster the team’s capabilities, while having experienced leadership instills confidence in our operations, even under pressure.”

Coordinated Actions for Effective Relief Delivery

When Chapman Freeborn steps in to provide support following a hurricane, it relies on a well-coordinated response with governments, NGOs, and private sector partners. “Executing urgent humanitarian relief flights necessitates extensive collaboration, typically overseen by our staff to guarantee connectivity and transparency along the humanitarian supply chain. This chain includes airlines, airport authorities, civil aviation authorities, NGOs, ground handling agents, and logistics partners, among others,” elaborates Burt.