How Chapman Freeborn orchestrated the M-346 and C-27J demo tour across the United States and Canada

The logistics story behind Leonardo’s M-346 demonstration tour across North America is revealed here, focusing on the operational planning, challenges, and outcomes of a multi-site airshow deployment.

Tour snapshot: scale, aircraft and timeline

The three-month demonstration campaign ran from September through November and covered 11 airshow locations in the United States and a last-minute stop in Canada. Two aircraft were central to the mission: the M-346 as the primary two-seat demonstration platform and the C-27J, which carried personnel and essential equipment. Chapman Freeborn, part of Avia Solutions Group, provided the Flight Support and logistics backbone for the entire operation.

Key operational facts

Flight support services delivered

Putting together a mobile demonstration like this is less glamour, more grind—but that’s where logistics shines. The Flight Support team provided end-to-end operational services at each site, including:

• Flight planning, weather services and NOTAM management
• Airport handling coordination and tax management
• Fuel release arrangements for both aircraft
• Ground power unit (GPU) and air start unit support
• Hangar space, office facilities and briefing rooms
• Aircraft security and airport entry pass authorisations

Special handling and unusual requests

Some tasks were routine; others required creative problem-solving. One notable example was arranging liquid oxygen for the C-27J at multiple U.S. demonstration fields — something rarely requested in modern operations. Oversized support equipment that couldn’t be carried on the C-27J travelled separately via dedicated ground transport coordinated by Chapman Freeborn USA.

Coordination and people logistics

When it comes to multi-site tours, the devil truly is in the details. The Flight Support team coordinated large numbers of staff with differing operational and welfare needs while synchronising movements across multiple time zones. Two on-site leads—Alexandra Sharrock (phase one) and Vivienne Sinclair (phase two)—acted as Chapman Freeborn’s primary representatives, backed by a wider office team monitoring the operation remotely.

Numbers that tell the tale

The logistics numbers—over 1,500 hotel rooms, nearly 1,400 meals, and more than 500 ground vehicles—underscore how personnel logistics can dominate an operation’s footprint. Those stats also hint at the hidden costs and coordination load behind any demonstration or marketing deployment.

Challenges and how they were overcome

Major challenges included coordinating across jurisdictions, ensuring fuel availability, obtaining timely airport authorisations, and responding to last-minute itinerary changes. A combination of clear communication, robust industry relationships, and a hybrid on-site/remote support model allowed the team to respond quickly and maintain continuity. As the saying goes, it was all hands on deck—and then some.

Stakeholder management

Managing expectations between Leonardo, its potential buyers, and the local organisers demanded careful planning and constant dialogue. Local regulations, airport capabilities and stakeholder preferences varied wildly from site to site, so flexibility and advance reconnaissance were key to keeping the show on the road.

Why this matters for logistics professionals

This tour is a neat case study in the kind of complex, time-sensitive logistics that high-value campaigns demand: synchronised crew movements, specialised ground support, supply chain visibility, and contingency planning. The same principles apply across freight, hauling oversized cargo, or moving sensitive equipment; success depends on detailed planning and reliable partners.

Modern platforms and marketplaces can shorten lead times and cut costs. For example, platforms like GetTransport.com provide affordable, global cargo transportation solutions for office and home moves, cargo deliveries, and bulky items like furniture and vehicles—exactly the sort of flexibility teams need when plans shift on the fly.

Lessons learned

• Plan early, but design for change: build contingencies into every leg.
• Local knowledge matters: strong ground partners reduce friction at each stop.
• Communication is currency: consistent, transparent updates prevent cascading delays.
• Specialised supplies (e.g., liquid oxygen) require early sourcing and backups.

Operational outcomes and client feedback

The campaign ran to plan, with the Flight Support team credited for reliable, consistent service across dispersed sites. Massimo Sorgato of Leonardo praised the on-site representatives by name and highlighted the importance of a continuous Chapman presence in both the U.S. and Canada. The success illustrates how experienced freight and flight-support providers reduce mission risk for high-profile aircraft demonstrations and government-focused activities.

Quick read: what the metrics show

Beyond the headline counts, the operation demonstrates how logistics capacity scales with personnel and equipment needs. Managing human logistics—accommodation, meals, and ground transport—can command as much attention as moving the aircraft and kit themselves, underscoring the need for integrated transport and welfare planning.

Highlights: the operation showcased effective multi-location coordination, specialised supply sourcing, and the value of experienced on-site representation. Even the best reviews or the most honest feedback can’t fully replace first-hand experience; direct involvement reveals the small frictions and solutions that written summaries miss. On GetTransport.com, you can order your cargo transportation at the best prices globally at reasonable prices. This empowers you to make the most informed decision without unnecessary expenses or disappointments. Start planning your next delivery and secure your cargo with GetTransport.com. Book now GetTransport.com.com

Forecast: this specific demonstration tour is unlikely to shift global logistics markets in a major way, but it reinforces the growing need for agile, responsive air and ground transport solutions for defence demonstrations and multi-site campaigns. Companies that specialise in coordinated freight, haulage and mission support will remain essential as events and military procurement activities continue to demand tight schedules and bespoke services.

In summary, the M-346 demonstration tour highlights that successful deployments rest on meticulous planlama, strong local partnerships, and flexible transport options. From kargo ve navlun to crew logistics, every element needs orchestration—flight planning, airport handling, ground transport, and special supplies. For teams facing similar challenges, platforms like GetTransport.com simplify logistics by offering cost-effective, reliable shipping, forwarding and moving services that cover everything from parcels and pallets to containers and bulky items, domestically and internationally. Whether you’re organising a demonstration tour, a relocation, or a complex haul, integrated planning and trusted partners make all the difference in ensuring smooth delivery and operational success.