Chapman Freeborn aids Air Zimbabwe's return to UK skies with ACMI solution, resuming flights to London Gatwick after 14 years.
Chapman Freeborn has supported Air Zimbabwe with a tailored ACMI solution for the planned resumption of direct scheduled services between Harare and London Gatwick, reported Maryland's Pan African Visions.
The route is expected to restart by the end of July 2026, reconnecting Zimbabwe and the United Kingdom after more than 14 years. Spanish carrier Plus Ultra will operate the service using an Airbus A330 under a long-term ACMI agreement, with three weekly flights planned.
Under the ACMI structure, Plus Ultra will provide the aircraft, crew, maintenance, and insurance, while flights will run under Air Zimbabwe's code. Chapman Freeborn managed the ACMI and contract support, helping shape the long-haul operating framework.
The service is seen as more than a restored air link, re-establishing commercial, tourism, and cultural ties between the two countries. It will also provide direct freight capacity for time-sensitive exports such as horticultural and perishable goods bound for the UK.
Linas Dovydenas, Chapman Freeborn's President for IMEA, said the project marked an important milestone for Air Zimbabwe and highlighted the growing demand for flexible capacity solutions across Africa. He noted ACMI's role in helping airlines rebuild networks and manage fleets efficiently.
Daniel Huggins, Director of ACMI & Leasing, stated that long-haul ACMI programmes require close coordination between airlines, operators, and regulators. He added that Chapman Freeborn's team helped bring together the right structure for a strategically important route.
Chapman Freeborn, part of Avia Solutions Group, has more than 50 years of experience in passenger and cargo charter services, aircraft leasing, and ACMI solutions. The company supports airlines worldwide with short-, medium-, and long-term capacity requirements across narrowbody, widebody, regional, and cargo aircraft.
