Jessica Reed is a writer and editor with AIN. She joined the team in the fall of 2023 after two years covering the aviation industry at Avionics International. She earned her bachelor&#039;s degree in English (Writing &amp; Rhetoric) from Pepperdine University. Her hometown is St. Louis, Missouri, and she since has resided in Santa Barbara, California, and Brooklyn, New York, among others. She is currently based in Vernon, New Jersey.

Writer & Editor

Jessica Reed

Charter flight broker Chapman Freeborn helped more than 70 electricians quickly travel to Florida in response to widespread power outages following Hurricane Milton. The Category 3 hurricane made landfall in Sarasota, severely impacting infrastructure and leaving more than 3.4 million homes and businesses without electricity.
To support urgent power restoration efforts, Chapman Freeborn coordinated with air charter operators to deploy the electricians and specialized equipment, including power tools and lithium batteries, in compliance with FAA regulations. Logistics were carefully managed, including close monitoring of airport conditions to ensure safe and timely arrivals for these emergency personnel.
“During the relief effort in the Tampa Bay area, our team expertly navigated several logistical challenges, including airport selection, ground handling, and manifest coordination,” Aniko Mersek, senior v-p of sales at Chapman Freeborn, told&nbsp;AIN. “With the unpredictable nature of hurricanes, we closely monitored forecasts and assessed multiple contingency plans, ultimately working with three different airports until the morning of departure when we confirmed which one would be safe to use.”
“Once the decision was made, we coordinated with the carrier and client to ensure smooth handling and seamless ground transfers for the workers," she explained. "Despite the uncertainty around flight schedules, we arranged in-flight meals overnight through a local family-owned restaurant, delivering food for 70 workers just in time for departure.”
Chapman Freeborn’s aviation emergency services (AES) unit played a crucial role in this mission. As a part of the Avia Solutions Group, the company’s AES division specializes in emergency response charters, leveraging decades of experience in disaster relief, including high-stakes evacuations, critical medical supply transport, and crisis management.
According to the company, the operation in Tampa Bay exemplifies its commitment to supporting communities in crisis through targeted and efficient air logistics solutions. With a portfolio spanning hurricane relief, earthquake response, and conflict zone support, Chapman Freeman has often contributed significantly to global humanitarian efforts through specialized aviation logistics.

News and issues concerning the aviation charter and fractional-ownership industries and markets, including company announcements, regulations, new developments and labor issues.

Chapman Freeborn Airlifts 70 Electricians to Aid Florida Power Restoration

The charter broker facilitated the rapid transport of more than 70 electricians to Florida

Chapman Freeborn arranged flights for more than 70 electricians to quickly get to Florida in response to widespread power outages following Hurricane Milton.

Chapman Freeborn Aids Hurricane Milton Recovery

2024 Corporate Aviation Leadership Summit

Sarah Rose

News and issues concerning general aviation, specifically airplanes and helicopters powered by piston and alternative engines (i.e., non-turbine powered aircraft). Subjects include aircraft, engines, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security and training.

“I couldn’t be prouder," said president David Stanley

Vista America Celebrates Milestone First Year

Charles Alcock

News about bills, laws, regulations and other governmental decisions affecting aviation and aerospace. Topics include FAA re-authorizations, taxes on fuel and aviation activities, environmental legislation, ICAO decisions, governmental mediation of labor conflicts and World Trade Organization disputes and decisions.

News and information about crew, passenger, aircraft and airport security issues.

News and issues relating to business, corporate and private aviation, primarily regarding turbine-engine-powered airplanes and helicopters. Subjects include aircraft, engines, maintenance, operations, personnel, acquisitions, accidents, safety, security, and training.

Charter brokers and aircraft operators assembled in the Czech capital Prague

Fraud and Cybersecurity Top Air Charter Forum Agenda

News and developments about airplanes, helicopters and unmanned air vehicles used in all varieties of operations, including airlines, military, business, commercial, general aviation and private.

Entry-level pricing now starts at $220,000 for a 1/16 share in the single turboprop

SkyShare Reduces Rates for PC-12 Fractional Owners

Issues regarding financing of aircraft; aviation insurance; tax issues for aircraft operators; new companies and people in the aviation financing and insurance industries.

Private flight provider is also installing Gogo's Galileo HDX Wi-Fi service

Wheels Up Refreshes Jet Fleet With New Credit Facility

"The industry continues to not live up to what I think the people expect"

IADA Looks Ahead at NBAA-BACE and Beyond

New developments at FBOs including regulations and noise issues; legal disputes; openings, acquisitions and mergers.

More In Charter & Fractional

Vista America Celebrates Milestone First Year

“I couldn’t be prouder," said president David Stanley

Fraud and Cybersecurity Top Air Charter Forum Agenda

Charter brokers and aircraft operators assembled in the Czech capital Prague

SkyShare Reduces Rates for PC-12 Fractional Owners

Entry-level pricing now starts at $220,000 for a 1/16 share in the single turboprop

Wheels Up Refreshes Jet Fleet With New Credit Facility

Private flight provider is also installing Gogo's Galileo HDX Wi-Fi service

IADA Looks Ahead at NBAA-BACE and Beyond

"The industry continues to not live up to what I think the people expect"

eVTOL Developer Supernal Teams with Blade and Clay Lacy

Two business aviation groups are stepping up efforts to be part of advanced air mobility

TAG Expands its Fleet With Nine More Aircraft

Worldwide management and charter fleet now includes more than 80 aircraft

Collins Aerospace Launches Upgraded Venue CMS

Upgraded Venue has smart monitors and improved graphical user interface

AIN Products

SUBSCRIPTIONS

RESOURCES

ABOUT AIN