According to Pierre van der Stichele, Chapman Freeborn's director of business development (Cargo), there are suddenly huge numbers of charter requests to destinations where there is normally ample scheduled capacity, e.g. flights from Europe to US hubs like New York (JFK) and Chicago (ORD).

"Forwarders and shippers have been requesting and booking flights using airports anywhere in mainland Europe (e.g. Spain, Bulgaria, etc.), even if it means trucking freight far longer distances than would usually be considered."

In addition to full charters, Chapman Freeborn is also providing part-charters and on-board couriers.

In terms of the types of freight, requests are for just about everything: general cargo, automotive cargo, oil and gas pieces, perishables, etc.

"There is going to be a huge backlog and high demand for charters even when airspace reopens - including freight like perishables and other time-sensitive cargo," said van der Stichele.  "Freighter aircraft availability is going to be a major issue. There was limited capacity prior to these events, so clearing the backlog quickly is going to be a challenge for the industry."