Reto Hunziker: Chapman Freeborn Sees Opportunity in E-Commerce Disruption & Bets on People

At Air Cargo Europe 2025 in Munich, Reto Hunziker, President-Europe at Chapman Freeborn, sat down with Rajarshi Chatterjee, Assistant Editor at STAT Media Group, to discuss what’s driving the air cargo charter business in Europe — and how the company is adapting to a rapidly evolving market.

In this insightful interview, Hunziker talks about: The dominant cargo types Chapman Freeborn handles in Europe — including automotive, steel, and e-commerce from China and Hong Kong.
The drop in e-commerce shipments due to tariff changes and shifting consumer behaviour — and how this is creating new opportunities for last-minute charter demand
The rise of Vietnam, Cambodia, and Bangladesh as key garment manufacturing hubs for exports to Europe
The company’s expansion strategy — from closing and reopening offices to entering new regions and aligning with customer requirements
Leadership changes within the European region and the focus on building a resilient, flexible workforce
Chapman Freeborn’s investments in AI and digital innovation — balanced by a strong belief that air cargo remains a people-driven business

“AI is becoming more important, but at the end of the day, this industry is still about people and relationships,” says Hunziker.

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00:00 Introduction
00:43 Most exciting thing in air cargo for Reto Hunziker
01:03 Top cargo types moved by Chapman Freeborn across Europe
01:39 How e-commerce shifts are fuelling charter demand?
03:58 What Chapman Freeborn offers?
05:34 Chapman Freeborn’s new leaders and financial update
07:49 Adapting & expanding – Chapman Freeborn’s European footprint
09:33 Tackling market fragmentation – Chapman Freeborn’s strategy for Europe
10:54 Why Chapman Freeborn prioritises people over just tech & AI