• Vaz-Arab will be working closely with Neil Dursley, Chapman Freeborn chief commercial officer.

May 25, 2021: Chapman Freeborn has appointed Sharon Vaz-Arab, aviation expert with 30 years of experience, as its new director India, Middle East & Africa (IMEA).

Vaz-Arab arrives at the company following 26 years at Cargolux Airlines, where she began in sales and progressed to director of Middle East and Indian operations. She also managed global accounts for Etihad Airways.

Based in the company's Dubai office, Vaz-Arab will be working closely with Neil Dursley, Chapman Freeborn chief commercial officer and will play a crucial role in Dursley's global team.

Dursley commented, "We are delighted to welcome Sharon to Chapman Freeborn, her wealth of knowledge and expertise will be fundamental to our strategic growth plans for IMEA."

Vaz-Arab commented, "Dubai is a location of significant strategic importance, bridging the western and eastern territories, and serving as a hub to many of the world's top companies. I am looking forward to linking Chapman Freeborn's IMEA interests to generate new business, developing its cargo and passenger air charter operations."

A big source of career inspiration for her is the story of Russi Batliwala, who started as a trainee broker before rising to become Chapman Freeborn's Group Chairman.

Eric Erbacher, Chapman Freeborn CEO, said, "Sharon is experienced, talented, passionate about the industry and well-connected across the IMEA territories. She is a perfect fit for Chapman Freeborn and will be an asset to the tea. I wish her every success in her new role."