Inside Sports Charters: How Teams Fly to Win

With the kick-off of the new Champions League, Europa League and Conference League season, the race for titles and prestige doesn’t just begin for the football clubs – the engines are also running hot in the background. Our colleagues Bastian Heinze (Senior Passenger Charter Broker) and Luca Zinnemann (Team Leader – Private & Commercial Jets DACH) from our German passenger department are experts in sports charters and have already brought numerous professional teams to their matches safely and on time – be it for football, handball, hockey or even rugby.

This interview offers exclusive insights into their work, including discussions about special missions and reveal what truly matters when chartering flights for sports teams.

How we ended up as sport charter broker – and what makes it special

Can you briefly introduce yourselves and tell us how you got into sports chartering?

Luca: I have been working in aviation for over ten years and studied tourism and air transport. The broker job appealed to me a lot – the different types of customers and travelling as well as the opportunity to immerse myself in many new worlds were decisive factors. The sports sector in particular naturally appealed to me due to my personal passion.

What role does sport charter play in your daily business – how high is the proportion compared to other charter enquiries?

Bastian: Sports charter is a very important part – especially in the season from August to May. Of course, we also look after corporate clients, incentives and private individuals, but the sports sector accounts for a high proportion of our enquiries at peak times. There are also short-term assignments for play-offs, cup rounds or tournaments, which provide additional momentum.

Which sports do you cover most frequently and how do the requirements differ?

Luca: Football clearly dominates – especially due to the UEFA competitions. We also organise occasional flights for handball, basketball and (ice) hockey teams. In terms of requirements, football teams often travel with more staff and greater media attention. Handball or hockey teams are usually smaller, but very flexible. Every sport has its own peculiarities – in basketball, for example, the height of the players plays a role in the choice of seats, while in rugby you have to think about robust equipment. We always adapt to each scenario.

Start of the season & UEFA competitions

The UEFA competitions are just around the corner again – how does your work change during this time?

Bastian: With the start of the UEFA competitions, the volume of enquiries increases dramatically. The match dates are fixed, the clubs’ requirements are high – every minute counts. During this phase, we work very closely with the club managers. In addition to the actual flight organisation, slots, ground handling and catering often have to be meticulously coordinated. It is a very intensive but also exciting time.

Are there certain countries or cities that are particularly frequently flown to during this phase?

Luca: Yes, definitely. Popular destinations include cities in Spain, England, Italy and France – many top clubs are represented there. But Eastern European destinations such as Warsaw, Prague and Budapest are also regularly on the flight schedule. Especially in the group stage, there are many lesser-known destinations – sometimes we also fly to smaller regional airports that are hardly relevant for scheduled flights but are closer to the match venue.

How early do teams start planning their flights?

Bastian: Top clubs often start planning immediately after the draw – around six to eight weeks in advance. However, there are also clubs that act at shorter notice, especially if they wait for the sporting qualification first. Flexibility is required here – even if kick-off times or venues are changed, which can happen in regions with difficult political or weather conditions.  

Organisation & challenges

What are the special considerations for a charter for a professional team compared to a ‘normal’ group flight?

Luca: Firstly, the schedule is absolutely critical – teams often travel within a tight window and require precise timing. Secondly, we have to deal with specific requirements, such as extra space for medical equipment, special dietary requirements for catering, and seat configurations for optimum rest.

How do you deal with last-minute game changes or unexpected situations?

Bastian: Unfortunately, this is part of everyday life. If a match is postponed due to the weather or rescheduled at short notice, we have to react immediately. In such cases, good contacts with airlines, airports and handling agents are crucial. A few hours can often make the difference. In such situations, we work as a team and at full speed – 24/7 availability is not a bonus at Chapman Freeborn, but a duty.

What role do discretion and security play in your assignments?

Luca: A very big one. Many clubs attach great importance to absolute confidentiality – be it because of prominent passengers, an eager fan base or simply for sporting reasons. We therefore customise our communication and procedures, and ensure separate boarding processes or shielded areas if necessary. Security and discretion are a given – not only towards third parties, but also internally.

Anecdotes & outlook

Is there a particular flight or experience that you remember?

Bastian (left) and Luca (right) with colleague Jan Neumann (center) from the US

Bastian: We once had a flight for a rugby team that came on board directly after the game in pouring rain and completely covered in mud. The team had won – and the atmosphere on board was accordingly exuberant! Despite the challenges of cabin service, it was an unforgettable flight – moments like these show just how much emotion is involved in this job.

What trends are you currently observing in the sports charter sector – are there new requirements or changes in the market?

Luca: Sustainability is increasingly becoming an issue. Some clubs are actively asking for CO₂ compensation or more efficient aircraft types. The topic of health, such as healthy in-flight catering options, is also coming more into focus. And, of course, there is a growing need for flexible solutions as calendars become tighter and match schedules more spontaneous.

What are your personal highlights for the coming sports season?

Bastian: The knockout stages of the UEFA competitions are always a highlight – the excitement is particularly high. The preparation trips in the summer, now increasingly to the USA or Asia as well as Europe, also bring a lot of variety. 

Finally: What is the appeal of sports chartering for you personally – and what are you most looking forward to in the coming season?

Luca: It’s the mixture of dynamism, responsibility and proximity to top-class sport. Every flight is individual, no two weeks are the same. We are part of the preparation for top performances – that’s a great responsibility. We are particularly looking forward to new challenges and to getting well-known teams safely to their destinations again – punctually, discreetly and reliably.

Whether international football competitions, hockey tournaments or short-notice handball assignments – behind every successful sporting event is precise and reliable logistics. Our colleagues from the passenger department show just how important experience, flexibility and instinct are in the charter business for sports teams.

If you are also planning transport solutions for your team, your athlete, your association, or your fans, contact us. We know what’s important – on and off the pitch.