Markus Schmidt as Vice President Cargo
Appointment follows the launch of Luxaviation ONE’s Cargo Charter Department in early 2026
and marks the next phase in the expansion of its Air Cargo offering across charter and air
freight solutions
Luxembourg – Luxaviation ONE, the dedicated charter brokerage division of Luxaviation Group, one of the world’s largest business aircraft operators, is pleased to announce the appointment of Markus Schmidt as Vice President Cargo, marking the next step in the development of the company’s cargo charter and air freight activities. Bringing more than 20 years of experience in international air cargo, Markus Schmidt will lead and further develop the existing Air Cargo team and work with clients and partners to expand Luxaviation ONE’s cargo activities.
Markus Schmidt joins Luxaviation ONE from Chapman Freeborn Airchartering, where he most recently served as Vice President Cargo Commercial Operations Europe. His career also includes senior positions at Etihad Airways, Celebi Aviation Holding and Asiana Airlines, with experience spanning cargo charter, commercial operations, airline and supplier relationships, strategic account management and business development.
Patrick Hansen
CEO of Luxaviation Group, says
“Since establishing our cargo capabilities within Luxaviation ONE, we have seen significant potential to broaden the solutions we provide to clients. Markus’s appointment is an important next step in that development, bringing extensive industry expertise to an established team and supporting our plans to further grow our cargo activities internationally.”
Romain Alati
CEO of Luxaviation ONE, adds:
“Client requirements are becoming increasingly diverse, and our ambition is to be a trusted partner for air freight solutions. Markus brings extensive industry experience and a strong understanding of the market. His appointment strengthens our Air Cargo team and enables us to build on our existing capabilities with the right partners to meet a broad range of requirements.”
The Air Cargo team covers full and part cargo charters as well as air freight solutions for individual shipments and specific cargo volumes. Its activities span sectors including automotive, aerospace, oil and gas, mining, textiles and garments, humanitarian and government cargo, valuable cargo, artworks, e-commerce and general cargo, as well as dangerous goods and other specialised shipments.
The development comes against a backdrop of changing trade flows, geopolitical developments and continued supply chain disruption. These conditions are increasingly driving a shift from ocean to air freight, particularly where timing and supply chain continuity are critical. Luxaviation ONE combines its cargo charter activities with access to air freight capacity on scheduled services through its international network of airline and industry partners, enabling the Air Cargo team to identify the most appropriate solution for each shipment.
Markus Schmidt, Vice President Cargo, Luxaviation ONE, says: “Every cargo solution starts with the requirement. Whether it is a smaller shipment, a part charter or a larger charter operation, our role is to understand what is needed and identify the appropriate solution. I look forward to building on the expertise already in place and strengthening long-term relationships across our network.”
About the Luxaviation Group
Since 1964, the Luxaviation Group has been tailoring private travel experiences for a global clientele. Founded by André Ganshof van der Meersch, a Belgian entrepreneur, pilot and nobleman our sixty year history still proudly takes flight with our commitment to creating excellence through visionary, pioneering and innovative private aviation experiences.
Luxaviation is headquartered in Luxembourg, a country renowned for its rich history, strategic importance, and economic prowess in Europe. The Group is comprised of top-of-the-line aviation brands: Luxaviation, Starspeed, and ExecuJet. Our more than 1300 employees work in an around-the-clock operation on five continents, delivering stellar service in the areas of aircraft management for private and commercial aircraft, private air charter services, and managing an FBO network of over 110 facilities around the world.
Ever innovative in spirit, the group has leveraged its global perspective, carrying the value of its founder into its transformation as the world’s premier luxury experience travel company. Through the development of bespoke luxury travel packages, various ventures, and our very own Luxaviation Client Service Training Academy, we are honoured to evolve our brand in keeping with the ever-changing luxury travel landscape.
Luxaviation considers corporate sustainability as an integral part of its business strategy. The company integrates sustainability into its decision-making processes, actively handling social and environmental concerns and continuously seeking to improve its operations.
