There is a new name in the aviation industry ever since the transport logistic/Air Cargo China event, last month – and one with a mission to bring about a ‘new era in aircraft chartering and leasing’ and ‘become the most trusted and agile charter partner in the market, redefining how charter capacity is sourced, managed, and delivered through expertise, technology, and global reach,’ according to its Managing Director, Emir Ozdabak. CharterDesk is a full-service charter partner, based in Hungary, offering tailored air cargo, passenger, private jet charters and ACMI/leasing solutions for customers worldwide. CargoForwarder Global (CFG) wanted to know more from Emir Ozdabak (EO) about what gave rise to the launch of CharterDesk, how it operates and who the person behind the business is.
CFG: How was the CharterDesk launch accepted by the industry at Air Cargo China?
EO: Air Cargo China provided the ideal platform to introduce CharterDesk to the international air cargo community, and the response was extremely encouraging.
We held valuable discussions with airlines, freight forwarders, charter specialists and logistics professionals, giving us the opportunity to reconnect with established contacts while building relationships with new industry stakeholders. These conversations also provided important insight into the evolving requirements of the global air cargo and aviation market.
Launching CharterDesk at the event allowed us to clearly present our value proposition: senior-level expertise, tailor-made solutions, access to a diversified global network of operators, and a single accountable point of contact throughout the entire charter process, from the initial enquiry to final delivery.
The positive reception confirmed that there is strong demand for a more personal, transparent and hands-on approach to air charter.
CFG: What gave you the idea to launch CharterDesk?
EO: The idea behind CharterDesk was shaped by more than 25 years of experience across ground handling, airline planning, charter brokerage and GSA operations.
Throughout that time, one trend became increasingly clear: clients want solutions that are tailored to their specific requirements, supported by responsive communication and genuine senior-level attention. In larger organizations, heavy workloads, multiple internal handovers and junior-led enquiry processes can sometimes make it difficult to provide that level of focus.
CharterDesk was created to set a new standard. Every enquiry is handled with the bespoke, hands-on attention it deserves, supported by experienced professionals who understand both the commercial and operational realities of aviation.
Our objective is to simplify a charter process that can often appear slow, opaque and fragmented. By providing clear communication, carefully sourced options and one accountable point of contact, we aim to make chartering faster, more transparent and easier for our clients.
CFG: Are there enough aircraft to go around, particularly in cargo? How will CharterDesk stand out?
EO: Standard widebody freighter capacity remains available in the global market, but access can quickly become constrained by fleet shortages, geopolitical disruption, maintenance requirements and changing airline network priorities. Genuine outsize and super-heavy capacity is considerably more limited, with a relatively small, ageing and fragmented global fleet.
At the same time, demand continues to grow across sectors including infrastructure, energy, mining, defense, humanitarian relief and project logistics. This makes strong operator relationships, market visibility and rapid sourcing increasingly important.
CharterDesk works across the full freighter spectrum, from B737F and B757F aircraft through to B767F, B777F, A330F, B747F and An-124-class solutions. This enables us to assess each requirement independently and identify the most appropriate aircraft based on payload, dimensions, routing, availability and cost.
Our differentiation lies in our diversified global operator network, rigorous supplier vetting, structured and data-driven sourcing, fast response times and senior-level involvement. Clients also benefit from one accountable point of contact and 24/7 operational support.
By combining long-term operator relationships with disciplined sourcing and hands-on management, CharterDesk is positioned to secure dependable solutions even in complex or capacity-constrained markets.
CFG: Why was Hungary chosen as the business base?
EO: Hungary provides CharterDesk with a strategically valuable base at the heart of Europe.
Its central European location and strong international connectivity offer direct access to major European markets and a broad network of aircraft operators, airlines and logistics partners. As a member of the European Union, Hungary also places CharterDesk within the EU’s established legal and regulatory framework.
The location supports both our European activities and our wider international reach. From Hungary, we are well positioned to serve clients and manage charter operations across Europe, the Middle East, Asia, the Americas and Africa.
CFG: Is there a focus on sustainability within CharterDesk?
EO: We take a pragmatic and responsible approach to sustainability. While air charter has an environmental impact, we believe there are meaningful opportunities to reduce it through careful planning, efficient aircraft selection and collaboration with forward-thinking operators.
One of the most significant factors within our control is right-sizing. By matching the correct aircraft to the payload, dimensions and routing, we can help clients avoid unnecessarily large or half-empty aircraft. This can reduce both operating costs and environmental footprint.
We also focus on efficient routings, minimizing unnecessary positioning sectors and, where commercially and operationally appropriate, favoring operators with newer and more fuel-efficient fleets.
As part of our tailored approach, CharterDesk can also support clients by sourcing SAF-capable operators and assisting with carbon offsetting, emissions reporting and other environmental requirements.
Our role is to help clients balance operational urgency, commercial considerations and environmental responsibility, while ensuring that every charter is planned as efficiently as circumstances allow.
CFG: Do you foresee AI supporting CharterDesk’s operations in the future?
EO: Yes. Technology is already an important part of the CharterDesk operating model through structured internal systems, organized operator data and carefully managed pipeline tracking.
AI and automation have the potential to support areas such as searches, pricing references, documentation and routine administration. Used correctly, these tools can make repetitive processes faster, more consistent and more efficient, allowing brokers to dedicate more time to clients and complex operational requirements.
However, air charter remains a relationship-led and experience-driven business. Human expertise is essential when assessing operators, interpreting market intelligence, negotiating solutions and managing client expectations.
Experienced brokers are particularly important when dealing with complex routings, permits, dangerous goods, outsize cargo, short-notice requirements and irregular operations. These situations require judgement, creativity and trusted industry relationships, not simply automated results.
The CharterDesk approach combines intelligent technology with senior human expertise, enhancing speed, structure and efficiency while ensuring that judgement, relationships and complex problem-solving remain in the hands of experienced professionals.
CFG: Who is Emir Ozdabak outside CharterDesk?
EO: Aviation is more than a career for me; it is a genuine passion. After more than 25 years in the industry, I remain as enthusiastic about aviation as I was when I first started.
Outside the business, one of my greatest passions is motorcycling. I own a Harley-Davidson CVO Road Glide and particularly enjoy touring foreign countries and experiencing the freedom of the open road.
I am also a major sports fan, particularly football and basketball, and a devoted supporter of Fenerbahçe.
Animals are another important part of my life, and I have a genuine affection for animals and pets of all kinds. I also love nature and the sea and have always enjoyed scuba diving, although the demands of business mean I do not have as much time for it as I once did.
These days, my favorite escape is getting on the Harley, travelling with friends and discovering new places. It provides the perfect balance to the fast-paced and demanding world of aviation.
Thank you, Emir Ozdabak.
