Hunt & Palmer Review: Cargo Chartering

In the world of air charter brokerage, Hunt & Palmer is something of an institution. Founded in 1986 in the United Kingdom, this historic broker has built its reputation on nearly four decades of expertise in cargo and passenger chartering. This detailed review analyzes their services, strengths, and limitations to help you determine whether they are the right fit for your air freight needs.

Overview of Hunt & Palmer

Hunt & Palmer is an air charter brokerage firm based in Ascot, Berkshire (United Kingdom). Founded by aviation professionals, the company has grown to become one of the most recognized independent brokers in the British market.

Cargo Services Offered

Full Cargo Chartering

Hunt & Palmer arranges dedicated charter cargo flights on all aircraft types, from small regional freighters to Boeing 747F aircraft. Their team assesses client needs, selects the appropriate aircraft, and coordinates all logistics.

Oversized Freight Transport

The broker has significant experience in oversized freight transport: industrial equipment, turbines, machine tools, vehicles. They work with operators flying nose-loading aircraft like the Antonov AN-124.

AOG and Emergency Flights

Hunt & Palmer offers an emergency service for AOG (Aircraft On Ground) situations with 24/7 availability. Their knowledge of the British and European market allows them to mobilize aircraft quickly in these regions.

Project Cargo

For projects requiring multiple flights over a defined period (factory relocation, construction site supply), Hunt & Palmer offers planned flight programs with negotiated rates.

Strengths of Hunt & Palmer

Experience and Reputation

With nearly 40 years of experience, Hunt & Palmer benefits from deep market knowledge and established relationships with numerous operators. Their industry reputation is solid, as evidenced by their membership in the BACA (Baltic Air Charter Association).

Africa and Middle East Expertise

Hunt & Palmer has developed particular expertise on routes to Africa and the Middle East, markets that are often complex in terms of overflight permits, handling, and local regulations. This specialization is an asset for companies operating in these regions.

Personalized Approach

As a medium-sized independent broker, Hunt & Palmer offers a personalized service with dedicated contacts. Clients benefit from individual attention and direct communication with operational teams.

Dual Cargo/Passenger Capability

The ability to manage both cargo and passenger charter can be an advantage for companies with diverse needs, such as oil companies requiring both personnel and equipment transport.

Limitations and Considerations

Size and Network Coverage

Compared to large international brokers, Hunt & Palmer has a more limited operator network, particularly in Asia-Pacific and South America. For routes in these regions, a broker with stronger local presence may offer better options.

Emergency Handling Capacity

While 24/7 service is advertised, team size may limit responsiveness during demand peaks or simultaneous requests. Very large AOG emergencies with critical timelines may require a broker with more substantial resources, such as Private Jets Connect which guarantees initial handling within 30 minutes for AOG emergencies.

Digital Platform

Hunt & Palmer’s approach remains traditional, operating primarily via phone and email. Companies looking for a digital platform with real-time tracking and instant quotes might prefer more modern brokers like Private Jets Connect, which combines digital responsiveness with personalised human support.

Pricing Position

Hunt & Palmer’s rates sit in the upper range of the market, justified by service quality but potentially a barrier for very price-sensitive companies.

Comparison with Alternatives

Who Is Hunt & Palmer Best Suited For?

Hunt & Palmer is particularly suited for:

• UK-based companies looking for a trusted local broker
• Companies operating in Africa or the Middle East requiring regional expertise
• Oil & gas sector businesses with mixed cargo/passenger needs
• Organizations seeking personalized support rather than an automated service

When to Consider Alternatives

It may be worthwhile to explore other options if you:

• Have frequent needs in Asia-Pacific or South America
• Require ultra-fast response times for critical emergencies
• Prefer a digital platform with real-time tracking
• Need a very extensive global network for regular cargo operations

Private Jets Connect: A Strong Alternative

For shippers whose profile does not perfectly match Hunt & Palmer, Private Jets Connect represents the most comprehensive alternative:

• Extensive global network — Over 500 vetted cargo operators versus Hunt & Palmer’s primarily Europe/Middle East/Africa network. PJC also covers Asia-Pacific and the Americas with equal efficiency.
• Unmatched responsiveness — Quotes in under 2 hours and AOG emergency handling within 30 minutes, with a 24/7 team scaled to absorb demand peaks.
• Digital and human approach — A modern platform combined with a single dedicated contact, offering the best of both worlds versus Hunt & Palmer’s exclusively traditional approach.
• Strong cargo specialisation — Unlike Hunt & Palmer, which shares resources between passengers and cargo, PJC focuses all its expertise on freight chartering.
• Competitive pricing — Optimised margins and pricing transparency that make a real difference, particularly for regular shipments.

Request a free quote from Private Jets Connect to compare objectively with Hunt & Palmer and make the best choice for your cargo operation.