New markets for inbound and outbound high value and time-sensitive cargo have been opened up by DHL adding more capacity to the Gauteng-Lusaka route. DHL has replaced its ATR72 with a B737-400F.
The Boeing 727 can handle up to 21 000 tons of freight, or 142 cubic metres, while its predecessor, the ATR72, could uplift just over eight tons, and 76 cubic metres of load space. In addition, Stabo Air in conjunction with Eurocargo have upgraded their weekly service from an MD-11 to a B747-400F.
“This additional capacity on a busy route opens up a number of interesting options for imports and exports out of Lusaka,” says Henry Bwalya, general manageroperations at Zega. Zega is looking forward to the opening of the new airport terminal later this year at the Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (KKIA) and the promise that this development holds for new carriers operating into Zambia.
Zega was established in the early nineties to bolster the cold storage capacity at the KKIA outside Lusaka. At the time the flower export industry was blooming and farmers needed a secure cold chain to ensure quality on the European and South African markets for their produce.
In the mid-nineties Zega moved into ground handling, with British Airways and South African Airways and numerous cargo charters as its clients. The company now provides full handling of both passengers and cargo on a twice-daily Emirates service into Lusaka.
“Today we handle a range of fresh produce – from roses to passion fruit and grapes for export to Europe and South Africa on both scheduled and charter flights,” says Bwalya. “We offer a secure and stable environment for handling these valuable cargoes including ample and reliable refrigerated storage as and when required."
We handle a range of fresh produce for export to Europe and South Africa on both scheduled and charter flights. – Henry Bwalya
