Additional flights streamline airfreight options

AMI South Africa
is gearing up for
growth on the
back of internal
restructuring completed at the
end of last year.
“We’re not expecting
any fireworks, but with the
appointment of additional
staff in all our local offices to
improve our service and to
expand the business, we have
hit the ground running,” said
national sales manager
Vernon Lines.
“Our Click2Ship
express product
that was launched
two years ago has
shown impressive
growth during
2015 and we are
expecting it to
double
this
year,”
said Lines. “The traditional
market for this service,
the small door-to-door
shipments, has given way
to larger shipments –
especially into African
destinations – where on
other available options
service has been
suspect and pricing
through the roof.
“With the larger
acceptance of up
to 70 kg per
piece and
300
kg per shipment, we have
attracted shipments that we
may not have had previously.”
AMI’s Africa business
meanwhile has continued
its upward
trajectory, said
Lines. “With
more airlines
servicing
African
destinations
at reasonable
rates, these
markets
seem to open
themselves
up. With the
additional
flights, we
are now seeing carriers having
to compete for the cargo as
opposed to having it on a
platter. The down side has
been the shortage of foreign
currency in some of the oilreliant
economies which in
turn has reduced orders from
South African shippers."
Outside
of Africa
Australia
saw strong
growth while
volumes into
Europe picked
up well in the
last quarter,
according to
Lines.
A big
benefit for all
operators was
the growth in
capacity out of
South Africa, he added.
“With the seasonal flights
into Cape Town taking the
pressure off the regular
carriers we have been able to
maintain discounted rates and
get our cargo moving over the
perishable season,” he said.
“The additional flights into
Durban and Cape Town have
also increased our options
– especially from Durban.
Cargo that was trucked to
Johannesburg can now be
routed directly from Durban.”
According to Lines,
airfreight export rates are
under pressure thanks to
added capacity and it is
literally a buyer’s market.
“Some rates being offered
by the carriers are almost
unbelievable even if they are
valid for a month or two.”
On the import side, AMI
is continuing to build on its
traditional markets. “Our 13
consolidations from the UK
per week are full and we are
still looking for more capacity.”
INSERT & CAPTION
Export rates are
under pressure thanks
to added capacity
and it is literally a
buyer’s market.
– Vernon Lines