Aersud gets involved in equipment modification

EXPLOSIVE GROWTH in the diamond mining sector has translated into strong demand for capital equipment. And that’s reflected in growing volumes for project cargo specialist Aersud Logistics. “We carry drill rigs, trucks and any other miningrelated equipment to areas generally inaccessible by road,” says director Dons Vorster. But transport is a single element of Aersud’s all-encompassing service which ranges from equipment modification to a door-to-door cargo escort service. When FTW caught up with Vorster he’d just completed a shipment to Mbuji-Mayi in the DRC for a major mining company and was on his way to Cape Town to inspect cargo for Kananga – also in the DRC. It’s critical for all parties to liaise at every level, says Vorster, who is a strong advocate of closer co-operation between manufacturers and transporters. “Mining companies know what they need on the ground but don’t plan ahead to get it there – it’s our job to modify the equipment to fit the plane. It would be far more constructive if we were involved at the manufacturing stage, avoiding additional costs and time.” No equipment is ever despatched without a member of the Aersud team in tow, says Vorster. “We accompany the cargo and liaise with customs, immigration and clients on the ground to ensure a smooth logistics flow. “We also carry the technical staff required to reassemble the equipment at destination – arranging catering, accommodation and the like. “It’s the kind of all-encompassing service that we believe sets us apart from our competitors.” Aersud deploys Russian Ilyushin 76 aircraft which Vorster believes are ideally suited in terms of loading and offloading flexibility. When the company was established almost a decade ago, its service portfolio was diverse. “We were doing everything – from helicopters to passengers – but now we specialise in heavy-lift cargo which is clearly in strong demand as mining continues to show strong growth.”