Africa helps to pump up BA World Cargo figures

ROUTE TRAFFIC from Africa and Asia scored high in British Airways World Cargo (BAWC) figures during the first six months of the Financial Year 2002-03 when the airline recorded a 4% increase worldwide compared to the same period the previous year. BAWC delivered a strong financial performance with total revenue improving to £283 million. This increase was generated despite 6.7% less available capacity as a result of the airline’s Future Size and Shape strategy. The financial performance was achieved through a significant improvement in service levels, says managing director Gareth Kirkwood, particularly through the London hub, and a strong performance in key markets. Here he refers to the African and Asian traffic that ‘remained buoyant’, although the airline was faced with difficult trading conditions in US and UK markets at the time. The cargo division introduced a new set of product ranges in July last year that has proved highly successful, he says. “The feedback from our customers has been very positive. The clarity and simplicity of our product range and the higher levels of service quality have been applauded.”