‘Africa offers significant growth potential’

Last year was a challenging one for the airline industry, but growth potential exists in numerous locations, including Africa, according to Dileepa Wijesundera, senior vice-president of Qatar Airways Cargo. While many carriers have been reducing capacity and offering low rates to generate cash flow, he told FTW in an exclusive interview that his cargo operation had managed to perform well. “This,” he said, “through having a diverse network and numerous trade lanes feeding the overall business. “Although growing at a rapid pace, we continue to operate in a flexible manner. This allows us to react to shifting market dynamics quickly, either with pricing initiatives or moving capacity allocations from one trade lane to another.” He also pointed out that the cargo carrier’s home base at Doha was at the crossroads of East and West. “This allows us to connect the markets of Europe to the Middle East, the Far East, Indian subcontinent, Africa and Australia,” he added. “With dedicated staff, the Doha hub and its facilities ensure all transhipments are processed in an efficient, seamless manner.” And, despite the generally tough time for airfreight cargo volumes, Qatar Airways Cargo has noted some distinct points of good growth. Said Wijesundera: “We are continuing to see growth in Asia, particularly South Asia, as well as USA and Europe where frequencies and destinations have been increased. “Potential for growth exists in numerous locations, particularly in Africa.” Looking ahead, Wijesundera is relatively confident about the prospects. “The upcoming year,” he said, “will determine whether recent improvements in demand are temporary or whether there is solid growth across the industry.”