‘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.”