Africa the focus following ATC buy-out

Developing and extending its African profile is high on the agenda at The Cargo Connection (TCC), says managing director Gerd von Mansberg. TCC was acquired in February by ATC Aviation Services in Europe. Von Mansberg, who is contracted to the company for at least another five years, says while it is business as usual for the SA aviation general sales agent (GSA), the buyout allows the company the luxury of being able to strategise and develop its African reach. “This is ATC’s first footprint in Africa and we are working hard at developing this new identity,” he told FTW. “They have been interested in expanding to Africa for some time, but realised very quickly that you cannot run a business in Africa from a desk in Frankfurt. With this acquisition they gain immediate knowledge and expertise of Africa.” His mandate for the coming years is to develop Africa as a market for ATC. For Von Mansberg it made sense to sell the company that has been in operation for 18 years exclusively as a GSA. “Through this move we can offer a truly international package to the carriers we represent and we’re able to take the opportunities that come our way.” There will be no change in staff or the operation of the company. Joining the international ranks of ATC, a €250 million business based in Frankfurt, the synergies and spin-offs between the two companies are endless. “This association is an ideal means of generating extra business for us and for ATC.”