African airlines invest as potential grows

African airlines are growing their service offering to address major challenges such as size restrictions and regular reliable schedules, says Sanguine Logistics. “In the past, lack of infrastructure at a destination, politics and poor handling facilities have, in many instances, caused unnecessary and costly delays,” says Sanguine managing director, Lesley Haw. She adds that since the logistics company focuses mainly on project work, the cargo is often larger and longer than what most African scheduled airlines can cope with. “Charter aircraft are not always an option due to volume and price,” notes Haw, remarking that overall, airfreight has always been a last option into Africa, rather than a first. These challenges present a “huge opportunity” for airlines willing to go into Africa, she believes. “Singapore Air did some large movements for us last year, and did them well,” she says. She adds that African airlines are increasingly growing their f leets as well as aircraft size and number of scheduled f lights. “A continued investment by African airlines and airports into infrastructure, handling and larger aircraft will go a long way to growing the industry.” Another major bugbear for Sanguine is the customs processes at African destinations. “Airfreight is meant to be the quickest route but the customs process, bureaucracy and a lack of infrastructure can cause major delays,” says Haw. INSERT & CAPTION Customs processes, bureaucracy and a lack of infrastructure cause major delays. – Lesley Haw