Airfreight gives small-to-medium-sized forwarders a lift

All freight forwarders can access a range of options for airfreight out of South Africa and other departure points by leveraging the purchasing power and networks of neutral consolidators, according to Stephen Bishop, airfreight general manager of CFR Freight. “With CFR being a top 10 IATA cargo agent in South Africa we have a competitive airfreight offering into West Africa in particular due to our bulk buying power. “We as the neutral wholesaler act as an intermediary for all companies that do not yet have representation in West Africa. Overnight they can be part of our network of fully fledged agents,” he says. Operating as “an airline without an aircraft”, CFR airfreight has “dramatically” increased its footprint in Africa over the past year and can now offer DAP (Delivered at Place) solutions into 43 African countries, which means it has 80% of the continent covered, according to Bishop. “With CFR being part of the Air Cargo Group global network we partner with African Express into several of the territories in East and West Africa and a handful of ‘local heroes’ across the continent to ensure a competitive offering and an extension of our own network. “Over 60% of our airfreight export volumes are into Africa, with West Africa featuring prominently. Lagos and Accra are two of our top destinations,” he says. Airfreight growth is largely determined by the trends in passenger traffic across the continent, he adds. “The airfreight industry is driven by cargo carried on passenger planes. Airlines are putting an increasing number of wide-bodied aircraft on the routes. Even with narrow-bodied aircraft there is an opportunity for airfreight wherever there are passengers,” he says. While urgent cargo has traditionally been transported by air, shippers are also turning to airfreight for time-sensitive cargo due to congestion and delays at border posts across the continent, according to Bishop. Airlines have the capacity to move all types of cargo into West Africa. “Whatever the freight forwarders want we will move.” Cargo being moved includes mining spares, perishables and general cargo. With most of the traffic being imports into West Africa there is spare airfreight capacity out of the region, which creates opportunities for South African importers or traders. Freight forwarders in South Africa are also able to make use of the CFR network to move cargo by air directly to and from Europe, the Americas or the East into and out of West Africa on behalf of their clients, he adds. “We have the ability to assist agents with cross trade within the Air Cargo Group. If requested, billing is done in South Africa,” he adds. INSERT & CAPTION Over 60% of our airfreight export volumes are into Africa, with West Africa featuring prominently. – Stephen Bishop