Airlink’s freighter fleet will be deployed on capacity-constrained routes

Specific routes where the need for the fast movement of smaller parcels is high will be the first beneficiaries of Airlink’s converted freighter fleet. According to CEO Rodger Foster, the first of 13 J41 passenger aircraft to be converted to freight-only aircraft will be used on routes where the demand for capacity is greater than the airline is currently able to supply. With its established route network, the decision to convert its fleet of Jetstream 41 aircraft into dedicated freighters made economic sense, says Foster. “We are the designated freight carriers to most of southern Africa as well as on all the domestic freight routes. Having realised that our current fleet is not going to be able to service our growing passenger needs, converting them for our freighter market is the perfect solution.” The airline will still use its replacement passenger aircraft to carry belly freight. “Having done the feasibility and other studies, we have realised the value a dedicated freighter aircraft can make to our business – especially taking into account that our cargo business is probably growing more than our passenger business, which is estimated to be about 7-8% per year.” Airlink Cargo MD Alwyn Rautenbach said being able to address the need of growing volumes would also allow the airline to actively grow its market share, especially in the courier industry. “We are not competing with the traditional courier company. In fact, they are our clients, but so is anyone else who wants to move small parcels and other cargo quickly.”