Automotive business fosters airfreight growth

Increased trucking between Johannesburg and Durban as well as capacity constraints at the new operational facility are some of the challenges faced by SAA Cargo, says Venita Bunsee, acting terminal manager for SAA Cargo in Durban. “Despite this the Durban market has performed relatively well in the past year. The market remains consistent, with international demand for automotive products increasing.” There is no denying that there have been teething problems at the new operational facility,” says Bunsee. “At present we have some capacity constraints due to a smaller warehouse being shared amongst a number of clients, however we are addressing these issues with Worldwide Flight Services (WFS).” On the upside there have been a number of automotive contracts which have recently been awarded to clients in the Durban region, and as a result airfreight demand has increased. “The increase in trucking between Johannesburg and Durban has posed some competition on this route, in particular resulting in a decline in yields in the sector at times.” With the new airport in Durban there is much room for development, says Bunsee. “Not only from a functional perspective, but also from a route perspective. With international carriers now flying into Durban the airport can offer a range of opportunities for northern KwaZulu-Natal for both airfreight and the economy at large. “We retain our daytime and overnight express services to Durban and the network offerings on SAA still provide us with a niche market across the globe.”