Awakening economies keep airfreight buoyant

Volumes on Airlink Cargo’s strengthening African network are on an upward trajectory, says managing director Alwyn Rautenbach. “Things are looking up in Zimbabwe at the moment, with particularly good volumes to Bulawayo and Harare. “And with the mining industry in Zambia and Zimbabwe also beginning to reopen, mining spares into those countries are showing a steady increase.” The same is true of Beira in Mozambique. “There’s so much activity in the mining industry which – along with the movement of textiles and clothing as well as cell phone accessories, all sorts of goods from China and the courier industry – is keeping the airline buoyant.” Because of the significant growth in courier business, Airlink has streamlined operational procedures. “In May this year we introduced an electronic waybill for regular customers so they can complete the waybill online. In addition, cut-off procedures for early morning flights before the aircraft departure are extremely attractive.” In a further upgrade the airline has set up a new export warehouse at OR Tambo International Airport. “We introduced a screening process upstream rather than downstream where it used to be, and the entire operation has been streamlined for faster handling.” In a further move to improve processes for the benefit of its customers, the company’s electronic data interchange system interfaces in standard Iata-type freight messages with its customers so that there is no need to fill in two waybills. “The system also offers a pre-alerting facility so that the customer is aware of what cargo to expect – cutting down on human error.” For the year ahead, Rautenbach remains bullish, with more destinations in Mozambique on the planning boards for 2010. This will complement its current service network covering Zambia, Zimbabwe, Mozambique, Lesotho, Swaziland and Antananarivo.