‘Loose’ cargo focus pays handsome
dividends
Leonard Neill
TIGHTENING UP on the loose has been the byword at British Airways World Cargo during the past year, and it’s added new dimensions and increased success to the international operations of the airline’s cargo service, says David Shepherd, BAWC general manager Africa.
“No doubt about it that customers were previously reticent to give us transhipment freight from South Africa through London Heathrow when it came to loose packages,” he says. “It was a worldwide problem with our airline and it is something we have now addressed very firmly.
“We have seen a vast improvement in both unitised and loose consignments in recent months, particularly between South Africa and the Far East where we have made particular inroads.
“Our customers have noticed it and have come back to us with good reports. We make sure goods get to their destination in 48 hours. We have also focused on express products, and I’m prepared to claim we are second to none right now.”
BAWC recorded an upswing not only in South Africa but in the majority of southern African destinations, where cargo operations fall under his control. These include flights from London to Cairo, Accra, Lagos, Abidjan, Nairobi, Entebbe, Dar es Salaam, Harare, Lusaka and Mauritius.
An Angola service was started last month, but only perishables are being handled from the UK at present. Shepherd’s workforce is seeking to beef up security at the airport before the service is extended.
“One of the big features from the South African point of view was the upsurge in the textile exports. They took us by storm,” he says. “Not only does the Agoa agreement mean greater volumes moving to the United States, but good quality South African stock is now in high demand in the UK, Ireland and mainland Europe.
“The rand is still offering good value to exporters even as it strengthens against overseas currencies, and our freighter service as well as loads in our 747 and 777 passenger flights remain solid.
“Africa as a whole is an ever-improving continent for cargo, to the extent that we have developed strong trucking arrangements in countries like Kenya and Tanzania to deliver from airports to consignees in other regions.”
Under the microscope right now is the road feeder service which BAWC contracts out for deliveries to and from Durban, Port Elizabeth, East London and even Cape Town. “We are looking to expand on requirements in that sector and will be setting up improved services in the new year.”
But it has been the London headquarters’ attention to loose cargo that has contributed significantly to the airline’s successes during 2002.
