The trials and tribulations of the airfreight industry have been well documented, and for operators into Africa the challenges are no different. “The global recession has resulted in a substantial drop in airline volumes,” says Intraspeed managing director Jade da Costa. “As a result we’re likely to see charter operators and airline carriers putting smaller aircraft onto certain routes which will create a problem for larger cargo pieces.” And while reduced volumes will knock the airfreight industry, shippers looking for cost savings will also be considering the seafreight option. “Lead time will have to be taken into account, but there’s no doubt that airlines will be affected. “Most airlines into the region are using European cargo north and south bound to subsidise certain rates, and this will have a direct impact on the rate level and structure.”
