Cargo outsourcing gains favour with airlines

THE CONCEPT of “airline cargo outsourcing” has really proved its worth, according to Basson Piek, director (international) of the Bidvest Group subsidiary, Express Air Services (EAS). This innovative concept was part of the company’s answer to the needs of an international market requiring quality access to and from the southern African region. “Within EAS,” he told FTW, “we have developed and perfected a comprehensive outsourcing option, and already act as an outsourced cargo department for three major independent southern African airlines - servicing an extensive network throughout southern Africa.” The value of such outsourcing, Piek added, is that it leaves the airlines free to focus on their core profit driver, passengers, while having a professionally operated cargo division at the same time. “This link with the prime airlines of the region provides EAS with a major advantage for foreign airlines seeking to access the region efficiently and cost effectively,” he said. Supporting its services on the domestic front, EAS has airport-based warehouses in Johannesburg, Durban, Port Elizabeth, George, East London and Cape Town. Dedicated branches in Namibia, Zimbabwe and Zambia extend the integrated network into the southern African region. “This provides superior capacity for our airfreight agents, courier companies and airline clients regionally and internationally,” said Piek. Within the Bidvest Group - ranked on the Forbes 400 and listed on the JSE Securities Exchange in SA and its counterparts in Australia, London and Luxembourg - EAS is an integral part of BidAir Services. EAS is a specialist cargo business supported by over 400 active cargo agent clients. “International and domestic airline clients benefit from our capacity to provide either stand-alone services or a combination of general sales and servicing and cargo handling agency.”