Kim Naicker . . . UK flights carry
considerable volume of SA cargo
EMIRATES IS one airline where the cargo operation is taking a close look at the relationship between passenger bookings and its own. While the South African cargo sector contributed more than 20% towards this company's regional profit figures over the past year, the number of travellers flying strictly on business is seen by the airline as a significant future development factor.
Cargo internationally increased by 24,2%, with a total of 335 194 tons carried. The southern African operation contributed a significant 4,5% to this figure, said Southern African regional manager Juan van Rensburg.
Cargo business contributed around 22% to revenues."
The airline's cargo growth, most of which is of a transhipment nature, is largely related to the fast turnabout time offered at Dubai airport, says cargo manager Kum Naicker.
"There is seldom longer than a 30 minute delay in any shipment, and we have been able to market this factor to gain considerable business from the airlines which have pulled out of South Africa. Our UK flights from Dubai are now carrying a considerable volume of South African export cargo.
"We still carry around 60% of our load in the form of perishables to Dubai and the Far and Middle East. At the same time we have enjoyed an average 90% load factor on inbound flights, made up mainly of machinery and textiles destined for southern African regions."
