Charters take up the slack as capacity dwindles further

'Big orders flown in from the Middle East' CHARTER AIRCRAFT operators and airline alliance partners are cashing in on the withdrawal of scheduled airlines from international routes to South Africa. The matter was compounded recently when severe fuel restrictions were being placed on all aircraft at Johannesburg International Airport following the fire at the Sasolburg refinery. Now, with Swissair disappearing in addition to the four other airlines which withdrew earlier this year, cargo is beginning to pile up at JIA. A major problem now facing many airlines is the upcoming perishable season, when South African fruits will be booked for European destinations. "There are certainly more charters being brought in because of the situation," says Fast International's Gary Murphy. "We have noticed a bit of a slowdown in trade, and whether this is because of the recent US situation or lower productivity in this country is uncertain. But everything will start picking up again at this month's end and we will be moving into the fruit season. "In addition to the European demands, we are now getting big orders from the Middle East where South African grapes are proving very popular." Murphy is satisfied that the airline operators and charter users were able to overcome the difficulties of the fuel shortage without serious problems because of one major factor in their favour. "It was like going through the sanction years again and we had plenty of experience getting around them in those days. That experience stood us all in good stead this year and we became sanction busters all over again!" The recently formed KenCargo group, an alliance between Martinair, Kenya Airways and KLM Cargo, has seen a marked upsurge in bookings for European destinations. "We are also collecting far more cargo out of Europe for this country," says marketing manager Maarten Klijnstra. With security having been tightened up at most airports, the flow of cargo through centres has also been slowed down. "That's understandable," says Klijnstra. "I have just returned from Nairobi and it is as stringent there as it is here in Johannesburg. "What it is doing is providing more time to complete the relevant forms and have all security checks and balances in place with far less opportunity for pilfering. That, in itself, is a good thing."