Dedicated freighter grows Botwana's trade capacity

Diamonds are still Botswana’s best friends – which is good news for air cargo growth. “Due to the high risk involved in the transporting of diamonds air is still the most favoured mode of transport,” said Molefi Kgautlhe, assistant cargo manager for Air Botswana. “The decision to relocate the Botswana Diamond Trading Company to Gaborone from London is also good news for air cargo in the country.” He said besides diamonds and other high-value commodities the airline was targeting the pharmaceutical and perishables sectors in an effort to grow air freight volumes. Air Botswana recently moved into a brand new cargo terminal in Gaborone (Sir Seretse Khama Airport) from which all air cargo is managed. “We used to operate from a very small building closer to the passenger terminal, but investing in new facilities has allowed us to up our game and increase our volumes significantly,” he told FTW. “Not only are we able to facilitate and hold more cargo, but everything including customs, ministry of agriculture and cargo clearing agents are now all under one roof. We also have cold rooms and bonded storage facilities available and are able to service our customers far better than in the past.” Kgautlhe said the 2 936-sqm facility had capacity to handle 400 tonnes of loose and palletised cargo a year. “The premises are part of our growth strategy in which we aim to significantly increase our cargo volumes.” It has been a big year for the airline’s cargo division – not only moving into new premises but also launching a dedicated cargo freighter between Johannesburg and Gaborone. “Developing our cargo offering is about maximising our revenue,” explained Kgautlhe. “As a national airline we have an obligation to develop the country and government is encouraging us to develop the cargo arm since this will significantly strengthen the country’s import and export abilities.” Kgautlhe said the airline had also invested in a new cargo system that allowed for better tracking and tracing of goods as well as a new and improved reservation system that has seen the movement of cargo improved. CAPTION The new air cargo premises for Air Botswana in Gaborone.