Domestic carrier expects increased export shipments

Even in a struggling global economy and competitive environment, the airfreight industry is doing well, with Airlink Cargo expecting an increase of in-transit and export shipments in the coming months. “Airfreight remains the most convenient and time-saving mode of goods transportation and, if used optimally, could significantly increase the operational efficiency of an import/export company,” said Lebohang Moya, marketing and public relations official for Airlink Cargo. She told FTW that the airline had seen a “huge increase” in exports into the Southern African Development Community (SADC) countries in which Airlink operates, namely Lesotho, Botswana, Mozambique and Swaziland. “Most of these shipments are in-transit from international destinations, particularly from China, Mauritius and the Middle East,” said Moya. She commented that this could be attributed to improved trade relations with these countries, as well as a lower foreign currency exchange rate. “There is also ongoing development in many neighbouring countries, particularly Mozambique, and regional and international carriers have seen the need to improve their service and networks in the region,” said Moya. She admitted that road freight remained a cheaper option into the SADC region, which was a challenge for Airlink, but added: “Volume permitting, on some of our popular routes where we have greater unutilised capacity, we are open to negotiation on rates.” Furthermore, said Moya, road freight is subject to all sorts of unexpected delays whereas scheduled airfreight services can always deliver within a quarter of the time, or less. “We offer 55-minute domestic f lights to trade hubs such as Pietermaritzburg, Nelspruit and Polokwane,” she said.