There is high potential for growth of airfreight in Africa but the downward pressure on yields must be addressed or further investments in the sector – in infrastructure and routes – will not be possible.
This was the message from acting CEO of South African Airways (SAA), Musa Zwane, who delivered the keynote address at the Air Cargo Africa 2017 conference in Johannesburg today (Tuesday).
He pointed to the latest International Air Transport Association (Iata) figures projecting that African airlines were expected to grow at an above average rate this year. “But challenges remain and we as airlines need to play a greater role in facilitating trade and stimulating investment in the countries we operate in to ensure economic growth,” he said.
Zwane pointed out that airlines needed to invest in improved infrastructure and to re-examine their current business models and processes to ensure they provided better customer service and improved air access on the continent.
“We need to also embrace technological advancements and bring them in line with customer expectations and demands,” he added.
MEC for Roads and Transport, Ismail Vadi, told FTW Online on the side lines of the conference that policy makers – at national, regional and provincial levels – were being “forced to rethink” their strategies with regard to technological advancements to fast-track trade growth.
“As government, we need to look at what policies are needed to facilitate innovation,” he said.
