There has been a “dramatic improvement” in African carriers’ safety records over the past two years.
Facilitating a panel discussion at the first day of the Air Cargo Africa 2017 conference in Johannesburg yesterday (Tuesday) – global head of cargo at the International Air Transport Association (Iata), Glyn Hughes, attributed this to increased investment in new aircraft and other safety equipment such as navigation systems.
Jan de Vegt, chief operating officer for Kenya Airways, was more pragmatic, noting that airlines on the continent had no choice but to up their safety levels in order to remain competitive. “There are increasingly more global airlines servicing Africa and clients will use the airline with the best track record to ship their valuable cargo – it’s that simple,” he said.
Vice president of Saudia Cargo, Rainer Mueller, pointed out that there had also been increased adoption and compliance in Africa of the European Union’s (EU) ACC3 programme which was designed to ensure appropriate screening and validation of cargo entering the EU from any third country.
“There is ongoing compliance and improved safety on different levels from different African states but the awareness that certification and compliance with international regulatory safety standards is there,” he said.
Mueller added that one of the drivers of the increased safety compliance was airline alliances. “Airlines tend to collaborate with like-minded partners.”
Atlas Air vice president sales and marketing for the Europe/Middle East/Africa/India (EMEIA) region, Graham Perkins, pointed out that while there were still issues at smaller airports, the continent’s airports had also focused more strongly on ensuring safety and security. “It’s important for handling agents to ensure they are certified as well,” he said.
