DRC holds big post-election promise - Departure of DAS leaves a gap in the market

ALAN PEAT
THE DEMISE of the Das Air service between Johannesburg and Lagos in Nigeria has left quite a gap in the market, according to Wally Hoddinot, GM exports at Safcor Panalpina. “That was using Lagos Airport in Nigeria for distribution into that busily growing market, and as a hub into the rest of West Africa,” he told FTW. “Virgin Nigeria and SAA have only lower deck cargo space, which seriously limits the size of the packages they carry. “I’ve also heard of others intending to come in, but there’s nothing definite as yet.” The problem, as far as Hoddinot saw it, was that Das were flying southbound (import) as well as northbound (export) loads. “And for others, having
a possible southbound dead-leg makes things difficult,” he added. MK Air is also flying in-and-out of Accra in Ghana as a hub for that region. “But,” said Hoddinot, “Lagos is the main issue at the moment.” Volumes into Africa are growing rapidly, he added. “There’s steady growth in every sort of commodity. But from Africa into Johannesburg there’s not too much.” Hoddinot switched his focus to the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and points out that SAA is running a McDonnell Douglas (MD) 11 freighter on that route. “There should be big growth after the election there,” he said, “with telecommunications the main cargo – along with perishables and mining spares and repairs.” SAA is also flying Boeing 737 freighters servicing Mozambique, Zimbabwe, Malawi and Zambia. “This aircraft gives us about
18-t maximum capacity, and these routes are well used,” Hoddinot said. Looking at East Africa, he sees the hub in Nairobi, Kenya being well used for cargo at the moment. “But there’s still an excess of capacity with daily freighters calling there,” he said. “Mostly they’re carrying motor vehicles, parts and spares and perishables – but with a whole host of other products as well.”