World Flight Services (WFS) has been appointed Cargo Terminal Operator for the Dube Tradeport Cargo Terminal at Durban’s new La Mercy airport. Founded in 1983, WFS handles over 3.5-million tons of air cargo in more than 120 of the world’s airports. WFS will start operating the terminal from May 1, 2010, according to KwaZulu- Natal MEC for Economic Development and Tourism, Michael Mabuyakhulu. Speaking at the announcement of the appointment, Mabuyakhulu said it was estimated that the province generated around 25 000 tons of air cargo a year “which is currently transported by road to the OR Tambo International Airport in Gauteng. “This number may well be significantly higher if we are to assume that KwaZulu- Natal makes up about 30% of the current total tonnage of OR Tambo International Airport,” he said. “Whatever the number, we have a base through which we may grow our tonnage numbers over time through making the Dube Tradeport Cargo Terminal the terminal of choice in the southern African market”. According to WFS, the new cargo terminal covers 15 800 m2. The company has signed a five-year exclusivity agreement with the KwaZulu-Natal government.
