Expansion drive targets Africa

In line with a strong focus
on expanding its business
in Africa, airline general
sales agent ATC Aviation
has appointed Stuart
Tonkin as deputy director
Africa.
He brings to the position
a strong pedigree in the
airfreight GSA and road
freight express sector.
His mandate, says ATC
country manager Gerd von
Mansberg, is to take the
company to the next level –
and that involves expanding
its footprint in Africa. “The
Group has taken a conscious
decision to move into Africa
and to develop the continent.”
Both West and East
Africa are seen as markets of
opportunity.
Tonkin has travelled
extensively in Africa and will
continue to do so to achieve
his new mandate, which will
involve opening ATC offices in
the region.
While globally the
airfreight industry has posted
positive results – the same
is not true of South Africa
because it’s a country that
doesn’t add value. However,
despite a tough start to the
year, Tonkin is upbeat about
future growth.
“In the current market
everyone is looking for the
best service at the cheapest
rate. The secret is to find a
niche where you can offer
something that the market
needs.”
CAPTION
Country manager Gerd von Mansberg and new deputy
director Africa, Stuart Tonkin.