Financial constraints squeeze charter market

As cost-strapped shippers seek out the cheapest possible option, the outlook for the charter market is less than rosy. Most customers are choosing line over charter flights in order to save money, says Stuart Tonkin, general manager of Airline Cargo Resources (ACR). “Airlines wanting to get flights back to their home bases are selling cargo space per kilo, making this an attractive option for customers. “Mines are also aligning their production to shipping schedules and only using air for smaller, urgent loads.” ACR is focusing its attention on scheduled flights, filling the capacity with the carriers they currently represent, he said. Korongo Airlines has recently joined the ACR stable, says Tonkin, “We are flying into the DRC four times a week, but narrow body aircraft mean capacity is limited.” Potential future charter business for ACR includes mining equipment into West Africa and cattle into Mauritius. While the European market is interested in oversize cargo charters, as yet quotes haven’t translated into business, he said. CAPTION: Stuart Tonkin … ‘Most customers are choosing line over charter flights