Flying high but still room for growth

AFTER A massive 94.4% increase in 2002, JAS Forwarding has now stabilised its business base, but still recorded a 19.6% increase in 2003, a tidy turnover of R54.9-million, and 14th spot in the IATA Top 30. “Perishables and automotive exports were the two prime areas of our market,” said MD Eliseo Ceresa. Into its second year with perishables divisions at both Johannesburg International Airport (JIA) and its Cape Town sister airport, JAS has found the annual volumes to have been consistent. Said Ceresa: “In terms of quantity, the volume of perishable exports was about the same as the previous year. “Both Johannesburg and Cape Town divisions performed, and the quantity met our budget – but we could have done better.” He described his company’s business stance as “conservative, but consistent” – adding that more focus is necessary to boost business. “On the one hand I’m happy,” Ceresa told FTW, “but on the other I am complaining. “I’m happy about the year-end quantity. But being more pro-active in certain areas could have generated more exports. “So we are focusing on these areas this year.” Ceresa accepted that there was definitely room for expansion. “There’s always room for expansion,” he said, “but this must be viewed conservatively – and while remembering that there is always competition out there.”