Future looks rosy for reliable carriers

ATC, previously known as The Cargo Connection, is set to improve load factors and service reliability on Egyptair, Air Zimbabwe as well as Airlink overborder services, says country manager, Gerd von Mansberg. Speaking on opportunities for airfreight into Africa, von Mansberg told FTW that Africa had many growing economies, which bodes well for the industry. “Airlines enjoy servicing African markets as the rates are more stable and not as cut-throat as many other ‘big’ markets such as Europe or Asia,” he says. Juba, South Sudan, Accra, Ghana and Entebbe, Uganda are “good examples” of growth opportunities for airfreight, in his view. “Many others show growth due to infrastructure developments which can be seen as new business if the airlines have good marketing strategies in place,” von Mansberg comments. Urgent, fragile or perishable cargo will always provide opportunities for airfreight growth, since these require quick delivery, but he cautions that airlines with unreliable services will fail as the client’s credibility will suffer. “There is room and opportunity for reliable African carriers who know how to best service their own markets,” he notes, adding that GSAs still play a “very significant” role in African airfreight. INSERT & CAPTION “Airlines enjoy servicing African markets as the rates are more stable. – Gerd von Mansberg