MAINTAINING YOUR own identity is vital in the business world. For that reason Qantas Airways cargo division moved its operating offices from the cargo centre at Johannesburg International Airport to Cargo Village in Pomona four months ago. "We were previously sharing offices with British Airways World Cargo and that gave the impression that we were an extension of their operation," says Southern Africa freight manager Cindy Wilson. "It didn't do either of our operations any service, and it has proved far more valuable being separated. "We contracted Airline Cargo Resources to take care of our cargo ground handling services four months ago, and we've settled in well with the arrangement. The agents are all perfectly comfortable with us being out here and with the ground handling operation as well. "The trucking services available to and from the coast operated by ACR are giving an added benefit to our products." Cargo space is readily available on Qantas flights to and from Australia. "We have managed to increase loads in recent months but there is still ample space available," says Wilson. "Like all airlines at present, we are feeling the effects of the downturn in the global economy but it has been the ideal time to get a whole new operation like ours in motion to be ready for the good times that always follow a downturn."
