Heavy lift project cargo moves by air

A shipment of 15-metre steel beams weighing in at 4.2 tons apiece has demonstrated that airfreight is a viable alternative to sea for some types of project cargo, says Morné Engelbrecht, logistics coordinator for Airfreight Courier Transport Logistics (ACT). “Namibian airports and airlines serving the country are able to handle most types of cargo. “Hosea Kutako International in Windhoek is equipped to handle any type of cargo, as seen by the offloading of the 15-metre beams from a Boeing 747 400,” he says. Airlines serving Namibia include British Airways, Air Namibia, South African Airways, Taag (between Windhoek and the Angolan capital Luanda), Condor and SA Express. There are numerous flights daily into Windhoek and Walvis Bay, which means that time-critical shipments from or through South Africa can be delivered on the same day in many instances. ACT has its own fleet of courier vehicles in order to provide a round-the-clock service seven days a week. In-house clearing and forwarding services help speed up transit through customs for both exports and imports, with ACT also able to file and clear bonds. The company also handles sea freight and overland cargo. Its international network provides support for shipments to and from anywhere in the world. “Although we are based in Windhoek, our licences cover all points of entry be it road, air or sea into Namibia. We are able to handle any sea freight requirements,” he says. A network of local agents ensures that cargo is delivered on time. Freight can also be stored in ACT’s own warehouse in Windhoek, which was recently expanded. CAPTION 15-metre steel beams being offloaded at Hosea Kutako International Airport in Namibia.