‘Industry must reinvent itself’

Medical and pharmaceutical cargo as well as emergency spare parts are boosting airfreight volumes, according to Anita Nel, national sales and customer services manager for domestic airfreight consolidator Trans Airfreight. General airfreight volumes are, however, on the decline, she told FTW. “This we can attribute to ever-increasing costs and customers having to re-think their method of distribution, often opting for road freight,” she said. “In the current economic environment where costs are critical, airfreight is increasingly reserved for priority or urgent cargo – which explains the growth in medical and pharmaceutical products as well as highvalue items and urgent documentation.” Escalating costs and tougher security requirements have weighed heavily on the industry globally, and against this background it’s had no choice but to re-invent itself, finding ways of boosting declining volumes. “We have, unfortunately, experienced a drop in domestic airfreight volumes,” said Nel. “Turning this around remains a priority and therefore there is major focus on offering a onestop- shop service where we meet customer requirements speedily and cost-effectively. At the same time adapting to industry changes and requirements is key to achieving this goal.” The company works closely with all domestic airline suppliers, says Nel. “It is imperative that new services that are affordable and costeffective are introduced in order to attract more cargo to airfreight. Flexibility will also make airfreight a viable option.” Compliance with strict international standards is another key priority, she said. “We have most recently seen the introduction of the regulation on the airfreight of cargo containing lithium ion batteries which has forced domestic consolidators to adapt their operations to comply,” she said. INSERT & CAPTION There is major focus on offering a one-stop-shop service where we meet customer requirements speedily and costeffectively. – Anita Nel