The launch on December
17 of a direct Durban-Doha
service by Qatar Airways
will bring to six the number
of international airlines
serving Durban’s King Shaka
Airport.
“And considering that
there will effectively be three
wide-bodied aircraft flying
multiple frequencies per
week, this will undoubtedly
facilitate imports and
exports through the Dube
TradePort Cargo Terminal,”
acting CEO Dube TradePort
Corporation, Hamish
Erskine, told FTW.
Despite the current
exchange rates – which have
stifled the overall growth in
import trade – traditional
markets such as Europe and
the Far East have remained
stable, said Erskine.
“In Durban there’s strong
demand for electronic
components, fashion items
and automotive supplies –
and these have their origin in
various source markets such
as Europe and the Far East.”
In terms of future growth,
Erskine believes intra-
African trade is a huge
opportunity.
“With a large young
market, natural resources,
and an industrialisation
strategy that is encouraging
beneficiation, intra-African
trade has a lot of potential,”
he said.
But the capacity issue
is one that needs to be
addressed.
“There’s not enough
capacity on the type of
aircraft that fly routes
into land-locked countries
within southern Africa.
And network connectivity
is another major hurdle to
import trade within the
region because many of the
flights that are servicing
many parts of southern
Africa are indirect or
through hubs, which can
lead to delays and increased
costs for importers.”
Add to that the lack
of efficient transport
infrastructure in the
region, and it’s evident why
importers face delays and
additional costs, which
stunts regional trade growth.
But despite the challenges,
it’s an area that he believes
needs focused attention.
INSERT & CAPTION
There's not enough
capacity on the type
of aircraft that fly
routes into land-locked
countries within
southern Africa.
– Hamish Erskine
