As the end of 2010 draws near airfreight seems to be continuing its rollercoaster ride of one week up, another week down. “The markets are very unpredictable at present,” says Bryn Woolley, managing director of Airline Cargo Resources. “They go from being up one week to down the next. It is ebb and flow.” While 2010 has seen airfreight volumes recover significantly following the global economic downturn in 2009, the markets as yet remain inconsistent, says Woolley. “As market conditions continue to change so radically it makes it very difficult to plan ahead. Now, more than ever, it is important for clients to take cognisance of the local markets they are wanting to move cargo to.” According to Woolley there have been some major developments in 2010 though, such as the signing of Thai Airways as a client. “We are starting to see regular bookings and loads are improving. Something we are very happy about.” Another development has been the offices opening up in Dar es Salaam, Entebbe and Nairobi. “We represent Turkish Airlines on this route and particularly the Dar es Salaam and Entebbe flight has been met with much enthusiasm. We are flying mostly perishables but we are seeing a consistency which is very pleasing.” Woolley says while the industry continues to try to find its feet after the hardship that was 2009, rates seem to continue to be king.
