New airfreight consolidator plans Africa expansion

Having spent the best part of the first year of operations building a reputable name for itself, it is now time for airfreight consolidator Aviator Airfreight to expand, says managing director Jimmy Liebenberg. With plans to open an office in Cape Town as well as branches in several African countries, the company has gone from strength to strength since its launch in March last year. “There are huge opportunities in Africa and we are looking at the feasibility of opening offices in various countries. It will not be an impulsive move, but rather looking at where we can add value and increase our market share. We are also looking at branching out into import forwarding to achieve more of a balance as airfreight exports have been the main focus of our business,” says Liebenberg. He believes that Aviator Airfreight has managed to build up a good reputation in a short space of time mainly due to its uncompromising neutrality. “It is very important to us. We don’t do any retail business and only work through freight agents and not the exporters directly.” He says this decision has paid off as it has led to customer relationships based on trust. According to Liebenberg the company’s strength lies in its staff competency and the speed and accuracy of its information. “We have also been able to establish ourselves as reliable. In recent times, while rate will always be important, we are seeing more emphasis on the reliability and the level of service. It is not just about the cheapest airline anymore.” Liebenberg says the company philosophy of only ever being as good as its last shipment continuously keeps all staff on their toes. “Every shipment is a new test of our reputation and it is important to us that we get it right all the time. But when we do get it wrong we take responsibility. That is what makes the difference.”