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.”