Growing its road freight operations into southern Africa is high on the agenda for Air Menzies International. According to commercial manager Morne Erskine, the first consolidated road freight service into Botswana is set to commence within the next few months. “Botswana is an important route for us that we want
to grow. We believe it will open more roadfreight opportunities in the region.” According to Erskine the company’s Click2ship product, an online service that provides quotes and bookings for imports and exports from any location in the world, is gaining traction. After major growth internationally, the product
has been introduced locally. “It will be the ideal product for urgent ship and aircraft on ground (AOG) spares,” said Erskine. Simple to use and providing attractive rates based on quality operators, the product had saved agents a lot of time – especially when having to construct quotes, he added. “The consolidators market is always very competitive, but it is one where we see a lot of opportunity. We have had a very good start to the year.” Erskine said expanding into Africa remained important with the possibility of an
office or outlet in Nairobi, Kenya. Commenting on the challenges faced, he said airlines were still upselling rates to some parts of the USA because of space issues from Europe. “We suggest that clients book space a week or two in advance as this will secure space with the rates we currently have. This also leaves us with enough time to sort out any upsold rates if the airline has issues at the time we book space,” said Erskine.
CAPTION: Expanding into Africa is important with the possibility of an office or outlet in Nairobi. – Morne Erskine
