Ethiopian Airlines’ new daily Durban-Addis Ababa service could create an additional airfreight link for KwaZulu-Natal although commercial belly cargo capacity on the route has yet to be confirmed.
The service will launch on December 11 using a Boeing 737 MAX. Bookings have opened and the route has been welcomed by Durban Direct, a route development initiative involving aviation, tourism and government stakeholders.
Through Ethiopian Airlines’ Addis Ababa hub, the service will connect Durban with destinations across Africa, Europe, Asia, the Middle East and North America.
If commercial belly capacity is made available, the route could provide another option for moving time-sensitive and high-value shipments through Durban.
Dube TradePort Corporation Communications Manager Vincent Zwane said available information indicates that carrying commercial cargo on the service could be viable but stressed that this should not yet be regarded as a confirmed offering.
“We have the information and data to show the viability of the service carrying cargo,” Zwane said.
The availability of commercial cargo space will depend on the aircraft configuration and the capacity remaining after passenger baggage and other requirements have been accommodated, he added.
“Those are the key factors.”
The amount of cargo capacity that could be available on the aircraft has not yet been established.
Zwane said Dube TradePort will seek further clarity from the Ethiopian Airlines Country Manager about cargo arrangements, including whether the airline intends to target particular commodities or cargo flows on the Durban route.
Durban Direct Co-Chair Hamish Erskine said the new service reflects the continued progress of the initiative’s route development strategy and collaborative efforts to improve air access in the region.
“Through Addis Ababa’s extensive route network, Durban and the province in general will be more connected to global markets than ever before,” said KwaZulu-Natal MEC for Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs Musa Zondi.
