Industry stalwart Alwyn Rautenbach, executive manager cargo at Airlink, passed away yesterday after a long battle with cancer.
He was described by his colleagues at work and in the industry as the quintessential gentleman who was always ready to roll up his sleeves and get the job done – not only contributing enormously to the growth of Airlink, but also to the air cargo industry as a whole.
Airlink’s chief executive officer and managing director, Rodger Foster, described Alwyn’s passing as a sad loss to aviation and the air cargo business in southern Africa.
“He succumbed the day before his 63rd birthday after a brave marathon battle against cancer that endured for several years. Alwyn endeared himself to every person he had dealings with.”
He started his career at Transnet and SAA, finally spending the past sixteen years at Airlink, initially as the CEO of the wholly owned subsidiary Airlink Cargo International, which was incorporated within Airlink, and finally as Airlink’s executive manager responsible for cargo, fuel supply, in-flight services, and cleaning services.
“Alwyn loved Airlink and the people whom he worked closely with. He was passionate about Airlink’s business and his highly valuable contributions were always informed by his sage wisdom and expertise,” he added.
“Most importantly Alwyn and his wife Sarie and their family were inseparable. He loved the outdoors and overland expeditions, and his golf.”
Close friend Arend du Preez, CEO of Crossroads, met Alwyn in 2002 when they were both working at SAA.
“I had the opportunity to travel the world with him and what struck me was that he commanded the same respect globally as he did locally.
“He sat on many committees and you could always trust him to get things done. He had amazing loyalty to his family, his employer and his friends.
“I have lost not only a giant in the industry, but a loyal friend.”
“He always had time for his staff, no matter what happened,” said sales and marketing manager at Airlink Cargo, Tshepo Tladi.
“He was always there to guide us. In fact, he was like a father to most of us. He will be remembered as someone who believed that anything was possible. As long as you have a brain and feet you can get anywhere. He made sure we understood that if we wanted to achieve something you needed to pluck up the courage and do it. If you failed, get up and do it again.”
It was this ‘get up and go’ attitude that helped to build up the industry, said CEO of the SA Express Parcels Association, Garry Marshall.
“He was highly respected, and very knowledgeable and experienced. He was also an incredibly nice man. His passing is not just a loss for his family and friends, but a loss for the entire airline industry.”
“He truly made a difference,” said John Murray, chairman of the Airline Operators’ Committee and the Airside Operators’ Committee.
“I have never heard a bad word about him. He will be greatly missed within the airfreight industry.”
It’s a sentiment shared by Roy Solomons, chairman of the Airline Cargo Operators’ Committee (Acoc).
“I can only but describe Alwyn as a real and true legend. We have all learnt so much from him. His passion, experience and vision were incredible.
“He was one of those people who knew how to get the job done – and get it done well. He led this industry for many years as chairman of the Acoc and took on industry issues, highlighting them with the relevant authorities and taking us to where we are today. He commanded huge respect, and as a result, everyone loved him. They did not just respect him for his forthrightness, but also the way he did it. He had wonderful people skills.”
For those of us at Freight & Trading Weekly, the predecessor to Freight News, who got to know him over several years, he was the ‘go-to’ person for any air cargo-related issues.
“He was a kind and giving man who generously shared his knowledge and insights time and time again,” said Freight News features editor Liesl Venter. “He leaves an indelible mark on the air cargo sector in general and on Airlink in particular.”
“I will remember him as a hearty, engaging businessman who worked tirelessly to improve the air cargo industry. He was, however, not only a businessman, but also a family man,” said sales executive Yolande Langenhoven, who described him as a remarkable man – and that he certainly was to all who knew him and worked with him.
Alwyn is survived by his wife Sarie, children Wayne, Landi and Liesl, and two grandchildren.
