Overnight service records good growth on CT route

CAPE TOWN air cargo traffic to and from Johannesburg was up 50% last year for Imperial Air Cargo, the SA domestic overnight air service provider. The firm has an estimated 45% market share of this segment, and its planes average 85% load factors. The reason for the rise in business can be attributed to service, says Muriel Sahd, IAC’s chief operating officer. “We focus on service delivery, and we communicate with our customers.” A cargo security system was recently put in place by the carrier that has dramatically reduced pilferage at OR Tambo Airport. “Everything and anything” is flown by the company to and from Cape Town, Durban and Port Elizabeth, with typical cargo comprising semi-valuable to valuable items like computers, clothing and documents. The airline deploys a fleet of three 727-200 freighters with a cargo capacity of around 22 tonnes, and a seven-tonne capacity AN-32 for the Durban route. Imperial’s acquisition by a European leasing company offers opportunity for more growth and service options. “This is exciting for us. There will be new opportunities and access to new and additional aircraft,” said Sahd.