Perishables keep SAA flying high

The air cargo market in the Cape is only bettered by the SAA Cargo hub at OR Tambo International Airport (Ortia) in Johannesburg, according to Ronel Mendes, national sales manager for SAA Cargo (SAAC). Examining the relevance of the Cape Town market for SAAC, Mendes told FTW that it had always, and would continue to be, one of the airline’s key export markets as well as a very important second hub for its domestic cargo. “After Johannesburg,” she said, “the Cape Town domestic volumes remain the second largest – with those of the other domestic routes following. “Apart from the normal domestic markets we have a massive support from the perishable community in Cape Town, and thus it is a very strategic hub for SAAC.” The main products moving from Cape Town into the domestic market are many and varied, but perishables remain the core for the airline’s international services. “On the local scene,” said Mendes, “cargo types really vary – with a thorough mix of courier shipments, perishable consignments and a range of high- and low-value commodities. “Internationally, of course, we are mainly supported by perishables. But with our current rate structure being common-rated we are also feeding smaller general cargo shipments to Africa.” The perishable demand is also somewhat dependent on the destination, according to Mendes. She pointed out that fish (mostly tuna and fresh hake) was bound for both Europe and the USA, flowers and stone fruits for Europe, with lobsters the prime commodity heading for the currently third-place market of the Far East. SAAC records show that domestic volumes in the Cape market have remained very consistent – although Mendes noted a slight increase in the books at the moment. “This,” she said, “is due to on-time departures for our freighters and consistent service improvement, as well as increased capacity from Mango and new flights being introduced from Cape Town direct to Bloemfontein.” On the international front, London has always been a prime market, with the airline’s direct flight from Cape Town performing well. “With good export volumes in December, we increased tonnage in December by 200 tons compared to November. “Apart from the perishable season blooming late last year,” Mendes added, “we have also recorded tremendous support for the Cape Town market from destinations like Hong Kong, New York and others.” Effective capacity management is a critical factor in SAAC being able to provide the required space for its customers, according to Mendes.