Polish airline targets export cargo

LOT Polish Airlines has appointed BidAir Cargo as general sales agent (GSA) for its cargo operations. Sister company BidAir Services has been contracted as the Ground Handling Agent (GHA). The LOT service connects Warsaw Chopin Airport with Durban’s King Shaka Airport, using Boeing 787 Dreamliners. Market research conducted by the Polish flag carrier showed significant passenger demand from Durban, which led to the introduction of fortnightly charter flights in their winter schedule (South African summer). The cargo capacity gives exporters a direct overnight option into Central Europe. Flights are scheduled every second Thursday arriving in Durban at 18:20 and departing for Warsaw at 20:50. “The evening departure is convenient for exporters and agents sending aircargo to arrive in Eastern and Central Europe next day,” says Lenishia Naicker, regional manager of BidAir Cargo in Durban. “Poland is strategically placed with Warsaw midway between Paris and Moscow. From the Polish capital there are connections throughout Eastern Europe which is convenient and cost-efficient, avoiding transhipment via Western European hubs.” LOT was the first European carrier to fly Dreamliners. “The aircraft can accommodate 16 tonnes of cargo from Durban,” says Naicker. “In addition to cargo emanating from KwaZulu- Natal, we can also accept consignments from elsewhere in our national and regional network.” South Africa is Poland's largest trading partner on the African continent and the two countries signed an Economic Cooperation Agreement last year to strengthen and develop co-operation. There are similarities in the two economies in the areas of mining and automotive. Local exports are dominated by the machinery and automotive categories. Additionally, South African business has significant investments in Poland's beverages, paper, furniture manufacturing, and retail and distribution sectors.