Poor export volumes impact airfreight

RISING IMPORTS and declining exports reflected in recent trade figures is mirrored in airfreight volumes, a leading Johannesburgbased GSA told FTW. “Exports are just not very good. The reasons have a lot to do with the strength of the rand, of course, but everyone in the business community will tell you this,” said Gerd von Mansberg of The Cargo Connection (TCC). The recent perishables season from October to December was reasonable in terms of exported volumes, says Von Mansberg, but less and less is moved by air. “It’s going by sea. It’s a rate issue because sea is one tenth the cost of air freight.” Representing Airlink, Egypt Air, Nationwide, Air Zimbabwe and since mid last year Coyne Airlines whose destinations include Iraq, TCC is positioned to take on more cargo. “Shippers to Egypt call us, but we sell beyond the hub, to Tokyo for example. You can send via Egypt Air, whom we represent, and then it becomes a rate issue, which is very important. A lot of agents ask for our advice,” Von Mansberg said.