Royal Air Cargo adds 707 for assault on Europe

A SECOND 707 on charter has been put into operation by one of the most recent newcomers to the South African airfreight arena, Royal Air Cargo. It will be used on routes which are being opened up to Europe.
It's a big advancement for us at this early stage of operations, but we are meeting the competitive market full on and we are ready to go bigger, says Eddie Nyagura, who recently started the first black-owned air cargo operation with partners Georg Moeng and Themba Nkenene.
Royal Air 'took off' in May with its first 707 freighter, providing capacity of 40 tons and flying into Africa, the Middle East and Far East.
The licence to operate was granted last year after initially being opposed by South African Airways Cargo.
They had to protect their own interests I guess, so you can't blame them, says Nyagura with a whimsical smile.
But since South Africa adopted an open skies policy anyone can start an airline and do business these days. Though I imagine having experience and expertise in what you are doing does help.
He and Nkenene both have 16 years experience in the airfreight field. They are eclipsed in experience, however, by Moeng who has been involved in it for more than 20 years.
The three men, who operate from Jan Smuts Park business centre adjacent to Johannesburg International Airport, put their own money into starting the business.
By Leonard Neill