SAA Cargo registers phenomenal growth in volumes

One barometer of Angola’s economic performance can be found in a rise in airfreight into the country. From consumer goods to essential components for industry, more time-intensive cargo is winging northward from Johannesburg. For South African Airways airfreight division, SAA Cargo (SAAC), volumes into Angola are expected to be up by more than half this year compared to 2008. “Business is on the rise at the moment due to the increase in demand for mining and perishable commodities in Angola,” said Dixon Nkomo, SAA Cargo’s sales & marketing: domestic and Africa. SAAC’s air freighter service to Luanda departs OR Tambo International Airport three days a week, deploying two B737 300F freighters. Passenger service to Luanda is daily via a B747 400. The air freighters provide cargo capacity of 17 tons, but additional cargo space is available on the passenger planes – up to 12 tons depending on passenger load. As in other markets, perishable products dominate airfreight cargo to Angola. “Mining equipment and general cargo also move from South Africa. The inbound cargo out of Angola is minimal at this stage,” said Nkomo. He noted that with approximately 2000 tons per annum now being moved into Luanda by SAA Cargo, the inclusion of three additional freighters per week is set to improve this performance by at least 50%. Of future plans for its Angola route, Nkomo said: “Luanda is one of the markets we have prioritised. We have seen phenomenal growth of economic activity in Angola that has resulted in demand for more capacity on this sector. However this is not without challenges. These challenges relate to infrastructure, including ground handling in Luanda.” The carrier is currently in discussion with Luanda airport authorities to identify areas of cooperation. “Areas of discussion include, but are not limited to, IT systems, operating standards and knowledge sharing. There is huge potential for making this sector more lucrative as long as all necessary resources are put in place. Our active participation will not only benefit SAAC but the entire SADC region,” Nkomo said.