SAA expands US schedule on the back of freighter success

Chicago service to launch in May JOY ORLEK THE LAUNCH of a freighter service between North America and South Africa in May last year boosted weekly volumes by 60% for national carrier South African Airways. “Previously we averaged just under 500 tons a month from the US,” regional manager for the Americas, Bill Savage, told FTW from his New York headquarters last week. “Now the average is close to 800 tons a month, and that’s likely to grow along with the airline’s expanded schedule for the year ahead.” In 2005 SAA launched a Washington service, which was followed by the twice weekly freighter from JFK departing on Wednesdays and Saturdays. “Those are the two heaviest gateway consolidation days and ours is the only direct freighter service between the two markets,” said Savage, who is more than satisfied with market response. “Cargo that we could not fly on our passenger aircraft is now coming our way – large and heavy shipments, oversize pieces and dangerous goods which previously had to be moved on a transhipment basis via Europe.” With these flights firmly bedded down, there’s plenty of expansion in the pipeline for the year ahead, says Savage. In May the airline launches a service from Chicago starting with four flights a week. “We see this opening significant opportunities in the Midwest and giving us direct access to west coast shippers. “Chicago is historically a heavy freight destination in the United States.” We’ve definitely seen an overall growth in shipments to South Africa and with our network in place we believe we can deliver on SAA Cargo’s mandate to grow its business in the US, he added.