Limited capacity in and out of Gauteng remains one of the major challenges facing airfreight operators.Not only was the in- and outbound capacity under pressure, said Chilton Corrigall, route development coordinator for neutral consolidator CFR Freight, but rates were also much higher.“We continue to pull out all the stops, using our negotiating power with our partners, carriers and service providers to get the best rates possible for our clients to ensure they retain their competitive edge,” he said.Megan Ekermans, also a route development coordinator, said CFR’s consolidation solutions and negotiated export rates provided the market with better opportunities. One example is the China inbound block space agreement into Gauteng. “It is working exceptionally well as it offers clients a same-day solution at less than market rates, ensuring very competitive pricing,” said Corrigall. “Along with China, our German import product continues to perform well, and we have just secured additional capacity direct from New York into Johannesburg.”Commenting on the impact of Covid-19, airfreight director Stephen Bishop said the company was continuing to operate at full capacity.“We have many of our staff working from home, with a small contingent on hand in the office to ensure we can facilitate, where necessary, the movement of our clients’ business.”Corrigall said despite the ongoing pandemic, inbound volumes into Gauteng were on the increase. This he attributed to CFR’s specific solutions, providing better opportunities to secure business at favourable rates.“The outlook from our side for Gauteng remains very positive, with hopes high that volumes will continue to increase and that we will continue to expand our client base.”