Shortage of aircraft challenges industry

Airfreight volumes
into Africa are steadily
increasing which bodes well
for the industry’s future,
says Bennie Greyling, sales
and operations manager for
Airline Cargo Resources
(ACR).
Having recently expanded
its services in the region,
ACR now has offices in
Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania
and Windhoek.
“One can definitely
see the improvement in
airfreight volumes into
Africa especially into
parts of West Africa. The
mining community plays
an important role on the
continent and there are
usually good volumes in
areas where this sector is
strong,” he says.
Growth in 2011 in
the airfreight industry
is expected to steadily
increase compared to 2010,
which will be remembered
as the year of recovery.
“Overall predictions
should be an increase of
5-7% this year compared to
2010,” says Greyling.
He believes opportunities
in Africa are endless as
long as the service is good.
“Price and service play a
big role and it is extremely
important that a business
gets the balance right. Doing
continuous cross checks is
just as necessary.”
One of the major
challenges, however,
remains the shortage of the
correct type of aircraft.
But, says Greyling,
despite this there are
many opportunities to
offer a good service.
“We are in the process
of launching a brand new
airline shortly into the
central part of Africa,
proving that there is
demand.”