Shorthaul freighter will add impetus to SAA's growth plans

JOY ORLEK
SAA CARGO recorded double-digit growth into Africa last year and 2007 will see more of the same as the national carrier pursues a policy of partnerships and co-operation to extend its regional reach. That’s the word from SAA Cargo GM Patrick Dlamini who believes the addition of a Boeing 737-300 shorthaul freighter – due to join the fleet around July this year – will add impetus to its growth ambitions. "After undergoing checks in Asia it is expected to be here this month (March) to start conversion. Over and above that we’re also aggressively marketing our longhaul freighter.” While no decisions have been taken on route deployment for the new aircraft, there are a number of countries that stand out. “Lusaka has done extremely well in terms of perishables and we can’t afford not to be an integral part of that growth. We will try to link that market with international markets using the resources we have.” There are several other demand markets into which the airline is determined to tap. These include Tanzania, Entebbe, Kenya and Mauritius. “Although the Chinese have dealt a blow to that market, there is still cargo coming out.” Dlamini sees co-operative relationships with a number of carriers in the region as the best means of elevating the airline’s profile. “We have been talking to a number but haven’t finalised anything yet. We see the partnerships in terms of closed codesharing. “Given the bilateral issues within African aviation we are way away from where we should be now and it brings a lot of challenges to us. The best way to work around these challenges is to enter into effective partnerships with some of the players.” Improved ground handling and IT systems will be a focus for the airline as it grows the market and April will see the launch of a new generation IT system capable of linking all stations in Africa. Clearly the opportunities are there, but matching capacity to demand has its own set of challenges. The directionality of cargo heads the list. “The outbound leg is generally full, but the return leg is empty, which creates the need for cross-subsidisation. If we open new routes we need to go in knowing that they’re viable, which is why partnerships are so important.” Fuel within Africa is also an issue for the air cargo industry. “In some countries fuel is twice as expensive as South Africa or Nairobi. It’s difficult to understand how such disparities can be justified, particularly when governments need to start looking at how they can facilitate effective and efficient trade.”