Smaller centres latch on to express benefits

The Transit Group takes on marketing function Tim Snell … ‘The same-day service between PE and East London has been booming.’ JOY ORLEK THE EXPRESS market linking South Africa’s smaller centres is set for major growth as Airlink Cargo International (ACI), the cargo arm of SA Airlink, stakes its claim on this previously under-exploited market niche. Domestic and international airline consolidator, The Transit Group, has been appointed cargo handling and general sales agent in Bloemfontein, Kimberley, Port Elizabeth, George and East London and there’s already been encouraging demand for capacity, says Transit managing member Tim Snell. “The same-day service between PE and East London has been booming,” says Snell. “For urgent shipments, there’s no comparison between the 40 minute flight and the three hour road alternative, and we’re seeing similar growth on other routes.” According to ACI MD Alwyn Rautenbach, SA Airlink links more destinations in South Africa than any other airline. “The relationship with Transit further leverages the express air network that links smaller towns, regional centres and hubs throughout South Africa with trunk routes and major cities.” While the network has been in place for some time, it hasn’t been marketed in the past, and Transit is set to change this. “Customers need us to fly urgent spare parts, tender or legal documents, supplies, electronics and equipment,'' says Snell. “There may be a vehicle off-road (VOR) – a truck awaiting repair on the Great North Road near Polokwane, important mining items for Phalaborwa, or medical supplies needed in a Mafikeng clinic. Our partnership offers the network and frequency to fly such items fast.” Services are counter to counter with consignments available for collection within an hour of touchdown, says Snell. “Transit consolidates smaller shipments to avoid minimum charges and achieve economies of scale,” he added. KEVIN MAYHEW IN ITS first year of operation Air Care Cargo finds itself ahead of its projections and also the recipient of the SAA Newcomer Of The Year 2005. Spokesperson Paul Volck said the company – which only began trading in December last year – was particularly proud of the award as it was based on just the first five months of its performance. The consideration period for the award runs to a year ended April of each year. “We have continued to get good business throughout the year and are very satisfied with the performance to date,” he told FTW. Referring to operational elements he complimented the Airports Company of South Africa (ACSA) on the effectiveness of its security initiatives. Coupled with ACC’s own security measures they have proved effective, he said. As a caution he said courier companies were still either unwilling or unable to give any guarantees or surety for high cost work done for them which called for constant vigilance regarding credit applications.