The Cargo Connection expands portfolio

Almost as an antidote to the current global economic ailment, The Cargo Connection has been busy expanding its portfolio. Company owner, Gerd von Mansberg, admitted that the SA airfreight industry, like its global counterparts, faced a tough few years ahead due to the world economic crisis. He described airlines as being “in survival mode” during this current economic downturn. But, given that, he at the same time advocated following a basic economic adage: When times are tight, never mind pure profit, chase turnover. “The immediate future means making a choice,” Von Mansberg suggested. “Are you flying for revenue – or are you flying for yield? And my suggestion in recessionary times would be to fly for revenue.” Part of this survival mode tactic has been The Cargo Connection strengthening its interest in Air Namibia in SA – having been appointed new cargo GSA for the airline from November 1. And that has not solely concentrated on the connection between Johannesburg and the Namibian capital of Windhoek, but the wide spread of destinations that can be served via the airline. “We won’t be selling Windhoek alone but rather the entire network,” Von Mansberg told FTW. “Frankfurt, Luanda, Walvis Bay, Lüderitz, Oranjemund, Ondangwa and Katima Mulilo are all being served and will be of special interest to the courier and express industry. And we are looking for interline agreements to add to this network both ways.” The core of this global reach is the daily service from Cape Town to Windhoek, three times a week between Cape Town and Walvis Bay and ten flights a week between Johannesburg and Windhoek. Another new partner for the company is its appointment as GSA for newcomer to the SA route, Jade Cargo International – which is a joint venture between Shenzhen Airlines and Lufthansa Cargo and currently operates a freighter fleet of B747-400ERFs. It flies the airway between SA and China via Bangkok in Thailand.