Page 10 - LUA September - October 2023 Magzter

INDUSTRY REPORT

What is fueling the growth of

CARGO CHARTER

DEMAND IN AFRICA?

Africa is primed to become the market that businesses will booking platforms, transparent tracking
systems, and a diverse range of aircraft
seek to enter in the future. The air cargo charter sector is options to cater to specific cargo needs,”
undergoing a dramatic transition, but what are the primary says Jenny Van Wyk, Country Manager,
drivers of growth? reports Zinal Dedhia. Chapman Freeborn South Africa.
The surge in air cargo volumes has a
positive prospect for air cargo providers and
frica has been an important in aviation fuel cost will limit the growth of cargo charter operators. This also leads to
region noted for its various the air charter sector. Some of the world's the renewal of long-term charter contracts.
landscapes and rich cultural largest charter operators have reported “Customers who are in the market for
Alegacy. Africa, being the strong demand for cargo charters but what chartering aircrafts do so because they
world's most central continent, is an are the significant customer demands? need a solution that is customizable, faster
ideal hub for reaching the far reaches “Our customers' primary requirement and more reliable than regular air freight.
of the globe. In addition, it is the most when chartering an aircraft is swift and After a long time of global supply chain
prosperous area, making it an excellent tailored solutions for cargo transport. disruptions, customer expectations are
choice for businesses. To fulfil this need, we provide efficient at an all time high, meaning that we as a
However, in the current age of logistics provider need to keep pushing
globalisation, Africa's actual potential the envelope and improve our service to
as a vital hub for global trade is only keep up with those expectations,” says
just beginning to be fully recognised. Daniel Randig, Senior Vice President
This rising idea of Africa as a significant Air Logistics, Middle East & Africa at
logistical centre not only shows its strategic Kuehne+Nagel.
position, but also emphasises its economic One of the major reasons for the increase
growth objectives. in demand for cargo charter operators is
Similarly, rising demand in the air cargo the shipment of oversized and difficult-to-
industry bodes well for air cargo providers fit products in comparison to the standard
and cargo charter operators, fueling logistic containers and aircraft used by air
the market for the air charter services. cargo operators. We asked the industry
Customers' need for immediate and players to understand if there has been a
prompt delivery of their items has resulted change in demand post-pandemic.
in an increase in the number of shipments “The main change we have seen in the
transported by air in recent years. last couple of years is a widening in lanes
and in the commodities shipped. Yes, the
DEMAND MODIFIED traditional northbound into Europe for
The rising demand for cargo charter perishables and the southbound with
services is significantly driving the spare parts are still going strong, but
expansion of the air charter services we saw an increased demand for
market, while challenges such as volatility flights connecting Africa

8 LUA SEPTEMBER - OCTOBER 2023