The air cargo market is continuing its upward trajectory, with export volumes on a high. According to Alyssa Naidoo, branch manager for Air Menzies International SA in Durban, there has been significant growth in general airfreight exports, as well as the pharmaceutical and perishable industries.“ On the export side, we have seen all types of tools and parts being moved to various parts of the world,” she said. “There is also high demand in the perishable market.” The company was recently asked to move eight tons of chilled meat as a trial for a contract – with the prospect that if successful it would happen weekly. Despite the odds, they managed to pull it off and checked in the produce timeously for the f light. Naidoo said demand for airfreight for pharmaceuticals and live animals also remained high. “Pharmaceuticals continue to lean to airfreight for the obvious reasons of it being a fast, reliable movement of valuable cargo and for the ability to maintain quality at all times.” According to Naidoo, the relocation of people to other countries was resulting in a spike in the movement of animals at present. Unlike exports, import volumes had taken a slight dip in recent times – especially as the demand for personal protective equipment (PPE) and medical equipment, all related to Covid-19, had eased. “Imports have seen a slight improvement in the past month, which is very encouraging,” she said. Naidoo added that rates and capacity remained the two biggest challenges facing airfreight operators. “The fluctuation of rates is still problematic. There is also the inconsistency of f lights that continues, with many airlines still grounded, which has impacted our market significantly. Our local airfreight sector is struggling at the moment, with only a few international f lights in operation in and out of the country.” Despite these challenges, opportunities in the airfreight sector were endless, said Naidoo. “As an industry, we have been forced out of our comfort zone. We are having to think on our feet to come up with solutions and remain competitive.” She said the industry had the opportunity to grow volumes even more, especially in light of the ocean freight rate hikes. “Airfreight looks like a very sensible option at present. Good service, communication and flexibility are the key factors in improving business volumes.” Naidoo said there had been drastic highs and lows during Covid, but the industry had remained committed and had managed to survive one of the toughest years in history. They were hopeful of more peaks going forward.
