Ai rfreight volumes, especially on the import side, are increasing.According to Jacob Pretorius, general manager for airfreight at neutral cargo consolidator SACO CFR, there has been a significant improvement in volumes during the first months of this year compared to last year.“We have had a very positive start in 2024 on the airfreight side,” he told Freight News. “There has been an increase in volumes, with imports leading the way in improvements. “This ref lects our dedication to providing our customers with the best possible experiences and products.”Pretorius cited the disruptions in ocean freight that were occurring due to piracy in the Red Sea, causing vessels to reroute and, in so doing, endure longer transit times. He said the situation was continuing to impact the logistics sector. As a result, airfreight had become a practical choice for customers who needed their business operations to proceed.“This presents an opportunity for airfreight to assist our customers in ensuring timely cargo movement. Sometimes the expense of goods lingering longer on the ocean and in ports globally exceeds the cost of air transport, which ensures faster delivery to end-users,” he said.“The general expectation is for the current trend of increased airfreight volumes to continue for some time.”From a South African port perspective, said Pretorius, ongoing congestion at the seaports also resulted in a more favourable airfreight environment. “Transnet is not improving as fast as it should be for the ocean freight business to stabilise. This will have a positive effect on the airfreight side. “In addition, shipping lines are imposing more surcharges due to the delays of their vessels in the South African ports. This brings airfreight rates closer to the mark where it becomes feasible to f ly cargo, thereby cutting out both the delays and the additional costs of storage and demurrage in the ports. “This situation could also lead to the return of the traditional peak season we were used to before Covid-19. However, that would lead to capacity constraints with less freighter capacity available in the South African market. “Airlines are focusing on passengers, and the end of the year leads to off loads to accommodate the increase in visitors to South Africa for the December holiday season. “Therefore, we need to ensure that we procure enough space in advance with the airlines, so we can offer customers the cargo space they need in order to move their goods during the busy times.”Pretorius said the SACO CFR team remained committed to delivering efficient solutions in what was turning out to be a very positive year for airfreight.
