The Cool Chain Association (CCA) has highlighted the dire state of infrastructure as the primary hurdle impeding the efficient transportation of perishable goods by air in Africa. Vijan Chetty, a member of the board of directors of the CCA, emphasised that the continent's infrastructure development needed to catch up with the escalating demands of imports, exports, and cross-border activities.Speaking to Freight News, Chetty underscored the urgent need for substantial improvements in infrastructure to support the growing perishable air cargo industry. The deficient infrastructure is not only limited to air transportation but also extends to other modes of transport, exacerbating the logistical challenges faced by the region.One of the critical concerns raised by Chetty is the inadequate road and rail networks, which act as essential arteries for transporting perishable goods from airports to their final destinations. Insufficiently developed port terminals compound the difficulties in transferring goods seamlessly between air and sea transportation modes. Without efficient intermodal connectivity, delays and inefficiencies plague the entire supply chain. Furthermore, the need for proper cold storage facilities adds to the predicament."Air connectivity has emerged as a pressing issue, particularly in light of the Cov id-19 pandemic," said Chetty. "Airlines are increasingly bypassing airports within Africa, leading to a restricted number of flights available for transporting highly perishable cargo. This situation is especially disadvantageous for certain African countries, such as South Africa, which face logistical challenges due to the considerable distances to their international markets. The scarcity of f lights and the issue of overbooked f lights frequently contribute to significant losses of perishable products upon reaching international destinations."Chetty's remarks shed light on the impact of reduced air connectivity on the perishable goods industry in Africa. The unprecedented disruption caused by the global pandemic has exacerbated an existing problem, leaving many African countries grappling with limited transport options for time-sensitive and high-value perishable cargo.The diminished air traffic within the continent has created significant hurdles for exporters seeking swift access to international markets. This predicament is particularly pronounced in South Africa, where the geographical distance to major global markets necessitates complex logistics operations to maintain the freshness and quality of perishable goods.The need for more f lights, coupled with the frequent occurrence of overbooked f lights, exacerbates the challenges exporters face. Consequently, many perishable products are either delayed or unable to reach their intended destinations, resulting in substantial losses for African exporters and hampering the region's ability to capitalise on its perishable goods industry.According to Chetty, addressing these issues will require collaborative initiatives involving government authorities, airlines, logistics providers, and industry stakeholders. Reducing cost, expanding air connectivity, facilitating more direct f lights to key international markets, and investing in infrastructure upgrades at African airports are crucial steps towards resolving the current limitations and enhancing the efficient transportation of perishable goods by air. "Reducing loss and waste will also be key to boosting air cargo."Airlines are increasingly bypassing airports within Africa, leading to a restricted number of flights available for transporting highly perishable cargo.– Vijan Chetty“
