The outlook for airfreight for the second half of the year is positive, with a number of disruptions in the sea freight sector continuing to drive cargo to the skies.
According to Jacob Pretorius, general manager airfreight at SACO CFR, the decision by carriers to significantly increase ocean freight rates has also benefited the airfreight sector.
“It has brought airfreight into the picture again on even larger shipments,” he said.
"Importers are currently overstocked, and consumers in South Africa are not spending money, leading to smaller shipments being used to maintain stock levels as needed.
"This situation has also brought benefits to the airfreight sector and made it a viable option. We believe that the traditional peak period will return this year between October and mid-December."
Pretorius noted that airfreight was often not the first choice of transport mode due to its cost.
"However, this year we have seen a change in that trend. Customers opt for airfreight because they cannot afford delays, and with only smaller consignments moving, the cost difference is minimal when considering the time saved."
- Read the full article in our Freight Features edition on "Airfreight".
