Africa airfreight down as carriers adjust to challenges

摘要

African airfreight tonnage fell by 2.7 percent in 2013, according to Air-ports Council International. South Africa's economy in particular is suffering, and Johannesburg, Africa's leading air cargo hub, saw a 5.4 percent drop in volume for the year. Ronel Rossouw, national cargo sales manager for South African Airways, says a weak rand and rising fuel costs has affected import, export and domestic markets. "Our volumes have been under pressure due to reduction in capacity on some of our passenger routes, and stiff competition has resulted in yield erosion," she says. "More and more customers are seeking alternatives to move goods and cut transportation costs."