Airlink Cargo reveals big expansion plans - Pemba service begins this month

JOY ORLEK IT’S BEEN an exceptional 12 months for Airlink Cargo which last year recorded growth of 100-150% on the routes it serves into Africa. And while managing director Alwyn Rautenbach is bullish about the year ahead, he’s realistically pegged his growth target for 2007 in the 10-15% range. “Our flights to Antananarivo which were launched early last year were very successful in terms of cargo outbound. We will now be working on developing inbound cargo which currently moves via Mauritius. “In Madagascar a lot of effort has been put into commercial farming so we might even see farming products being exported from that country in future, along with products like textiles.” Airlink is currently negotiating operating rights to Nosy Be. “It’s a highly sought-after holiday destination and we see big opportunities in the movement of cargo supplies to the resorts.” Similarly, supplies to the tourism industry in Pemba, Mozambique are a big focus as Airlink launches its service this month. “In Zambia the main growth comes from the mining industry, with truck and mining spares growing at a huge pace to keep up with copper industry development,” says Rautenbach. “As tourism opens up we also foresee an increase in hunting trophies.” Botswana still features strongly on the airline’s radar screen, but no decisions have yet been made regarding Airlink’s bid for Air Botswana. “We don’t know where it is but we see big opportunities for export from Botswana.” The new destinations complement Airlink Cargo’s established regional network which includes Ndola, Antananarivo, Beira, Bulawayo, Maputo, Manzini and Maseru. Along with general industry thinking, Rautenbach is a strong proponent of an open skies policy for Africa. “As Africa opens its skies, more people have access to travel, they see opportunities for business development and airfreight goes with it. It’s a natural spin-off and the sooner all of Africa recognises it, the better.”