Airlink Cargo’s expansion plans include Europe and Asia

JOY ORLEK BOTSWANA could be the next destination that Airlink Cargo adds to its Southern African network pending the outcome of current negotiations. “It’s no secret that Airlink is one of the bidders for Air Botswana, and that could be an avenue for future expansion of express freight if Airlink becomes a strategic equity partner of Air Botswana,” managing director of Airlink Cargo Alwyn Rautenbach told FTW. The process is however at a very early stage and although Rodger Foster, CEO of Airlink, sees great opportunities for both countries, he is cautiously optimistic regarding Airlink’s chances of being awarded the bid. The company is however looking at expanding its reach beyond Southern Africa. “We are focusing on giving Southern African countries import and export access to and from Europe and Asia so that we can become the feeder carrier. “This will involve a pro-rate agreement with one of the big international carriers where we will agree on how to share the revenue for the cargo from origin to destination.” While alliances in the past have been motivated by passenger interests, the benefits for cargo are equally important, says Rautenbach. “They enable the shipper to send cargo to more destinations seamlessly and provide the airlines with higher load factors.” Airlink Cargo’s regional network currently includes Ndola, Antananarivo, Beira, Bulawayo, Maputo Manzini and Maseru. “Our agreement on the Antananarivo route, for example, gives customers the benefit of frequency. Air Madagascar flies twice a week between Antananarivo and Johannesburg and Airlink flies three, but because of our alliance agreement we offer five flights instead of three or two. “We are constantly on the lookout for new alliance partners, particularly in the Southern African region,” says Rautenbach. Airlink Cargo currently serves 50-60 destinations individually and through alliances and agreements.