Page 23 - LUA May June 2024 for Website

and unpredictable global logistics regional needs effectively. Recently, there
landscape. The year 2023 exemplified these has been a notable surge in demand on
challenges, with robust Q1, downward routes from the Indian Subcontinent
pressure on yields in Q2 and Q3, and (ISC) and Southeast Asia, largely due
a strong Q4 finish. These fluctuations to disruptions in the Red Sea that have
affect both scheduled services and charter affected traditional maritime transport,"
activities, necessitating a responsive and added Rodrigues.
adaptable approach and highlighting the
importance of having the right expertise EVOLUTION IS THE BEST
and knowledge to navigate disruptions WAY AHEAD
effectively and maintain the integrity of the Astral Aviation has constantly evolved
supply chain. from an African airline to a global airline
"Etihad Cargo addresses these with online hubs in Dubai and Hong
challenges by prioritising customers and Kong and offline hubs in Liege. "We are
flexibility, which is critical in charter investing in a fleet of B767-300Fs and plan
operations," added Rodrigues. The UAE- to acquire the B777Fs in 2025 in addition
based airline employs various strategies to the E190Fs. We are expanding our
to safely and efficiently handle perishable network to include new destinations from
goods during transit, including using Johannesburg, and our plans for China are
specialised equipment and containers. at advanced stages of commencement by
Close collaboration with local handlers the middle of the year," said Gadhia.
and logistics partners who understand the The African airline invests in
regional infrastructure also helps Etihad new partnerships, technology, and
ensure smooth transitions from air to infrastructure to streamline operations
ground transport, enhancing the reliability and improve customer service. Gadhia
of delivering perishable goods. mentioned that the airline has a clear
long-term sustainability plan, fleet
POPULAR ROUTES FOR AIR modernisation, operational efficiency,
CARGO CHARTERS carbon offsetting, stakeholder engagement,
The aviation industry is experiencing reporting, and transparency for the way
While it's unfortunate high demand for cargo charters across ahead. Similarly, Rodrigues mentioned
that our industry various regions. While Astral Aviation that Etihad Cargo aims to achieve net zero
carbon emissions by 2050 by renewing its
is experiencing high demand for cargo
thrives during times charters across Asia-Africa, Asia-Middle fleet with more fuel-efficient aircraft.
of crisis, it should East, and Intra-Africa, Etihad Cargo With increased infrastructure,
prioritise serving operates primarily in Asia-Middle East, technology, and partnership investments,
Europe, and Africa. "We are experiencing
the future of air cargo charters in Africa
clients and making high demand mainly from Hong Kong looks promising. The sector is expected
a positive impact and Dubai to Johannesburg in addition to to be crucial in driving economic growth,
instead of solely flights into Tel Aviv," said Gadhia. fostering trade relations, and enhancing
connectivity across Africa. The significant
Additionally, Wyk from Chapman
focusing on profits. Freeborn says, "Routes connecting trends shaping the future of the charter
major economic hubs with remote or sector include increased digitisation,
SANJEEV GADHIA
ASTRAL AVIATION underdeveloped areas are currently demand for sustainability, and the
experiencing high demand for cargo emergence of new markets.
charters in Africa." Sari, on the other hand, To adapt to these evolving demands,
times of flight-related approvals are says, "DHL Global Forwarding operates companies are investing in digital
slowing down the industry. High handling a global network of long-term flight solutions, expanding their presence
and terminal charges in many countries operations. These networks include flights in emerging markets, implementing
add to the overall product pricing, from Asia to Europe." sustainable practices such as fuel-efficient
affecting the competitiveness of African "Johannesburg has emerged as a crucial flight routes and carbon offset programs,
producers in foreign markets. Similarly, e-commerce hub for the South African and transitioning to eco-friendly
import charges are expensive, and the gap region, indicating a high demand for aircraft where possible. Additionally,
is paid by African nations, which distracts cargo services there, while Etihad Cargo the continued growth of e-commerce
their competitiveness. predominantly serves east and west from and traditional niche markets such as
On the other hand, Rodrigues points the UAE. These areas reflect the dynamic automotive, oil and gas, energy, and
out that delivering charter services is nature of demand and the strategic perishables will continue to drive the
challenging, especially in the dynamic placement of services to accommodate growth of air cargo charters.

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