Page 29 - LUA May June 2024 for Website

as flowers, meat, vegetables and herbs.” The lack of a skilled workforce is forced to hire new staff at an additional
Specifying the high cost of electricity as another pressing issue. The African cost, to manage the systems."
another challenge, he stated, “it is equally air cargo industry faces a shortage Regulatory barriers pose another
a huge challenge to ground handling of trained ground handlers, logistics significant challenge for cargo ground
agencies given the high consumption professionals, and cargo specialists. handlers. The African Airlines Association
required to run the cooling systems.” Mwakisha emphasised the challenge of (AFRAA) reports that as of 2023, cargo
acquiring skilled personnel to effectively operators face an average of 19 different
utilise new technologies, stating, "If regulations across the continent, leading to
a certain skill set is not available delays and increased operational costs.
already, the companies are Limited technology adoption is
hindering efficiency and real-time
tracking capabilities. A recent study
by Frost & Sullivan in 2023 revealed
that only 35% of African airports have
implemented advanced cargo handling
systems. Mwakisha highlighted the need
for automation saying, "Automation of
the entire operational processes is a key
strategic deliverable for ground handlers.
There is a need to reduce manual processes
to help improve data quality."
TERMINAL EXPANSIONS &
UPGRADES
To overcome these challenges and
meet the growing demand, African
nations and airport authorities are
investing in modernising cargo handling
infrastructure. Terminal expansions and
upgrades are underway at several major
airports. For example, Johannesburg's

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