O R Tambo International Airport, South Africa¡¦s biggest and busiest port
of entry, was recently named African Airport of the Year at Air Cargo Africa
Conference and Exhibition. This was the fourth time the airport has
won the award.
The Air Cargo Africa 2019 event in Ekurhuleni attracted more than 80
international exhibiting companies and more than 3 000 trade visitors from
60 countries, including from 30 African nations.
The purpose of the annual Air Cargo Africa awards is to honour and recognise
outstanding achievements by leading cargo logistics service providers.
General Manager of the airport, Bongiwe Pityi-Vokwana, says the management
and staff are humbled by the award which underscores their drive to boost
cargo volumes.
¡§We are extremely proud to have been named African Airport of the Year over
the past few years. Winning this award demonstrates our commitment to
deliver the best infrastructure for our stakeholders. We look forward to
continuing to strengthen trade and commerce in our region,¡¨ says Ms
Pityi-Vokwana.
Conference hosts, Messe München South Africa, say this year¡¦s event was
attended by about 20 CEOs of global airlines and air cargo companies.
Organisers say that what was particularly different this year was the level
of attendance by senior executives which is an indication of growing
interest in facilitating air cargo-based trade with Africa. Ms Pityi-Vokwana
says that 82% of South Africa¡¦s total air cargo volume of about 400 000 tons
a year is routed through OR Tambo International Airport¡¦s Western Precinct
Cargo Terminal with 92% of the total being international cargo. Most of the
uplift capacity is provided by passenger airline networks that transport 70%
of the total cargo in the belly of passenger flights.
Freighter traffic generates 30% of the total volumes. ¡§The flow and
destinations of air cargo are driven by the cargo community. Cargo airlines
go where their customers are and the airline¡¦s customers, the agents, decide
on the routing. The local cargo community members are therefore essential to
supporting the airport and its growth."
¡§Cargo plays a big role in the revenue stream of airlines. We continue to
work hard to position the airport as a key player in the worldwide air cargo
business with South Africa as the gateway for sub-Saharan Africa and a
turntable between South America, Australia and Asia,¡¨ says Ms Pityi-Vokwana.
¡§We pride ourselves on remaining focussed on collaborating and supporting
our stakeholders in the cargo value chain and it is really their hard work
that made it possible for us to receive this award again,¡¨ says Ms
Pityi-Vokwana.
¡V Source: www.news24.com |