The largest and busiest port of entry in South Africa was recently named “African Airport of the Year” at the Air Cargo Africa conference and exhibition in February.
With a strong track record of performance, value and service, O.R. Tambo International Airport has now won the honor four times. The airport’s management credits their dedication to infrastructure and ability to increase cargo volumes for the continued success of their business.
The airport’s general manager, Bongiwe Pityi-Vokwana, said that airport staff is proud to continue earning this achievement, and also humbled by receiving it.
Those who organized the conference, which was hosted by Messe München South Africa, said that the number of senior executives attending the event has increased over the years. Around 20 CEOs, both from air cargo companies and global airlines attended the conference to see the exhibits and network with others in the industry. This demonstrates the growing interest companies have in getting involved with air cargo-based trade with the continent of Africa.
O.R. Tambo International Airport was among one of 80 international exhibiting companies at this year’s Air Cargo Africa conference. The event drew more than 3,000 people from 60 countries and 30 African nations to Ekurhuleni in Gauteng, a number of which came in on Mango flights.
The vast majority – 82 percent – of South Africa’s air cargo volume, which totals about 400,000 tons annually, goes through the Western Precinct Cargo Terminal at O. R. Tambo International Airport. Of that amount, 92 percent is international cargo, according to Pityi-Vokwana. But cargo flights are not the only business this airport handles. Mango flights and other South African domestic airlines have also contributed to air traffic in and out of this busy airport.
“We pride ourselves on remaining focused 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,” she said.
Freighter traffic at O.R. Tambo International Airport makes up 30 percent of the total volumes. Passenger airline airports provide much of the uplift capacity by carrying 70 percent of the total amount of cargo in the belly of passenger flights.
The cargo community’s needs determine where the air cargo is taken. Cargo airlines will go where there are customers. The routing is determined by an airline’s customers and agents.
“The local cargo community members are therefore essential to supporting the airport and its growth,” Pityi-Vokwana said.
Cargo is a large factor in airlines’ revenue streams, and O.R. Tambo International Airport works diligently to remain a key international player in the air cargo business. Because of the airport, South Africa has become a bridge for Sub-Saharan Africa and a key stop between South America, Australia and Asia.
Media ContactCompany Name: Domestic Flights South Africa, LLCContact Person: David H.Email: Send EmailPhone: +27.219702045Country: South AfricaWebsite: www.domesticflights-southafrica.co.za/
