JAN - FEB 2018 LUA 1
editorial note
L
atest data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) indicates that the demand for air
freight remains strong. As demand remains stronger, global air cargo measured in freight tonne
kilometers (FTKs), climbed 8.8 percent in November 2017 compared to the year-earlier period. In-
terestingly, in the regional segment, African carriers posted the largest year-on-year increase in demand
in November, with freight volumes rising 17.5 percent. Demand has been boosted by very strong growth
in Africa-Asia trade which increased by more than 67 percent in the first ten months of the year.
Read our cover story on the strong Europe-Africa air freight market which accounts for approximately
2.3 percent of the world’s air cargo tonnage. Europe accounts for nearly 60 percent of African cargo and
commands the majority of Africa’s international air trade largely because of its proximity and longstand-
ing historical and investment ties. This trade lane being fairly mature and overtraded, the challenge lies
in maintaining yields.
Read our report on African Airlines Association’s (AFRAA) 49th Annual General Assembly (AGA) held in
Kigali, Rwanda, early November 2017. While the assembly was unanimous that there is a stronger fore-
cast for Africa’s economic growth which is expected to support the continent’s aviation sector, however,
African airlines are seeking sustainable profitability amidst growth expectations.
In our focus series we feature Kotoka Airport, Ghana’s only international airport. With substantial spend-
ing by the government Kotoka Airport is upgrading its infrastructure to match with international standard
bringing a sea change in West Africa’s aviation landscape.
As promised in our last issue, we bring an in-depth coverage of flower and perishable logistics event
we organised at the Kenyan capital city of Nairobi. The two events attracted huge response from
Kenyan growers and logistics services providers from Africa and Europe. The conference sessions
deliberated key issues facing the transport and logistics of flowers and perishable commodities out of
Africa’s key markets.
There are many tailwinds supporting India’s air cargo industry. Despite past headwinds Indian air cargo
sector has climbed to a level where it attracts increasing partnerships with international carriers for
cargo movements from cities beyond major metros to global destinations. Therefore, it is important to
place in context the seventh edition of Air Cargo India, the most popular international air freight industry
exhibition and conference, scheduled for 20 to 22 of February 2018 in Mumbai. Read a comprehensive
review of the three-day event that will place India as the global destination for trade and commerce and
will strategise how air logistics will help position India in the top league.
Look out for the extensive coverage of Air Cargo India in our next issue. And do not miss the latest news
from transport and logistics sectors.Building sustainability &
profitability in air freight
Reji John
Editor
[email protected]