AMI sees Durban growth from ‘fly-direct’ policy

AMI sees Durban growth from ‘fly-direct’ policy

The Durban branch of airfreight wholesaler AMI has seen significant growth in traffic for the first half of 2016.

The first quarter showed healthy growth of 7.4 per cent, but this was overtaken by the second quarter’s growth, at 118 per cent. As a result, AMI’s Durban traffic has grown by 59 per cent for the year to date, compared to 2015.

AMI’s VP Africa, Milton French believes the growth trend is fuelled by the recent increase in Durban’s international air connections, and AMI’s policy of supporting local flights wherever possible.

 He says: “When our Durban operation was opened in April 2003, the aim was to provide more localised export and import services for cargo agents.

“At that time, many of them dealt directly with AMI in Johannesburg. There were no direct international flights to and from Durban, and most of the cargo was routed via JNB by RFS or domestic flights.

“With the progressive introduction of direct, mostly wide-body international air services from Durban by major carriers, we now have direct access to a wide range of worldwide destinations. This, and our policy of promoting local services where possible, is driving growth in our traffic.”

French explains the use of direct services is not only benefiting local customers, but is also assisting AMI Johannesburg, by taking pressure off the airport’s cargo infrastructure that can cause backlogs in exports and imports.

AMI still provides RFS and domestic air links between Durban and Johannesburg, when they are needed to connect with those carriers which do not fly into Durban.

French adds AMI’s Durban growth is not related to any particular route or commodity, adds French: “There are no specific commodities driving it: the traffic increase is very general and ever-changing.

“There is evidence that our fly-direct policy is winning market share from co-loaders. So we expect the growth to continue for the foreseeable future.”

AMI’s South African business operates through branches in Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town. During January-April 2016, AMI held an 8.3 per cent share of the total South African airfreight market.

Picture of James Graham

James Graham

James Graham is an award-winning transport media journalist with a long background in the commercial freight sector, including commercial aviation and the aviation supply chain. He was the initial Air Cargo Week journalist and retuned later for a stint as editor. He continues his association as editor of the monthly supplements. He has reported for the newspaper from global locations as well as the UK.

Newsletter

Stay informed. Stay ahead. To get the latest air cargo news and industry trends delivered directly to your inbox, sign up now!

related articles

Delta Cargo and cargo.one enter into a long-term agreement

Menzies Aviation expands to 300 airports worldwide

Nominations extended for World Air Cargo Awards 2025

WAIT... BEFORE YOU GO

Get the ACW Daily Newsletter for up-to-the-minute news on everything important in the airfreight industry

Logo Air Cargo Week