NeWay Logistics’ busiest trade lanes are the intra Middle East routes with business driven by the oil and gas, military and humanitarian sectors.

The firm’s general manager, Erwin Burger tells Air Cargo Week that the third quarter started slower versus last year, but from September onwards it has picked up again and is now on the level of where it was last year.

He explains there has been no peak season as it has been busy with demand from the Far East, mainly China into Europe and Africa increasing, adding: “Despite all the additional scheduled freighter capacity being added on routes out of the Far East, we still see enough requests coming through for (part) charter flights.”

NeWay plans on continuing to focus on the current company set-up and any expansion Burger says will most probably not happen in the upcoming year, unless there is an immediate requirement, which would call for it.

But what is NeWay’s strategy to grow?

Burger says: “We are a small sized company, however with a global strategy and customer reach. As for every year, so not only 2017, we will continue to maintain a close relationship with customers and at the same time increase our sales activities towards the global market.

“I am a strong believer in face-to-face meetings with a customer, or a potential new customer. Although nowadays almost every contact is via the phone, email or other messenger communication systems, I continue to be convinced it is extremely important to go out and meet people in person.

“When I say customer, I mean freight forwarders, airlines and other charter brokers. Let us be clear that we do not work directly with any consignors or consignees, our neutral position within the market is important for our customers and we cherish this position.”

Interesting recent charters have included taking on an Antonov 32 aircraft on ACMI, which it will base in Afghanistan within the next few weeks for at least one year. Outside of its scheduled operation, the aircraft will be available for ad-hoc charters within Afghanistan, or the immediate surrounding countries.

How does Burger see the air cargo market?

“Scheduled cargo capacity, and mainly the belly cargo capacity, continues to increase as well as the competition within the charter market, but there will always be a need for charter flights and I strongly believe the need for charter flights will continue to grow steadily.

“NeWay Logistics is here for the long term and we are looking to assist and serve our customers throughout the years ahead,” Burger observes.