Cape Town Air Access (CTAA) is pleased to welcome DHL Global Forwarding South Africa as a private sector partner. The global freight company joins the V&A Waterfront, Naspers, Investec, Leeu Collection, Oceana Group, Oasis Investment, and Tsogo Sun as private sector partners on this collaborative project.
The partnership is well-timed with air cargo identified as a key aviation enabler in CTAA's recovery strategy.
Bringing together the public and private sector to help secure direct routes into Cape Town International Airport, the CTAA initiative has landed 19 new direct routes and 23 route expansions, resulting in more than 1.5 million two-way seats being added into Cape Town International to date.
CTAA spokesperson and Wesgro CEO, Tim Harris, added: “The success achieved by the project has had a direct impact on cargo capacity to Cape Town and the Western Cape, as demonstrated by a 52% increase into the region in 2017. With the project now looking to develop a focused cargo strategy, we’re thrilled to be partnering with experts in the field. “
In 2019, exports and imports transported into the Western Cape via air freight were R10.5bn and R14.4bn respectively, with exports showing a growth of 11% when compared to 2018. During this time, imports contracted by 3%. The total trade from CTIA was R24.8bn in 2019, showing an increase of 3% during the 2018-19 period.
“We have ambitious plans to grow air cargo in South Africa, with Cape Town being a particular focus. Together with Cape Town Air Access, we hope to further improve on local supply chain infrastructure and to assist growth in the Cape Town trade marketplace by increasing import and export flows. We look forward to collaborating with the CTAA team,” says Clement Blanc, Managing Director - DHL Global Forwarding South Africa.
David Maynier, the Western Cape Minister of Finance and Economic Opportunities, commented.: “Growing exports, primarily through trade promotion and the removal of obstacles to exports, is a critical lever in our economic recovery strategy. And so, it's great to hear that DHL Global Forwarding South Africa will be partnering with Cape Town Air Access so that we can identify opportunities to leverage air cargo to boost exports from Cape Town and the Western Cape.”
“By boosting direct flights, or route expansions, we create more efficient connections between Cape Town and key source markets, which is crucial if we are to capitalise on global business. At the end of the day, more connections create jobs and deliver trade and tourism opportunities. This is why the City of Cape Town has also renewed funding for the successful Cape Town Air Access (CTAA) initiative, to ensure we get the international aviation sector back in our air space. Together with our strategic business partners, we are working on recovery plans for the aviation sector to rebuild confidence in air travel, which will lead to the expansion of air cargo and more opportunities for the residents of Cape Town,” added Alderman James Vos,
"We look forward to welcoming DHL Global Forwarding as a new partner to Cape Town Air Access. Their growth plans are welcomed, particularly during these challenging times when we need to actively work to stimulate the growth of our economy. As an airport we will ensure that we continue to offer world-class cargo facilities so that we play our role in supporting CTAA and the growth of cargo," concluded Mark Maclean, Acting General Manager, Cape Town International Airport.
About Cape Town Air Access (CTAA)
Cape Town Air Access is a partnership between the City of Cape Town, Western Cape Government, Wesgro, Cape Town Tourism, South African Tourism, Airports Company South Africa, and private sector partners.
About DHL Global Forwarding
DHL Global Forwarding is a division of DHL that provides freight forwarding services, specialising in air and ocean freight.