…Rewards outstanding agents
By Chinelo Obogo
South African Airways Cargo has said that the Lagos route contributes 24 per cent to the airline’s overall cargo business.
This was made known at the airline’s customer engagement forum held in Lagos this week where leading cargo agents in the Nigerian market were rewarded for their performance during the 2024/2025 financial year.
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Addressing the agents, Manager of SAA Cargo, Kekeletso Mokwena, expressed his appreciation, stating: “It is encouraging to note that since our last visit to Nigeria, two years ago, the market performance has remained strong. We have had a successful financial year, and the first quarter has started on a positive trajectory, thanks to your continued support. The Lagos route now contributes approximately 24% to SAA Cargo’s overall business, making it a vital component of our global network. We thank you for your partnership and commitment.
“South African Airways Cargo is growing its capacity and strategic expansion across key markets, offering extensive freight capacity to various destinations in West Africa, as well as long-haul routes from Johannesburg and Cape Town to Brazil and Australia, operated by the Airbus A330-330 wide-body aircraft, with a cargo capacity of up to 15 tonnes. For domestic and regional operations, the airline utilises the Airbus A320.
“SAA has expanded significantly since restarting operations with just six routes in September 2021. The network now includes 17 routes, with further expansion planned. Direct flights from Cape Town to Mauritius will be introduced starting in December 2025, enhancing connectivity and cargo opportunities. We are addressing future demand for Lagos and exploring options to increase frequency. As soon as we have additional aircraft, SAA aims to introduce a daily service as demand grows.”
SAA Cargo’s Regional Africa Sales Specialist, Nontobeko Mohube, commended the Nigerian cargo agents for their 100% compliance with operational standards, particularly in cargo declaration and packaging. She noted that the high level of professionalism has ensured safe and seamless operations, with no reported issues.
At the event, cargo agents raised concerns regarding the absence of direct services to Europe and in response, Mokwena reaffirmed the airline’s commitment to strategic and sustainable growth. He noted that while SAA is expanding cautiously, plans to reinstate direct European routes are actively underway. In the interim, SAA has established interline partnerships with several international carriers. These collaborations enable the seamless movement of cargo between Europe and Africa, including access to key destinations such as Amsterdam, ensuring continued service and connectivity for customers in the region.
SAA’s Country Manager, Kemi Leke-Bamtefa, expressed gratitude to the agents for their performance during the 2024/2025 financial year and emphasised that the forum was organised to formally recognise and appreciate their contributions. To this end, awards were presented to the top eight cargo agents.
General Manager for Sky Logistics Cargo Limited, Sulyman Akinwande, thanked the agents for their support and encouraged them to double their efforts in growing the business so as to be able to meet the demand for increased flights.
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