Sade Williams/Business a.m.
The Lagos cargo route is responsible for 24 percent of South African Airways Cargo’s (SAA Cargo) total business making it a lucrative market that it seeks to strengthen, the airline has said.
In the bid to further boost its business on the route, SAA Cargo recently brought out the drums to recognise and honour leading cargo agents in the Nigerian market following their outstanding performance during the 2024/2025 financial year. The recognition was made at the airline’s Customer Engagement Forum held in Lagos.
Among the distinguished guests were Alice Katiti, chief executive officer, GHI Assets, the parent company of Skylogistics, SAA’s long-standing cargo sales agent for over two decades, and Donald Adekunle, general manager, cargo at Skyway Aviation Handling Company (SAHCO).
The initiative reflects SAA Cargo’s commitment to strengthening partnerships and celebrating excellence within its global cargo network.
Addressing the cargo agents, Kekeletso Mokwena, manager, SAA Cargo, 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 percent to SAA Cargo’s overall business, making it a vital component of our global network. We sincerely 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. Notably, direct flights from Cape Town to Mauritius will be introduced starting in December 2025, enhancing connectivity and cargo opportunities.
Mokwena added, “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.”
Nontobeko Mohube, SAA Cargo’s regional Africa sales specialist, commended the Nigerian cargo agents for their 100 percent 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.
During the Customer Engagement Forum, cargo agents raised concerns regarding the absence of direct services to Europe. In response, Kekeletso 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 strategic 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.
Kemi Leke-Bamtefa, SAA’s country manager, expressed gratitude to the agents for their exceptional performance during the 2024/2025 financial year. She emphasised that the Customer Engagement Forum was organised to formally recognise and appreciate their contributions.
To this end, awards were presented to the top eight cargo agents. DHL emerged as the top Platinum Agent of the year, closely followed by Yomex, Basohod and Adayok in second and fourth positions, respectively. Others in the Gold Award Category were Say Mighty, Samwise, Passmark, and Pelujo Cargo Agents coming in positions fifth and eight respectively.
