East African airports are benefiting from increased activity by Middle East cargo operators, according to Kenya’s Eldoret International Airport.
Recent reports suggest a focus from a number of Middle East airlines on Eldoret airport, including Emirates SkyCargo and Egypt Air. A half year report from IATA identifies an airfreight growth of 11.7% for the Middle East, with some sources stating increased ties with Africa as a contributing factor.
“There has been recent interest from Middle East cargo operators in Eldoret airport mainly due to the local electronic and garment consumer sector being imported through the airport,” said Peter Wafula, airport manager, Eldoret International Airport.
“With our cold storage facilities capable of handling 300 tonnes, ground handling equipment and fast clearance service, we have a turnaround time suitable for Middle East cargo operators,” he added.
Located roughly 16 kilometres south from Eldoret Town, the airport currently operates routes to Sharjah, Dubai and Nairobi, and is looking into developing links with Mwanza, Endebe and Amsterdam.
Serving primarily as a location for rerouting cargo, Qatar Airways looks set to resume operations from the destination in September, whilst Emirates SkyCargo has recently increased frequency at the airport through the introduction of its A310 freighters.
“Eldoret is emerging as a favoured destination for African traders. Due to the huge demand for flowers and vegetables out of Nairobi to the Middle East and Europe, we have made a concerted effort to keep a commercial presence in East Africa,” said Peter Sedgley, vice president commercial operations, Emirates SkyCargo.
“We began operations two years ago in Nairobi through three A310s bought specifically to accommodate the developing market in the continent,” added Sedgley.
Factors behind the increased airfreight activity in West Africa this summer have been attributed largely to the change in seasonal weather and the influence of Chinese investment. Usually experiencing a short and long rainy season throughout the year, Nairobi has experienced prolonged or in some cases torrential rain in recent months.
With the growing season normally running from September to the beginning of April, the spoilage of crops is viewed as a possible factor behind a prolonged demand.
Likewise an increasing investment from Chinese companies, particularly in the telecomm sector has led to increased demand for export products out of the continent.
“Emirates SkyCargo has major expansion plans for the whole of Africa, not only in terms of frequency, but also for the number of destinations served,” said Sedgley.
“The political and economical situation in Africa is progressively stabilising, add to that the huge investment from the Chinese that looks set to extend over a long period, the continent represents a great opportunity,” he added.
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