The deal was announced recently through the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the two parties.
Through the MoU, Air Botswana will facilitate air cargo transportation of raw materials, import and export of finished manufactured goods for the impactful growth of the mining, transport industries and other players in the value chain. Speaking at the signing ceremony, Air Botswana’s acting general manager, Masego Mookodi said the move is a demonstration of their commitment towards growing their cargo business.
“As we sign this MoU with the BCM, we aim to foster good relations that will help facilitate quality and efficient air cargo transportation of raw materials, import and export of finished manufactured goods for the impactful growth of the mining, transport industries and other players in the value chain,” she said. Mookodi added the partnership is part of their continued efforts towards pursuing growth opportunities that are commercially viable and sustainable.
“In line with these growth opportunities, the airline has identified air cargo as one of its flagship projects that will drive the business towards recovery and sustainability,” she said. “We have realised the global trend of the rising air cargo business and its strategic importance to both Air Botswana business and the economy as cargo is a key facilitator of global trade,” she said. According to the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the world air cargo traffic is forecast to increase significantly, with the annual growth rate projected at four percent in the next 20 years.
“Air freight is projected to grow at a rate of 4.3 percent per annum. Against this promising projection, as a national airline, we are strategically positioning the business towards harnessing opportunities presented,” she added.
The partnership between BCM and Air Botswana relates to Value Chain Development that is expected to unlock opportunities for growth of small, medium and micro enterprises sector, mining industry, transport and other key trade related industries and employment; therefore contributing to the country’s GDP. Moreover, with efficiencies realised from air cargo, the value chain approach will involve developing linkages between various industries. Mookodi noted that Air Botswana is progressively fostering collaborations with other stakeholders especially in the transport, manufacturing and tourism eco system, to advance its connectivity and ability to efficiently transport cargo from strategic points across the globe. For his part, BCM CEO, Charles Siwawa said they have realised the need to speed up the transportation of goods.
“We have been transporting goods by road and rail which normally takes days hence why we then resorted to this partnership. Air cargo comes in handy as some goods need to be transported by air,” he said.
