From WTM: New South African airport secures freight operators

South Africa's new greenfield airport, King Shaka International at La Mercy in KwaZulu-Natal has secured agreements for air services with two airfreight companies, according to the province's minister for economic development and tourism, Michael Mabuyakhulu.

Speaking exclusively to Routes News at the World Travel Market in London, Mabuyakhulu said negotiations with other cargo companies are continuing and that there has been a lot of interest expressed in the new airport's freight facilities.

"These new facilities could really boost South Africa's trade potential with the traditional European markets, as well as new markets further afield," he said.

It is expected that the air freight will be focused on cut flowers and agricultural produce, although with the airport being linked to the new Dube Tradeport there is potential for transportation of other products too.

"We are also speaking to many international charter companies in markets such as the Nordics, Europe and North America, as well as increasingly South America," he added. "There is a lot of interest from the charter companies in bringing passengers to the World Cup in 2010 and beyond."

Lucy Siebert, Routes News from WTM in London