CILTSA conference - take control in turbulent times

The conference theme is “Taking Control in Turbulent Times” and the event takes place on 6 May 2009 at the Birchwood Hotel and Conference Centre on the East Rand, Gauteng.

With approximately 10% of all shipping containers around the world currently being anchored and February 2009 air cargo volumes being down 22.1% from February 2008 figures, the express freight and air cargo are industries under strain. But Africa - and particularly southern Africa - has potential. Catherine Larkin, Executive Director of CILTSA, believes that, although times are tough, the CILTSA conference provides an opportunity for the industry hear about some of the opportunities, whilst finding out how companies can take control in these turbulent times and operate successfully in the current conditions

2010 opportunities

The FIFA 2010 Soccer World Cup is one such opportunity. Chris Zweigenthal, Chief Executive Officer of the Airlines Association of Southern Africa, will be addressing delegates on “How the FIFA 2010 Soccer World Cup will affect Air Cargo and Your Business”. The Soccer World Cup will be and already is a major call for transport in all sectors, and this will be no different in the air cargo and express freight sectors of the industry.

In addition to 2010, there are also other opportunities available in the industry. One of the major areas of opportunity exists in Asia-Africa trade. This is due to the heavy Chinese investment in African infrastructure. Over recent years there has been a significant increase in air cargo traffic between Asia and Africa. Furthermore, global demand for Africa's raw materials has been generating more wealth throughout the continent. While recent months have seen a decline in air cargo volumes, this is as a result of the economic recession and as such the yearly growth should ultimately prevail, particularly with the unflappable demand of 2010 to drive these volumes.

Other confirmed speakers at the CILTSA conference include:

• Captain Colin Jordaan, Chief Executive Officer of the Civil Aviation Authority;
  
• Clem Sunter, expert scenario planner at Anglo American, who will be presenting on “The China Threat and Aviation”
  
• Dr Hans Ittman, Executive Director of CSIR Built Environment will be presenting findings on Air Cargo and Express Freight published in the recently-released “Fifth Annual State of Logistics Survey for South Africa”

The conference will deal with a number of topics, including the opportunities that are still available in air cargo and express freight. Also covered will be an update on SARS customs and excise, specifics on what you need to know about the economic slowdown, how to manage risk effectively as well as advice on where you and your company can go from here.

The CILTSA conference is vital to anyone interested in the various opportunities that exist in the African air cargo industry, and as such it is a fantastic opportunity to meet and network with other industry players and leaders. Much valuable information will be given and established air cargo operators and hopefuls of the industry alike cannot afford to miss this event.

For more information, see: www.ciltsa.org.za, or contact Roshilla Ramdin of CILTSA on Tel: (011) 789-7327 / 787-9127. Fax: (011) 787-7865. E-mail: