Lagos now accounts for approximately 24 per cent of South African Airways Cargo’s global load factor, making Nigeria a crucial part of the airline’s international freight network.

Speaking at the SAA Cargo Customer Engagement Forum held in Lagos on Wednesday, the Manager of SAA Cargo Worldwide, Mr Kekeletso Mokwena, expressed the management’s gratitude to the Nigerian cargo agents for their performance and consistent support.

“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. The Lagos route now contributes approximately 24 per cent to SAA Cargo’s overall business,” Mokwena said.

He added that SAA is evaluating the possibility of increasing the frequency of flights to Lagos in response to rising demand. “As soon as we have additional aircraft, SAA aims to introduce a daily service as demand grows,” he noted.

The forum was organised to celebrate the outstanding contributions of Nigerian cargo agents during the 2024/2025 financial year.

At the event, eight top-performing agents were recognised, with DHL emerging as the Platinum Agent of the Year. Yomex, Bashod, and Adayokin secured second to fourth places, while Say Mighty, Samwise, Passmark, and Pelujo received Gold Awards for ranking fifth to eighth.

During the forum, concerns were raised about the lack of direct cargo flights to Europe. Mokwena reiterated that the airline’s commitment to strategic and sustainable expansion has been the cause for the delay in its expansion to the English continent.

He, however, confirmed that plans to reinstate direct European routes are underway. Also speaking of SAA’s interline partnership arrangement, the cargo boss stressed that in the meantime, SAA has partnered with several international carriers through interline agreements, facilitating cargo movement between Europe and Africa via hubs like Amsterdam.

He further explained that “Since resuming operations in September 2021 with six routes, SAA has expanded to 17 destinations, with further growth planned. A direct service between Cape Town and Mauritius is scheduled to begin in December 2025.

“SAA currently operates long-haul freight services to Brazil and Australia using Airbus A330-300 aircraft, which offer up to 15 tonnes of cargo capacity. Regional operations within Africa are supported by the Airbus A320 fleet.”

SAA’s Country Manager for Nigeria, Mrs. Kemi Leke-Bamtefa, also corroborated Mokwena, emphasising the agents’ dedication, and also added that the forum was held to formally recognise their contributions to the airline’s performance.

The General Manager of Sky Logistics Cargo Limited, Mr. Sulyman Akinwande, after hailing the agents, also encouraged them to intensify efforts in growing the business to meet increasing flight demand.

Also present at the event were the Acting CEO of GHI Assets, parent company of Skylogistics, SAA’s cargo sales agent, Mrs Alice Katiti, and General Manager: Cargo at Skyway Aviation Handling Company, Mr Donald Adekunle.

Regional Africa Sales Specialist at SAA Cargo, Mrs Nontobeko Mohube, commended the agents for 100 per cent compliance with operational standards, particularly in cargo declaration and packaging. She said, “Your professionalism has ensured safe and seamless operations, with no reported issues.”