SAA Cargo Nigeria performance now accounts for 24% of global load factor as Lagos route gains strategic importance

SAA Cargo Nigeria performance has hit a major milestone, with the Lagos route now contributing approximately 24% of South African Airways Cargo’s global load factor, according to the airline’s top management.

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Speaking at the SAA Cargo Customer Engagement Forum in Lagos on Wednesday, Mr. Kekeletso Mokwena, SAA Cargo’s Worldwide Manager, praised Nigerian cargo agents for their “outstanding performance and unwavering support,” which he said had become pivotal to the airline’s freight operations.

“Since our last visit to Nigeria two years ago, the market performance has remained strong. We’ve had a successful financial year, and Q1 has started on a positive trajectory,” Mokwena noted.

This remarkable growth has prompted SAA to evaluate increasing flight frequencies to Lagos, with the potential introduction of daily services as more aircraft become available.

The forum also served to celebrate Nigeria’s top-performing cargo agents for the 2024/2025 financial year.

DHL was crowned Platinum Agent of the Year, while Yomex, Bashod, and Adayokin secured second to fourth places respectively Say Mighty, Samwise, Passmark, and Pelujo received Gold Award for fifth to eighth rankings.

Responding to industry concerns over the lack of direct cargo flights to Europe, Mokwena reassured attendees that SAA is working to reinstate European routes, citing the airline’s commitment to sustainable and strategic expansion.

“In the meantime, our interline agreements with global carriers ensure smooth cargo movement between Europe and Africa via key hubs like Amsterdam,” he said.

SAA has grown steadily since resuming operations in September 2021.

From six routes, it now operates in 17 destinations, with further expansion—including a direct Cape Town–Mauritius route—slated for December 2025.

Long-haul cargo routes to Brazil and Australia currently use Airbus A330-300 aircraft, while regional operations rely on the A320 fleet, offering flexibility and significant cargo capacity.

SAA’s Country Manager for Nigeria, Mrs. Kemi Leke-Bamtefa, acknowledged the agents’ efforts, stating that the forum was a formal recognition of their growing role in the airline’s success.

Industry leaders such as Mr. Sulyman Akinwande (GM, Sky Logistics Cargo Ltd), Mrs. Alice Katiti (Acting CEO, GHI Assets), and Mr. Donald Adekunle (GM Cargo, SAHCO) also addressed the gathering, encouraging continued growth and excellence.

SAA’s Regional Africa Sales Specialist, Mrs. Nontobeko Mohube, further commended Nigerian agents for their 100% compliance with operational standards, particularly in declaration and packaging protocols.

“Your professionalism has ensured safe and seamless operations, with no reported issues,” she noted proudly.

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With the SAA Cargo Nigeria performance now playing such a vital role globally, stakeholders are hopeful that enhanced services and route expansions will continue to elevate the region’s status in international freight logistics.