Coyne Airways moves into Africa

   Using three main hubs in Africa, London-based Coyne Airways has created an African network that connects more than 30 destinations on the continent.
   The move transitions African air cargo services away from a point-to-point system by making use of interline carriers and Coyne’s own network. Cargo on the new routes is expected to run the gamut from massive oil and gas equipment to small parcels. Officials expect good volumes in both imports and exports. 
   “There is a lot coming out of Africa, and not just pineapples and roses. Beauty products, textiles, and handicrafts are increasingly being exported, and there is oil and gas equipment which needs to be returned,” Coyne’s commercial director, Michael Clements, said in a statement.
   “This is a new style of service for Africa,” he continued, “designed to give forwarders the kind of peace of mind they require when moving freight to challenging destinations.”
   In a recent speech, Larry Coyne, the carrier’s chief executive officer, said the air cargo business in Europe will go through a significant transformation in the next five years, with European legacy airlines leaving the long-haul freighter business. Increased competition, declining Asian yields and shippers taking cargo out of the skies are reasons the bigger airlines will make way for niche air cargo companies like Coyne. – Jon Ross