Zeal Global in pact with SAA for strategic focus on India

South African Airways Cargo (SAA Cargo), the airline’s airfreight subsidiary, has chosen General Sales Agent (GSA) Zeal Global Services to serve as its GSA for the Indian market. With India being a significant market in the airline’s post-pandemic recovery strategy, this strategic step represents a larger commitment by SAA Cargo to increase its foothold throughout important Asian trade lanes.

One of South Africa’s most active and rapidly expanding freight corridors is still India. Johannesburg continues to be the main gateway, handling the majority of incoming imports, with over 6,000 tonnes of cargo shipped annually from India to South Africa, mostly medicines, textiles, and automotive components. On the other hand, South Africa’s exports to India are still very small, indicating a clear trade imbalance between the two countries.

Market estimates indicate that South African exports to India via airfreight represent a small portion of the 6,000-tonne inbound figure, indicating unrealized potential and providing a strong case for capacity development and trade promotion on the return leg. However, specific figures on outbound airfreight volumes to India are less widely known. Zeal Global Services was hired by SAA Cargo as part of a larger plan to revitalize its commercial airfreight network in Asia after the operational reset brought on by the pandemic. Zeal Global, which was founded in 2014, offers extensive operational experience in several important Indian cities. The company has experience overseeing GSA cargo operations. Currently, the GSA runs its own freighter services between India and Dubai via Pradhan Air Cargo, its affiliate.

Zeal is well-positioned to help SAA Cargo increase its presence in the Indian subcontinent because to this experience. The importance of this collaboration was emphasized by Nipun Anand, head of Zeal Global, who pointed out that new trade flows are probably going to be unlocked by the two companies’ alignment of strategic vision and operational agility.

It is impossible to overestimate the importance of the larger Asian market to SAA Cargo. With an increasing proportion of high-value, urgent air freight, Asia has become one of the airline’s most strategically significant areas. The airline’s intention to restore and extend its eastward routes, establishing Johannesburg as a crucial hub connecting Africa with important Asian and Australasian markets, is further demonstrated by the recent reopening of its Perth, Australia route. In order to keep cargo flowing even when there are no direct flights, SAA Cargo has developed a number of fruitful offline alliances throughout Asia over the years, working with interline partners and regional GSAs.

SAA Cargo can solidify its position as a reliable link between South Africa and Asia with a strong dedication to the Indian market, a track record of strategic success throughout Asia, and a well-defined plan for resolving current trade imbalances.