Tuesday 28th March Lobatse: Yesterday, officials of the Civil Aviation Authority of Botswana (CAAB) led by the Chief Executive, Dr Bao Mosinyi paid a courtesy call on Botswana Meat Commission (BMC) to discuss the possibility of facilitating air cargo for Botswana beef to international markets.
BMC is currently expanding its international market and is eyeing the use of air freight services for the fast delivery of its products, according to the Chief Executive Officer, Mr David Tsheboeng.
Experience has shown that air freight is the most effective and efficient method of transporting beef as it does not degrade the product quality. BMC is currently using sea transportation to export to international markets which have proven to be slow and detrimental to BMC’s business, Tsheboeng told the CAAB delegation.
In responding to the Commission, Dr. Mosinyi said the engagement came at an opportune time when CAAB is on a drive to attract and engage more international airlines to consider Botswana as a viable route. Emphasizing that international cargo carriers require sufficient cargo services and a strong market before they can consider the country for business.
BMC is therefore seen as an important partner in efforts to attract international air cargo due to the Commission’s several international markets for their product, explained CAAB Chief Executive Officer.
For BMC’s comfort, Dr Mosinyi assured his host of the security and safety of Botswana’s aviation space, informing them that Botswana attained an impressive score of 80.01% in the International Civil Aviation Organization Validated Mission (ICVM) Audit carried out in June 2022 and a 75.98% in the International Civil Aviation Organization Universal Security Audit Programme Continuous Monitoring Approach (ICAO USAP CMA) audit done in May 2016. These scores are above the Global Average.
The two organizations have agreed to sign a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to facilitate cooperation and enable the achievement of efficient air cargo to global markets.
Ends.