Optimising South African air cargo efficiency through technology and infrastructure development

Journal of Transport and Supply Chain Management

 
 
Field Value
 
Title Optimising South African air cargo efficiency through technology and infrastructure development
 
Creator Chiwawa, Nyashadzashe Uwizeyimana, Dominique E.
 
Subject Transportation and Logistics; Supply Chain Management; Air Transportation; Infrastructure Studies; Technological Innovation in Transport; Public–Private Partnerships air cargo; infrastructure modernisation; technology adoption; cargo delays; digitalisation; operational efficiency; regulatory reform; South Africa; e-commerce; investment in logistics
Description Background: South Africa’s air cargo industry is a critical driver of international trade and economic growth. However, outdated infrastructure and limited technology integration have led to inefficiencies, notably cargo delays, which undermine operational performance and competitiveness.Objectives: This study examines the relationship between infrastructural quality, technological adoption and cargo delays in South Africa’s air cargo sector. It aims to identify key operational bottlenecks and provide evidence-based recommendations to enhance efficiency.Method: This study used a survey of 120 key stakeholders across South Africa’s major airports, including cargo operators, airport officials and policymakers, to examine how infrastructure quality and technology adoption influence cargo delays.Results: Findings reveal that improved infrastructural quality and higher levels of technology adoption significantly reduce cargo delays. Regression analysis indicated that each unit increase in infrastructure quality and technology adoption corresponded to marked decreases in delay durations. Additionally, stakeholder perceptions on investment urgency varied, underscoring the importance of aligning operational and regulatory perspectives.Conclusion: Upgrading physical infrastructure and embracing digital innovations are essential for reducing cargo delays and enhancing the overall efficiency of South Africa’s air cargo operations.Contribution: This study offers empirical evidence that informs policy formulation and operational strategies, emphasising the need for public–private partnerships and regulatory reforms to build a more competitive and sustainable air cargo industry.
 
Publisher AOSIS
 
Contributor
Date 2025-08-25
 
Type info:eu-repo/semantics/article info:eu-repo/semantics/publishedVersion — —
Format text/html application/epub+zip text/xml application/pdf
Identifier 10.4102/jtscm.v19i0.1168
 
Source Journal of Transport and Supply Chain Management; Vol 19 (2025); 10 pages 1995-5235 2310-8789
 
Language eng
 
Relation
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https://jtscm.co.za/index.php/jtscm/article/view/1168/1982 https://jtscm.co.za/index.php/jtscm/article/view/1168/1983 https://jtscm.co.za/index.php/jtscm/article/view/1168/1984 https://jtscm.co.za/index.php/jtscm/article/view/1168/1985
 
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Rights Copyright (c) 2025 Nyashadzashe Chiwawa, Dominique E. Uwizeyimana https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0
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