With Africa experiencing renewed economic momentum in key markets, now is the time to enhance logistical excellence and unlock the continent's potential.
To explore how IAG Cargo is seizing these opportunities, we spoke with our newly appointed Regional Commercial Manager for Africa, Cristina Barbu. With over seven years of experience at IAG Cargo and a deep passion for the air cargo industry, Cristina is ready to drive growth and implement our commercial strategy across the region.
As she steps into her new role, Cristina shares her perspective on Africa’s potential and how IAG Cargo is shaping the future of logistics across the continent.
What is driving demand in the region?
Currently, much of the demand is driven by the export of perishables, particularly fresh fruits, vegetables, and flowers from markets like Kenya and South Africa. Our Constant Fresh service, designed to maintain the shelf life of perishables from farm to market, plays a vital role in moving these products, while ensuring they arrive with their quality and freshness intact. Looking forward, the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) could enable the freer movement of goods across borders and unlock growth opportunities for IAG Cargo and our customers.
How is IAG Cargo positioned to help meet this demand?
IAG Cargo operates one of the world’s most extensive air cargo networks, connecting Africa to almost every corner of the globe through our hubs in London, Madrid, and Dublin. This summer, we strengthened our Nairobi operations with additional frequencies and expanded our interline partnerships. Building on this momentum, we recently announced a significant boost to our London Heathrow–Cape Town service, which will increase from seven to 17 flights per week from 26th October as part of our winter schedule. This added capacity provides customers with greater choice, flexibility, and seamless access to global markets.
Alongside our global reach, we offer a range of specialist products tailored to customer needs moving goods to and from the region: Constant Fresh for perishables, Constant Climate for temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals and biotech, Critical for urgent shipments, and Courier for smaller express consignments. These solutions give our customers the reliability and flexibility they need.
With our global network, diverse portfolio of products, and long-term commitment to our partners in this region, IAG Cargo is ready to meet Africa’s growing potential.
What should customers know about working with you and IAG Cargo in Africa?
First and foremost, they should know we’re committed, agile, and trusted to deliver. Our strength comes from combining regional expertise with global capabilities, ensuring every shipment is handled with care and precision.
On a personal level, I’m deeply passionate about this industry. Over the past seven years, I’ve held roles in Quality and Compliance as well as Sales, and I’ve valued every one of them. Each experience has given me a broader perspective and a stronger appreciation for the work we do in supporting the movement of goods and sustaining markets worldwide.
Above all, at the heart of IAG Cargo are people. This is an industry built on relationships- connecting businesses, enabling trade, and driving growth. Every day brings new challenges and opportunities, but it’s the partnerships we build with our customers that truly define our success, no matter where in Africa we’re operating.
For more information on logistics and air cargo operations across Africa, visit www.iagcargo.com
