Let’s face it. COVID-19 has disrupted the world economy. Business can no longer operate in “business as usual”. Like with any crisis, astute management teams must take a step back and remind themselves of the quintessential business survival question that stood the ages: “What business are we in”?
Zambian businesses are now faced with this question. The economics of strategy is being tested in this critical moment that could mean the epilogue of some and the dawn of revitalized strategies for others.
Many companies make the mistake of defining what they do in terms of their products or services rather than by the benefit that the client derives from those, according to Paul Sloane of Innovative Management. By doing so, they risk being bounded rational when faced with a crisis.
In the aviation sector, one company has identified its reserve capacity. Normally hired for charter flights, the present situation has allowed the management team to assess and rediscover what business they are in. Transportation.
Royal Air Charter, in addition to their private charter service, will now provide freight and cargo services for the movement of goods throughout the African continent – no matter how urgent the business needs are.
A closer look at their resources and capabilities, they possess a fleet that consists of:
- An EMB 145, offering Cargo/Freight within Zambia and throughout Africa which is able to transport a maximum weight of 9,800kg, with a rear hold of 1,200Kg and up to a total of 11,000Kg. Small boxes 1meter by 1.5m cabin Cargo fitting the aircraft doorways
- An EMB 120, offering Cargo/Freight throughout the SADC Region and East Africa which is able to transport a maximum weight of 5,000kg
- Cessna Caravan, offering Cargo/Freight throughout the SADC Region and East Africa which is able to transport a maximum weight of 1000Kg.
With indications from various governments within the region that the movement of human traffic will be limited except for the transportation of essential suppliers, companies that depend on regional trade can tap into this service.