Menzies Aviation handled a record 2.4m tonnes of cargo at 71 locations in 2024, up 20% from 2m in 2023.
The aviation services and ground handler said in its Annual Review & Sustainability Report 2024 that it secured a number of new cargo deals as well as extended existing partnerships.
Menzies secured long-term agreements in key markets, including a five-year deal with United Airlines in Australia, an extension with Cathay Cargo in the southwest Pacific, and a renewed agreement with KLM at Amsterdam Schiphol.
In the US, new freighter handling services were confirmed with three carriers at Chicago Rockford International Airport. Additional cargo warehouse solutions were also confirmed for Maersk Air Cargo.
Further, Menzies entered Angola through a strategic joint venture with Sociedade Gestora de Aeroportos. The joint venture will see Menzies deliver cargo and lounge services at Luanda International Airport. More than 30,000 tonnes of cargo is expected to be handled each year.
Menzies also invested in new facilities, expanding its capacity to handle a variety of cargo types.
During the year, the company successfully took over SAA cargo terminals in Johannesburg and Cape Town, announced a new facility in Maputo, Mozambique, and confirmed an upgrade for its facility at Budapest Airport in Hungary.
Menzies also opened a 245,000 sq ft domestic cargo terminal at Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru, in collaboration with Bangalore International Airport Ltd.
Located on a seven-acre site, the terminal is capable of handling up to 360,000 tonnes of cargo annually at peak capacity.
Additionally, Menzies announced a new 22,500 sq m terminal at Western Sydney International Airport's cargo precinct, due to be completed in 2026.
This facility will specialise in handling pharmaceutical and cool chain products, e-commerce and heavy cargo.
Menzies further made advancements in other areas, including certification and technology.
The Menzies Aviation Cargo Handling (MACH) warehouse management system was successfully deployed to 24 locations in 2024. By the end of the year, MACH had efficiently managed over 150,000 tonnes of cargo. 28 additional stations are set to implement the system in 2025.
Over the past 12 months, Menzies also secured IATA CEIV Li-batt certification in Macau and IATA CEIV Pharma accreditation in Kenya, its seventh location to be awarded the certification and first in the MEAA region.
Menzies said it now has air cargo operations in more than 71 locations in over 40 countries.
Hassan El-Houry, executive chairman at Menzies Aviation, commented: “2024 has been a groundbreaking year for Menzies, marked by double-digit growth and record-breaking milestones in both flights and passengers served, and cargo tonnes handled."
Philipp Joeinig, group chief executive, said: "Our cargo business continues to grow, fuelled by investments in new operations and cutting-edge technology."
