Menzies Aviation to open cargo facility at Western Sydney International Airport

Menzies Aviation expands Australian services: Kuwait-based Agility’s ground handling subsidiary Menzies Aviation is set to launch new cargo facilities at Western Sydney International Airport (WSI) by late 2026, according to a statement. Under a long-term lease, Menzies is slated to operate a 22.5k sqm facility for the next two decades in WSI’s Cargo Precinct.

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What we know: The facility will handle pharma and cool chain products, as well as e-commerce and heavy cargo shipments, which will be processed at a 12.5k sqm warehouse. The site is forecasted to handle some 150k tonnes of cargo annually, equipped with an elevating transfer vehicle (ETV) system able to handle over 150 main deck ULDs. The facility will leverage its airside access, with multiple adjoining freighter bays and compatibility with autonomous vehicle solutions.

A boost for Sydney: The move is forecasted to grow Sydney’s air cargo capacity by some 33%, by allowing for more flexibility and boosting the airport’s peak-time capabilities for managing supply chains.

September was a big month for Menzies: The firm renewed a five-year contract last month with Hong Kong cargo carrier Cathay Cargo to provide cargo and freighter ramp services — managing 85k tonnes annually — in Australia and New Zealand. Menzies also renewed a contract last month to oversee budget-airline Ryanair’s ground handling services at 10 European locations until October 2029. The firm just inaugurated a new cargo facility at Maputo International Airport (MPM) in Mozambique in the same month.

Turning sights to the GCC: Menzies plans to make an “aggressive” expansion in the GCC — including the UAE and KSA — over the next five years, Chairman Hassan El-Houry announced in August. “Saudi Arabia aims to triple its number of passengers to 250 mn by 2030. They plan to invest USD 100 bn in aviation infrastructure to achieve this. We want to be a part of that and will be,” said El-Houry.