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Singapore Airlines (SIA) has appointed Menzies Aviation to provide cargo, ramp and passenger handling services at Western Sydney International (Nancy-Bird Walton) Airport (WSI), strengthening the airport's operational readiness ahead of its launch later this month.
The agreement will see Menzies support Singapore Airlines' daily passenger flights as well as ad hoc freighter operations from 23 November 2026, when the airline commences services at the new 24-hour airport in Sydney, Australia.
The appointment marks an important development in Menzies Aviation's expansion at Western Sydney International Airport, where the company has established a 12,500-square-metre cargo facility with an annual handling capacity of up to 200,000 tonnes. The warehouse is Menzies' largest cargo facility across Oceania and Southeast Asia, positioning it to support growing air freight requirements in the region.
Located within the airport's dedicated cargo precinct, the facility is designed to handle a diverse range of shipments, including pharmaceuticals, perishables, e-commerce consignments and heavy freight. It will also deploy Menzies' next-generation cargo management platform, MACH (Menzies Aviation Cargo Handling), to improve shipment visibility, operational efficiency and real-time tracking for customers.
The partnership builds on the established relationship between the two aviation companies. Menzies already provides freighter ramp handling services for Singapore Airlines in Sydney and Melbourne. Earlier this year, the ground handling company also secured Singapore Airlines' ground handling contracts in Brisbane and Cairns.
Darren Masters, Executive Vice President Oceania, Southeast Asia and China, Menzies Aviation, described the appointment as a significant milestone, as Singapore Airlines becomes the company's first airline customer at Western Sydney International Airport. He highlighted the role of its integrated passenger, ramp and cargo capabilities in supporting airline growth and strengthening Australia's supply chains.
Foo Chai Woo, Regional Vice President South West Pacific, Singapore Airlines, said the airline was working closely with Menzies to ensure operational preparedness and maintain the service standards expected by its passengers and cargo customers.
The latest contract further expands Menzies Aviation's Australian network, where it provides air cargo and ground handling services across 15 airports. Western Sydney International will become its 11th cargo operation in the country.
With dedicated cargo infrastructure, digital handling capabilities and integrated ground services, the partnership is expected to contribute to the development of Western Sydney International Airport as an important aviation and cargo gateway for Australia, supporting exporters and the country's wider logistics network.
𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐓𝐮𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 CARGOCONNECT 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐮𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬!
Glasgow Prestwick Airport (PIK) is in discussions to establish a new cargo route with Nanjing Lukou International Airport (NKG) in China in 2027, as it looks to expand its direct connections with East Asia. The proposed link was discussed during a meeting in Nanjing involving PIK Chief Executive Officer Jules Matteoni, Regional Director Colin Dai, Ma Shiguang, Vice Governor of the People’s Government of Jiangsu Province, and local officials. The provincial government confirmed its backing for the proposed route. “China is an increasingly important part of our cargo network, and a direct link with Nanjing would strengthen the options available to businesses moving goods between the United Kingdom and one of China’s largest provincial economies,” said Matteoni. He added that PIK is working with partners in Jiangsu to develop a route capable of supporting long-term demand, strengthening trade links and creating economic opportunities at both ends. Discussions will now focus on the commercial and operational requirements of the proposed service. Details on the operator and launch schedule are expected to be announced in the coming months. Dai said the connection could provide businesses in Scotland and across the United Kingdom with greater access to the Chinese market, while supporting cargo flows in both directions. He also highlighted Jiangsu’s substantial manufacturing base as an opportunity to deepen trade and supply-chain links. PIK currently hosts more than 20 weekly scheduled services to China, with direct links to Ürümqi (URC), Guangzhou (CAN), Chengdu (CTU) and Shanghai (PVG). The proposed Nanjing connection would further strengthen the airport’s cargo links with China and build on its role as a freight and e-commerce gateway serving the United Kingdom and northwest Europe.
CargoLand by LGG has handled more than 10,000 tonnes of pharmaceutical cargo on its scheduled corridor to Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD) since the launch of a fixed, regular schedule in early 2026, as demand grows for reliable temperature-controlled air freight services. Frederic Brun, Vice President Sales & Marketing at LGG, attributed the growth to the stability of the service and its operations. He said the pharmaceutical traffic consists largely of shipments transferred to CargoLand by LGG from other airports, rather than newly generated business—reflecting freight forwarders’ confidence in the corridor’s reliability. According to Brun, all outbound and return flights on the three weekly LGG–Chicago–Dubai rotations are operating full. The airport’s pharmaceutical service is supported by handling agreements designed to minimise cargo exposure. Under its standard service-level agreements, transfer times are approximately 20 minutes from truck to refrigerated storage and another 20 minutes from refrigerated storage to aircraft loading. The airport’s proximity between truck access and the ramp is intended to streamline transfers and reduce handling time. Cargo volumes include insulin, vaccines and other medicines, each requiring specific temperature conditions and handling procedures. CargoLand by LGG’s operation is designed to accommodate these requirements through suitable storage, careful handling and consistent cold-chain management. CEVA’s Pharmaceutical Cargo Flows CEVA provides an example of how the airport’s location supports pharmaceutical logistics. Liege has helped streamline collections from a major pharmaceutical group’s sites in France and Germany, with cargo consolidated and prepared for flight at CargoLand by LGG. The airport’s 24/7 operations provide flexibility for freight forwarders and pharmaceutical shippers, helping reduce potential bottlenecks and support urgent shipments or operations during disruption. Brun said LGG has refined its pharmaceutical handling around its established capabilities and expertise, with an emphasis on reducing exposure time, simplifying processes and limiting the number of parties involved. He added that practices developed over several years are now becoming standard across the airport’s operations. Diversification and Network Expansion LGG said pharmaceutical cargo has grown by more than 120% through the airport, supporting its diversification strategy, which it has pursued over the past four years. Looking ahead, CargoLand by LGG plans to develop its freighter network around customer requirements, linking pharmaceutical production centres with markets that need reliable access to essential medicines. Existing African connections, established through flower imports, could provide opportunities for pharmaceutical exports on return flights, improving the use of available capacity. The airport is also considering additional origins and destinations, including India, as it looks to align freighter capacity with pharmaceutical demand in markets that may be more challenging to serve. All cargo handlers at LGG hold CEIV Pharma certification, providing a foundation for further development. The airport also sees opportunities for other businesses in its surrounding ecosystem to contribute their expertise to pharmaceutical logistics.
GMR Airports Limited (GAL) has reported record air cargo volumes at Delhi and Hyderabad airports during the second quarter and first half of FY2026–27, supported by infrastructure expansion, stronger international partnerships and a strategic focus on cargo logistics. The company is strengthening its cargo business across its airport portfolio, with dedicated facilities and improved connectivity aimed at capturing growing freight demand. Delhi Airport Drives Cargo Growth Delhi International Airport recorded a 12% year-on-year increase in cargo throughput during the first half of FY2026–27, handling approximately 630,000 metric tonnes. Cargo revenue rose 15% to ₹2.8 billion during the six-month period, highlighting the segment’s growing contribution to airport earnings. Cargo operations accounted for around 14% of Delhi Airport’s non-aeronautical revenue in H1 FY27. The Delhi cargo business reported total income of ₹4,707 million, EBITDA of ₹1,364 million after revenue share, and profit before tax of ₹1,319 million during the first half. To expand its express freight capabilities, GMR Cargo and Logistics Limited has entered into a licence agreement with FedEx Express Transportation and Supply Chain Services (India) to operate a dedicated express cargo terminal at Cargo City within Delhi Airport. The development is expected to strengthen specialised handling capabilities and support time-sensitive shipments. Hyderabad Strengthens International Connectivity Hyderabad Airport also achieved its highest-ever cargo volumes, handling 52,000 metric tonnes in Q2 FY27 and approximately 102,000 metric tonnes during H1 FY27. Its cargo subsidiary reported first-half income of ₹1,679 million, EBITDA of ₹708 million and profit after tax of ₹445 million. The airport has signed a memorandum of understanding with Brussels Airport to strengthen air cargo connectivity between Hyderabad and Europe. The partnership is intended to facilitate more efficient trade lanes and expand international logistics opportunities for exporters and freight stakeholders. Hyderabad’s cargo business also received a favourable ruling from the Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal, allowing cargo, ground handling and fuel farm revenues to be treated as non-aeronautical revenues, according to the reported results. New Airports Expand Cargo Footprint Beyond its established hubs, GMR Airports is developing cargo operations at newer airports to broaden its logistics network. Bhogapuram Airport in Visakhapatnam, which commenced commercial operations on 17 August 2026, has been designed with an annual cargo handling capacity of 25,000 metric tonnes. Its cargo facilities were operationalised alongside the airport’s other commercial services. Cargo operations at Mopa Airport in Goa are also scaling up. While these newer facilities remain in the early stages of development, they provide scope for GMR to extend its cargo presence across additional regional markets. The company’s historical cargo growth rates stand at 4.1% at Hyderabad Airport, 3% at Delhi Airport and 2.8% at Nagpur Airport, reflecting the longer-term development of its cargo network. Cargo Emerges as a Strategic Growth Driver GMR Airports is positioning cargo as a key business segment alongside its core airport operations. Investments in specialised infrastructure, express freight handling and international partnerships are intended to improve operational efficiency, expand customer reach and strengthen revenue generation. With Delhi continuing to anchor cargo volumes and Hyderabad expanding its international reach, the company’s strategy combines capacity development at established gateways with the gradual operationalisation of newer facilities. The success of these initiatives will depend on sustained freight demand, efficient cargo handling and stronger connections with global trade networks. As air freight becomes increasingly important to time-sensitive supply chains, GMR Airports’ investments could help strengthen India’s airport cargo infrastructure and support the movement of goods across domestic and international markets. 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐓𝐮𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 CARGOCONNECT 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐮𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬
