Menzies Aviation has opened Auckland Airport’s first dedicated airside cargo terminal in New Zealand, doubling its operating space within the Cargo Precinct. As the country’s main air freight hub handling 89% of international cargo (over 168,000 tons yearly), the new 32,000 m² facility offers direct airside access and modern handling facilities for 18 airline partners.
Developed together with Auckland Airport under a 15-year deal, the site is equipped with Menzies’ MACH system and Nallian’s Truck Visit Management for efficient operations both airside and landside. It is aiming for IATA CEIV Pharma certification by the end of this year, and will specialize in pharmaceuticals, e-commerce, perishables, and general freight.
The expansion supports booming exports, with fresh produce air freight up 34% recently including a 175% avocado surge and 53% more cherries (2,888 tons). This positions Auckland as Menzies’ primary New Zealand cargo gateway during the airport’s 60th anniversary.
Beau Paine, Executive Vice President Cargo, Menzies Aviation, said: “The facility relocation and expansion in Auckland was critical for our continued growth in the Oceania region. We are proud of the collaboration and overall delivery of the project, led by Traci Cox and Kayla Moa. These new facilities will elevate the handling experience for our partner airlines and the freight forwarder market. Menzies remains committed to being the cargo provider of choice through operational excellence, reliability and innovation.”
Mark Thomson, Chief Commercial Officer, Auckland Airport, commented: “Auckland Airport is delighted to support Menzies Aviation’s cargo terminal move to the Cargo Precinct. This development is expected to deliver significant operational efficiencies as a result of the dedicated airside road, enabling the fast, efficient and secure movement of time‑critical cargo between the facility and the aprons. The relocation of Menzies operations to the new cargo precinct is a key step in our long‑term plan to centralize cargo operations to a dedicated cargo precinct away from passenger-centric activities. We thank the Menzies management and operations team for their positive engagement throughout the process to achieve this fantastic outcome.”
