Menzies Aviation has been tapped as a new cargo ground handler at the Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), along with Kale Logistics Solutions, as the technology solution provider for the Airport's cargo community system.

PHL said Menzies and Kale will boost the PHL Cargo Expansion Strategy, announced last year in support of increasing regional demand for air cargo and logistics in and around the Airport.

"The new facilities and technology that will be introduced through this partnership will not only improve cargo throughput but also serve PHL's passenger airlines," PHL said in its announcement.

Menzies Aviation provides air cargo, ground, and fuel services at more than 250 airports in 58 countries and serves a cargo network covering 70 locations around the globe.

Dedicated cargo facility at PHL

PHL, The City of Philadelphia Division of Aviation, and Aviation Facilities Company (AFCO), and Menzies are evaluating near-term options for their operations prior to the completion of a building that will be newly dedicated to air cargo.

"We are delighted to be working with Philadelphia Airport, AFCO and Kale on this new development for cargo," said Robert Fordree, executive vice president of Global Cargo Services at Menzies Aviation. "This is very much aligned to our preferred model of working collaboratively with key stakeholders and airports that are willing to invest in cargo infrastructure."

"We are embracing new technologies and innovation for cargo handling and look forward to bringing this approach to the new development, as well as utilizing the implementation of a cargo community system in collaboration with Kale," Fordree added.

Amar More, co-founder and chief executive officer, of Kale Logistics Solutions, said Kale "feels privileged" to support PHL in its cargo transformation strategy with the provision of our Cargo Community System.

"By creating a digital stakeholder ecosystem, the entire air cargo value chain at PHL will be able to work as a well-synchronized & optimized operation. This will not only bring vast business efficiencies to the airport, but will also drive sustainability benefits by reducing paperwork, truck waiting times, and pollution," More added.

Through AFCO's partnership with the Airport and the City, AFCO intends to develop a 150,000 sq foot facility for Menzies in support of the company’s growing operations.

PHL said the proposed facility will capitalize on investments being made to relocate Tinicum Island Road and expand the airport's cargo ramp area.

The new facility will also leverage the Airport's relationship with Kale Logistics Solutions in the development of an air cargo community system.

Premier East Coast cargo airport

This development is an initial step in the expansion strategy, being executed in phases over the next couple of years; the strategy provides for modern, efficient cargo facilities and infrastructure to drive growth in air cargo capacity— in support of Airport and City goals and the long-term vision of becoming the premier cargo airport on the East Coast.

"Our partnership with AFCO, Menzies, and Kale is a critical step in the evolution of Philadelphia International Airport's cargo program," said noted Jim Tyrrell, chief revenue officer at PHL, adding that it will "help us achieve our goal of becoming the premier cargo airport on the East Coast for speed, efficiency, and quality. Beyond increasing our cargo throughput, this partnership is also meant to enhance services for our passenger airlines."

For his part, Chuck Stipancic, president & CEO of AFCO welcomed Menzies Aviation's cargo group to the PHL cargo community.

"We are thrilled to partner with the City of Philadelphia, Menzies, and Kale to support PHL's vision for continued cargo and economic growth at the airport and in the surrounding community," he said.