Swissport boosts Tanzania's cold chain capacity

Swissport has expanded its African cargo network with the opening of a new temperature-controlled cargo facility at Kilimanjaro International Airport in Tanzania, strengthening cold chain capacity for East Africa’s growing perishables export market.

The new facility provides exporters, airlines and freight forwarders with modern cold chain infrastructure designed to maintain the quality and integrity of temperature-sensitive shipments throughout the handling process.

The investment is expected to improve cargo handling efficiency, support the region’s expanding perishables trade and provide exporters with better access to international markets. The facility also strengthens Swissport’s presence in specialist cargo handling across Africa.

Dirk Goovaerts, CEO Continental Europe, Middle East, Africa & India, and Global Cargo Chair, said, “This facility reflects our long-term commitment to Tanzania and reinforces Swissport's cargo network in one of East Africa's most important export regions.”

Swissport said rising demand for perishables and other temperature-sensitive cargo across Africa is increasing the need for logistics providers that combine local expertise with consistent global operating standards. The new facility is part of the company’s broader investment strategy in modern cargo infrastructure across the continent, aimed at ensuring the safe and efficient handling of temperature-sensitive shipments.

Already operational, the 630-square-metre facility has been developed to meet rising demand from exporters in Tanzania’s Northern Circuit, one of East Africa’s key horticultural production regions. It also addresses capacity constraints at Kilimanjaro International Airport and replaces the previous cargo facility, which had been in operation since 1998.

The facility features four temperature-controlled chillers and one freezer, with chilled storage maintained between +2°C and +25°C and frozen storage ranging from -10°C to -20°C. It has an annual handling capacity of up to 13,000 tonnes and can accommodate up to 36 built-up cargo pallets, equivalent to around 180 tonnes of cargo.

The additional capacity will support the handling of temperature-sensitive exports including flowers, fresh produce, seafood and meat, while also providing dedicated capabilities for pharmaceuticals and other specialised cargo.

Swissport has equipped the facility with digital technologies including an Integrated Weighing System linked to its cargo management platform, mobile cargo scanning and automated cargo tracking. These systems are designed to improve shipment visibility and traceability while speeding up cargo processing.

The facility also incorporates sustainability measures, with around 90% of its ground support equipment powered by electricity. It also uses energy-efficient LED lighting and is certified to ISO 14001 environmental management standards.

The Kilimanjaro investment forms part of Swissport’s wider strategy to expand specialised cargo infrastructure at key air cargo gateways across Africa. In East Africa, the facility complements the company’s existing cargo operations in Dar es Salaam and its broader African network, which includes gateways in Johannesburg, Nairobi and Accra.

Globally, Swissport operates more than 120 cargo centres, providing airlines and freight forwarders with standardised handling procedures, specialised expertise and integrated cargo services across international trade lanes.

In Tanzania, Swissport offers cargo handling services covering general cargo, perishables, pharmaceuticals, dangerous goods, express freight, e-commerce and other specialised shipments.

The company said continued investment in cargo infrastructure, digitalisation and standardised operating processes will help support safe, efficient and reliable cargo handling across its global network.