Menzies expands cargo footprint with Auckland airside terminal

Menzies Aviation has expanded its air cargo operations in New Zealand with the opening of a dedicated airside cargo terminal at Auckland Airport, marking a shift in its regional handling capacity and infrastructure.

The new facility has been developed in partnership with Auckland Airport and is located within the airport’s Cargo Precinct. The site doubles Menzies’ operational footprint in the country and provides direct airside access. Auckland Airport handles up to 89 per cent of New Zealand’s international air freight, with more than 168,000 tonnes processed each year, positioning it as the country’s primary cargo gateway.

The terminal spans 32,000 square metres and serves 18 airline cargo partners under a 15-year agreement. It is set to become the main cargo gateway for Menzies in New Zealand. The facility is integrated with the company’s MACH cargo management system to support data-led operations. It will also be equipped with Nallian’s Truck Visit Management solution to improve landside coordination for freight forwarders and trucking operators. By the end of the year, the operation is expected to secure IATA CEIV Pharma certification.

The terminal is designed to handle time- and temperature-sensitive cargo, including pharmaceuticals and e-commerce shipments, alongside general cargo and freighter operations. The expansion comes as export volumes through Auckland continue to rise. Fresh produce airfreight increased 34 per cent year on year over the recent summer period. Avocado shipments rose 175 per percent, while cherry exports reached 2,888 tonnes, up 53 per cent compared to the previous year.

The opening coincides with the 60th anniversary of Auckland Airport and reflects ongoing efforts to develop cargo infrastructure and centralise operations within a dedicated precinct away from passenger areas.

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, added: “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 centralise 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.”