The Global Logistics Services (GLS-Menzies) Liberia has recently completed a new state-of-the-art cargo facility at Roberts International Airport (RIA) in Monrovia, Liberia. The Roberts’ Air Cargo Centre (RACC)
The new 2,700 square meter cargo terminal, which will be formally commissioned for operations in September 2024, will more than double exiting handling capacity from less than 2,000 to 5,000 tonnes per annum. The RACC will improve RIA’s air cargo operations, meet international standards, and support supply chain capacity in the region.
Developed under the joint venture partnership between Menzies Aviation and Liberian-based Global Logistics Services (GLS), a leading logistics player in West Africa, the facility is part of an exclusive 25-year air cargo operations concession awarded to GLS by the Government of Liberia. Under the agreement, GLS-Menzies was tasked with the design, finance, build, maintenance, operation, and transfer (DFBMOT) of this new, modern cargo facility.
The Roberts Air Cargo Center (RACC) offers temperature-controlled cold storage units and walk-in freezers, ensuring sensitive shipments are held in a temperature-controlled environment at all times. It is also equipped with extended racking for storage, a secure vault, a mail area, a dedicated storage area for small goods, a dedicated Express Courier space for DHL, vulnerable and customs-detained items, and five loading docks. The facility uses large object dual-view X-ray scanners, driving efficiency, shorter inspection times, and a dedicated area for customs inspections.
Further adding significant value to the local air cargo eco system, GLS-Menzies Liberia has successfully renewed their IATA’s Safety Audit for Ground Operations (ISAGO) certification for operations at RIA, cementing the facility as a competent and reliable partner for air cargo services and logistics. It has also secured its RA3 [regulated agent third country] status requirements, allowing it to carry cargo into the EU and UK.
Charles Wyley, EVP Middle East, Africa and Asia, Menzies Aviation, said: “We’re excited to announce the completion of the Roberts Air Cargo Center at Roberts International Airport. This new warehouse will not only build capacity at the airport but expand opportunities for various industries to import and export goods to the region. Today’s announcement is a symbol of our commitment to elevate industry standards, foster innovation and build sustainable growth globally. We look forward to delivering world-class cargo operations and encouraging further growth in the air cargo services sector in Liberia.”
Peter Malcolm King, CEO GLS & Chairman GLS MENZIES, said:
This investment is a testament to the potential of indigenous Liberians to develop Liberia. The government of H.E. Joseph N. Boakai has established the Special Economic Zone in the airport area, which, together with this facility, will attract investors into more sectors, especially hotels and warehouses, to develop Liberia. We are committed to creating a seamless logistics and supply chain hub that allows for timely cargo delivery to run industries and facilities for exporting agricultural products from Liberian farmers.
About Menzies Aviation (Technical Partners)
Menzies Aviation is the leading service partner to the world’s airports and airlines, with operations on six continents, at more than 255 airports in 60-plus countries, serving more than 4 million flights a year and handling over 2 million tonnes of cargo. Supported by a team of over 42,000 highly trained people, the company provides complex and time-critical ground services, including passenger, lounge and ramp services; air cargo services, including handling, warehousing and wholesale freight forwarding; and fuel services, including fuel farm management and into-plane fuelling.
Menzies Aviation is recognized across the industry for delivering the safest, most secure and sustainable services tailored to customers’ needs and is essential to keeping passengers, aircraft and cargo moving, round the clock, every minute of every day. Menzies Aviation is headquartered in London and, since its founding in 1833, has become the largest aviation services group in the world by number of countries, airports and aircraft turns.
Global Logistics Services (Concessionaires)
GLS Group is an integrated logistics and supply chain solutions service provider with a strong multi-sector client base that finances, develops and operates transport and logistics infrastructure in Liberia with operating capacity in the Mano River Union. GLS has a successful track record of developing infrastructure projects through financial close and strong international and local partnerships with strategic players, including key global logistics and shipping giants in the project value chain.
GLS commenced operations in 2012 and has direct presence and affiliate operations in the following countries: Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea, Ghana, Ivory Coast, Senegal, Togo, Benin, Mali, Nigeria, Uganda, and Kenya. GLS provides supply chain solutions ranging from customs clearing and brokerage to transportation/haulage, cargo management, warehousing and value-added services and distribution and delivery services.
GLS is the operating company of the first open-access general cargo and bonded storage facility in Liberia, the Inland Storage & Distribution Facility (ISDF). GLS’s strategic mission is to deliver world-class logistics services through the development and acquisition of complementary infrastructure, assets, capacity, and a network that unlocks value for all stakeholders and the community.
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