Menzies Aviation, the leading service partner to the world’s airports and airlines, has invested in its cargo facilities in New Zealand with the opening of Auckland Airport’s first dedicated airside cargo terminal.
As New Zealand’s primary air cargo gateway, Auckland Airport handles up to 89% of the country’s international air freight, processing more than 168,000 tonnes annually[i]. The new multiple terminal site, located within the airport’s Cargo Precinct, doubles Menzies’ operating footprint and provides direct airside access. Developed in partnership with Auckland Airport, the site features an optimised layout with modern material handling equipment designed to meet local market expectations and support future growth.
Serving 18 airline cargo partners, the 32,000 square-meter super site is secured under a 15‑year agreement and will become New Zealand’s primary Menzies cargo gateway. By year‑end, the operation will be accredited with IATA CEIV Pharma certification and equipped with Nallian’s Truck Visit Management (TVM) solution to enhance landside efficiency for freight forwarders and trucking partners. The facility is fully integrated with Menzies’ MACH cargo management system, supporting more streamlined and data‑driven operations across the region.
The new terminal will specialise in handling time and ‑temperature sensitive‑ shipments, including pharmaceuticals and e-commerce freight, while also supporting general cargo flows and freighter services. This enhanced capability comes at a time of strong export growth, with fresh produce air freight through Auckland Airport rising 34% year-on-year over the recent summer period. This included a 175% surge in avocado shipments and 2,888 tonnes of cherries exported, up 53% year-on-year.
The opening comes during Auckland Airport’s 60th anniversary year, marking a significant milestone as the airport continues to evolve its cargo infrastructure for the future.
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.”
Outlook: strengthening New Zealand’s air freight backbone
With growing demand for high-value exports and time-sensitive cargo, the new Menzies facility is expected to play a central role in reinforcing New Zealand’s air freight ecosystem. The combination of airside access, digital integration, and specialised handling capabilities positions the terminal as a strategic asset for both airlines and exporters operating in the region.
