John Menzies plc (“Menzies”), the global aviation services business has announced further expansion in Central America with the acquisition of Interexpresso and additional contract wins in the Oceania region.
Acquisition of Interexpresso
Menzies has agreed to acquire 51% of Interexpresso Costa Rica Corporación ILC, S.A. (“Interexpresso”), which will see Menzies’ footprint expand in Central America, an exciting growth market.
Interexpresso is an aviation service provider operating in Central America and headquartered in Costa Rica. Interexpresso’s core business is cargo handling and aviation security services, primarily cargo document handling, cargo security screening, and aircraft access control. Interexpresso’s operations are based in San Jose, Costa Rica, with additional operations in Guatemala and El Salvador.
Menzies’ initial focus will be on developing and growing Interexpresso’s core cargo and security offerings across the region, with the potential to expand into additional air cargo handling and ground handling services. In addition, the joint venture has added three new countries to Menzies’ portfolio, creating a strong foothold in Central America to develop its product lines across the region.
Further contract gain momentum in Oceania
In the Oceania region, we are delighted to have secured new business with Virgin Australia in Australia. Menzies will provide ground services at Darwin, Cairns, and Queenstown from mid-October and provide air cargo services at Darwin.
Following a competitive tender process, these wins are in addition to existing business retained at Sydney, Melbourne, Kargoorlie, Perth, Brisbane, Cairns, and Gold Coast airports. They are a testament to the excellent service levels provided in the region.
Overall, the contracts will see Menzies handle c8,000 flights and c6,500 tonnes of cargo per annum at a total of 10 locations for Virgin Australia.
These new contracts represent a significant expansion of Menzies’ operations in the Australian market and build on the recent wins with Qantas and Jetstar.
Philipp Joeinig, Chairman & CEO, said: “I am pleased to announce our expansion in the Central American region. We have found a knowledgeable partner in Interexpresso, and, working together, we will be able to open doors in new, attractive, higher-margin, and emerging markets in the region.”
