Swissport opens cold chain facility at Kilimanjaro Airport to boost East Africa perishable exports
In East Africa, the facility complements the company’s existing cargo operations in Dar es Salaam and its broader African network, which spans gateways in Johannesburg, Nairobi and Accra.
TANZANIA – 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 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 of Continental Europe, the 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.”
Facility Specifications and Capacity
Already operational, the 630-square-metre facility has been developed to meet rising demand from exporters in Tanzania’s Northern Circuit, a key horticultural production region in East Africa.
It also addresses capacity constraints at Kilimanjaro International Airport and replaces the previous cargo facility, which had operated 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 between -10°C and -20°C.
In addition, 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.
Digital Technology and Sustainability
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 accelerating cargo processing.
The facility also incorporates sustainability measures, with around 90% of its ground support equipment powered by electricity. It uses energy-efficient LED lighting and is certified to ISO 14001 environmental management standards.
Broader African Network and Strategic Impact
In East Africa, the facility complements the company’s existing cargo operations in Dar es Salaam and its broader African network, which spans gateways in Johannesburg, Nairobi and Accra.
Meanwhile, in Tanzania, Swissport provides cargo handling services for general cargo, perishables, pharmaceuticals, dangerous goods, express freight, e-commerce and other specialized shipments.
Finally, this investment not only streamlines access to global trade for Tanzanian producers but also reinforces Swissport’s commitment to standardized, high-tech cargo handling across the African continent.
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