7 November 2024, Dubai: Menzies Aviation, the leading service partner to the world’s airports and airlines, has announced an extension of its partnership with Wipro to roll-out the Menzies Aviation Cargo Handling (MACH) cargo management system to 28 new stations in 2025.
In 2024, working with leading technology services and consulting company Wipro, Menzies’ pioneering, end-to-end MACH system has been deployed at 24 locations across four continents, with a further 13 airports on track to go live over the coming months.
Since its launch in November 2023, the new cargo management system has been rolled-out at major locations including Auckland Airport (AKL), Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) and O. R. Tambo International Airport (JNB) and has managed more than 150,000 tonnes. It will ultimately be used by more than 3,000 end users, with over 600 Menzies employees now trained to use the system safely and effectively.
The introduction of MACH represents a transition to a truly innovative end-to-end cargo management system, revolutionising operations across the Menzies network. Its cloud-based architecture ensures accessibility from anywhere, anytime and on any device, providing real-time insights and data.
Operating from a ‘single source of truth,’ MACH seamlessly integrates with other systems helping to simplify and standardise all processes. An integral part of the cargo management ecosystem, it improves data accuracy as all electronic information is populated automatically across the system.
Rory Fidler, SVP Cargo Technology, Menzies Aviation, said: “We are very excited to confirm the second phase of the MACH roll-out, which will see the system implemented at an additional 28 locations across the world. The first phase of the programme will be completed over the coming months, which is testament to the successful offering, and sharing the multiple benefits of this pioneering and cutting-edge system to our airline customers across our global network.”
Omkar Nisal, UKI Managing Director, Wipro Limited, said: “Leveraging advanced automation, real-time data integration, and streamlined workflows, our solution is helping Menzies handle more shipments with fewer resources, leading to cost savings and faster turnaround times. Through real-time data integration, Menzies is now able to have better visibility into the supply chain, allowing them to identify and resolve issues promptly, thus ensuring timely deliveries and customer satisfaction. We are committed to continually raising the bar on our work for Menzies and bringing these leading technology solutions to the broader Cargo industry.”
Tema facility will serve as Ghana hub for Africa e-commerce leader
ACCRA, Ghana – October, 30th 2024 – Jumia, the leading Africa e-commerce platform, has chosen the state-of-the-art Agility Logistics Park (ALP) in Tema, Ghana, to be its new nationwide fulfilment operations centre for Ghana.
Jumia will occupy 6,000 SQM of warehousing at the park, using the facility for storage, fulfilment and office space under a 10-year lease agreement with ALP. The facility will hold a wide range of products and be used to process orders and ship deliveries to consumers across Ghana.
“We chose the Agility Logistics Park in Tema because its strategic location will help ensure rapid, efficient delivery of products throughout Ghana. Increased quality storage capacity at the new facility will enable us to improve efficiency in managing our growing product range, allowing us to better meet the expectations of Ghanaian customers,” said Temidayo Ojo, CEO Jumia Ghana.
Jumia is listed on the New York Stock Exchange and operates in 11 African countries. Its marketplace connects sellers to consumers with logistics services that enable shipment and delivery of packages. The platform offers goods across a broad range of categories, including phones and electronics, home appliances, fast-moving consumer goods, fashion and beauty products. The company’s JumiaPay solution facilitates online payment transactions.
The Agility Logistics Park – Ghana is minutes from Tema Port, one of West Africa’s largest. ALP offers the country’s most modern warehousing and infrastructure, and best facilities management, security, versatility and leasing terms. ALP Ghana serves as a storage, distribution, assembly and processing hub for multinationals, regional leaders and local brands in consumer goods, retail, equipment, automotive, energy, mining, agri-business and other sectors. The park includes a training facility, as well as sustainability features that reduce waste and lower energy and water consumption.
Geoffrey White, CEO Agility Africa, said: “We are delighted that Jumia chose to make the Agility Global warehouse park in Tema its new home in Ghana. The location, modern infrastructure and services at ALP Ghana make it ideal for e-commerce operations. We’re confident that quality warehousing can assist Jumia to accelerate its growth and meet the demands of Ghana’s rapidly expanding online shopping market.”
Offers faster deliveries, better access to western parts of Saudi Arabia
RIYADH – Shipa Delivery, a leader in on-demand, first-mile and last-mile deliveries across the GCC, announced that it will add a Jeddah e-commerce gateway to its two existing Saudi gateways in Riyadh and Dammam, reducing delivery times for both inbound and outbound shipments.
The Jeddah gateway will expand international merchants’ access to the fast-growing Saudi market, enhancing customer experience with quicker deliveries. It will offer increased capacity during peak periods and reduce emissions for deliveries to Saudi Arabia’s Red Sea corridor and western portions of the Kingdom.
Shipa Delivery announced the opening of the Jeddah gateway Sunday at the Global Logistics Forum in Riyadh, alongside its parent company, Agility, a supply chain services, infrastructure and innovation company with more than two decades of investment and operational experience in Saudi Arabia.
Shipa Delivery’s footprint in the Kingdom includes more than 18 hubs and 500+ delivery vehicles. The company’s proprietary technology platform gives shippers full tracking and visibility, and offers them a one-stop shop to manage clearance, fulfilment, deliveries, reverse logistics and other functions.
The new Jeddah gateway will open in January and cut 12 to 24 hours from delivery times in the western part of the Kingdom.
“The Jeddah gateway will make our e-commerce clients more competitive by shortening delivery times. It allows us to expand our capacity in the Kingdom by up to 15%, relieving constraints that arise during peak periods, and it allows us to introduce more routes to more delivery destinations within Saudi Arabia,” said Shipa Delivery CEO Borhene Ben Mena.
The Saudi e-commerce market, largest in the Middle East, is one of the fastest-growing in the world. It is growing at an annual rate of 13.5% vs. the sector’s global growth rate of 11.2%, according to Economy Middle East.
Project will add 100K SQM to Kingdom’s most advanced warehousing complex
RIYADH – Oct. 13, 2024 – Agility, a global leader in supply chain services, infrastructure and innovation, announced plans for the final phase of expansion at the Agility Logistics Parks (ALP) warehousing complex in Riyadh.
The expansion project represents an investment of 250 million SAR and will add 100,000 SQM of Class A warehousing to the complex, taking the total available 551,368 SQM. The first phase of the expansion will be ready and operating in Q1 2025. It is expected to create 300 new jobs for Saudis.
ALP developed and operates state-of-the-art warehousing complexes in Riyadh and Dammam. The company is investing more than 611 million SAR to build a third ALP complex, near Jeddah.
Michel Saab, global CEO of Agility Logistics Parks, said the help and collaboration of the Royal Commission for Riyadh City (RCRC), the Ministry of Investment (MISA), and the Riyadh region municipality were vital to the launch of the ALP expansion in Riyadh.
“ALP’s expansion in Riyadh is not just about increasing our operational capacity,” Saab said. “It represents a substantial contribution to the growth of the logistics market in Saudi Arabia and will allow international companies to invest in their growth in the Kingdom. By building world-class warehousing, we are able to provide critical infrastructure that is helping to make the Kingdom a global and regional logistics hub.”
ALP offers some of Saudi Arabia’s most modern, sustainable warehousing. Its Riyadh Logistics Park is home to storage, distribution, processing and fulfillment operations of some of the country’s leading consumer, industrial and e-commerce brands. In 2022, a warehouse at the Riyadh park became the first building in the Kingdom and the first warehouse in the GCC to receive EDGE Advanced certification.
EDGE (Excellence in Design for Greater Efficiencies) is the global standard for energy-efficient buildings, a certification system overseen by the International Finance Corp. (IFC), an arm of the World Bank. EDGE Advanced buildings are “zero-carbon ready” structures that are at least 40% more energy efficient than others in the market.
Parties agree to study need for new freight and logistics infrastructure near Riyadh
RIYADH – OCT. 13, 2024 – Agility, a supply chain services, infrastructure and innovation company, signed a memorandum of understanding with the Saudi Railway Company (SAR) today to look at requirements for inter-modal storage, transportation and processing facilities near Sudair City for Industry and Businesses and near King Khalid International Airport.
Under its Vision 2030 national strategy, Saudi Arabia has set out to establish itself as a global hub for logistics and trade through massive investment in the modernization and expansion of its logistics and transportation infrastructure.
“Saudi Arabia is rapidly moving toward achieving its goal to be one of the world’s most important centers of trade, transportation and logistics,” said Agility Vice Chairman Tarek Sultan. “Agility has been a long-time supporter, partner and investor in the Saudi logistics sector. We have decades of experience here, and we’ve built some of the Kingdom’s most advanced logistics infrastructure. We see a future where Saudi and the region lead the world’s supply chain sector. We thank SAR for giving us the opportunity to be part of this future and the opportunity to contribute to Saudi’s growth and success story”
Agility has been investing in Saudi Arabia for two decades. Its Agility Logistics Parks (ALP) business developed and operates world-class logistics parks and warehousing facilities in Riyadh and Dammam. A third large ALP complex is under construction in Jeddah. Agility’s Riyadh Logistics Park includes “green” buildings that are the first EDGE Advanced-certified warehousing in the GCC.
Other Agility businesses serve Saudi Arabia’s energy, aviation and e-commerce sectors. The company’s corporate venture arm is an investor in Saudi startups in e-commerce and digital freight matching for the trucking industry.
Last year, Agility signed an MOU with the Ministry of Investment of Saudi Arabia (MISA) to strengthen the Saudi healthcare sector by expanding digital health services, localizing the medical technology supply chain, and promoting the transfer of critical supply chain and healthcare knowledge through new services, technology, investment and jobs.
Agility also is one of the largest shareholders in DSV, a global logistics provider and key logistics partner of NEOM, the ultra-modern, smart mega-city project near the Red Sea in the northwest part of the Kingdom.
UAE-based VC fund targets region’s promising startups, entrepreneurs
ABU DHABI – OCT. 2, 2024 – Agility Global, a multi-business operator and long-term investor, said its corporate venture capital arm will invest in a new fund aimed at providing capital to early-stage Middle East and Africa companies.
The new fund is managed by Global Ventures, a Dubai-based investment firm that specializes in growth-stage emerging markets investing in MEA.
Through its venture capital arm, Agility Global has built a portfolio of investments that includes stakes in clean energy, digital logistics, e-commerce, healthcare and agri-tech startups. Its portfolio includes companies that are MEA-based or pursuing market opportunities and expansion in the region.
Agility Global has backed efforts to strengthen the MEA’s entrepreneurial ecosystems and provided resources and expertise to early-stage companies developing go-to-market strategies.
“We are passionate champions and advocates for businesses led by the region’s new generation of entrepreneurs and innovators,” said Agility Global Chairman Tarek Sultan. “The Middle East and Africa are brimming with innovation and entrepreneurial energy. Through our venture capital arm, Agility Ventures, and our investment in Global Ventures’ new MEA fund, we are encouraging the region’s startups and entrepreneurs to commercialize and scale great ideas and innovations.”
Sultan said: “We’re conscious that only about 15% of all VC ‘cheque-writers’ are women, and we’re excited to be backing a women-led fund in the region. We hope that as the ventures ecosystem in the region continues to grow, it will create new opportunities for a range of stakeholders, including women-led businesses, and we’re committed to being part of growing that broader ecosystem.”
Noor Sweid, Founder and Managing Partner at Global Ventures, said: “Anticipating a shift towards resource efficiency in sectors such as supply chain, our new fund, Fund III, is strategically aligned with industries poised for technological transformation in emerging markets over the next decade. With our focus on supply chain technology, we are incredibly grateful for the support of Agility Global, a long-standing leader in the supply chain sector regionally and globally. We are thrilled to have a true partner in Agility Global as we continue to back mission-driven founders addressing critical challenges across the Middle East and Africa.”
Global Ventures manages three funds, all of which target innovation companies in the Middle East and Africa. Agility Global will invest in Global Ventures’ third fund, which was established earlier this year to provide capital to startups innovating in the areas of supply chain technology, energy technology, and agri-tech.
Global Ventures’ first fund, launched in 2018, has a thematic focus on fintech. The firm established a second fund in 2022 to focus on investments in health tech and digital health innovation.
10 September 2024: Menzies Aviation, the leading service partner to the world’s airports and airlines, has announced the official opening of its new cargo facility at Maputo International Airport (MPM) in Mozambique.
The state-of-the-art facility means that Menzies can now handle cargo at MPM, increasing Mozambique’s freight capacity. This represents a significant expansion in Menzies’ footprint across East Africa, with the company’s regional customer portfolio set to increase over the coming months and years.
Boasting high-end facilities and cutting-edge technology, the new cargo warehouse enables Menzies to offer high quality, efficient and safe services to airlines, including launch customers Airlink and Qatar Airways.
The warehouse was officially opened at a ribbon cutting ceremony on Thursday 5 September, where Menzies’ Senior Vice President Cargo (MEAA), AlAnood AlSuwaidi, was joined by representatives from Aeroportos de Moçambique, E.P., the Civil Aviation Institute, Customs of Mozambique and airline partners.
Menzies Aviation has been operational at Maputo International Airport since 2018, operating as National Aviation Services until 2022. It launched two exclusive, contemporary lounges at the airport’s international and domestic terminals and later expanded its portfolio to deliver comprehensive Meet and Assist and ground handling services at the busiest airport in Mozambique in 2019.
AlAnood AlSuwaidi, Senior Vice President Cargo (MEAA), Menzies Aviation, said: “We’re thrilled to cut the ribbon on our new cargo warehouse in Mozambique. This cutting-edge facility will allow us to provide best in class services to our airline customers while supporting East Africa’s air cargo sector. This represents the next exciting step in Menzies’ cargo expansion strategy, which has seen us expand our footprint right across the globe.”
Emirate will be a major sales hub in the region and potential future manufacturing base
27 August 2024, Abu Dhabi – Loop Global Inc, a U.S.-based turnkey provider of EV charging solutions, announced the opening of its regional office in Abu Dhabi, which will showcase Loop’s innovative charging technology and serve as the base for sales and distribution in the broader region.
“Our aim is to be the UAE’s No. 1 EV charging provider and to use Abu Dhabi as a base for our regional expansion,” said Loop CEO Olga Shevorenkova. “We will look to recruit and hire locally as well as look down the road at opportunities to bring manufacturing and R&D activities to Abu Dhabi, which would allow it to become an integrated center of excellence for Loop.”
Loop President and Co-Founder Zack Martin said: “The company established its regional HQ in Abu Dhabi in response to growing local and regional market demand for EV technologies. The UAE’s leadership has demonstrated its determination to lead the world’s clean-energy transition and has been exceptionally far-sighted in pursuit of its sustainability goals and the push to net-zero emissions.”
Abu Dhabi has signaled its intention to install tens of thousands of EV charging stations by 2030. The stations will be located at retail locations, multi-family residences, government offices, petrol stations, and other locations. Reem Mall is among the first locations in Abu Dhabi to install Loop charging stations.
Agility Global, a multi-business owner, operator and investor listed on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX), is an investor in Loop. Agility Global went public on the ADX in May. Agility Global is committed to bringing international investment and innovation to the UAE and the broader GCC.
Tarek Sultan, Chairman – Agility Global, said: “Agility Global shares Abu Dhabi’s vision of a cleaner energy future. By helping Loop establish roots here, we are able to help Abu Dhabi reach its sustainability goals, attract investment, create jobs, and become a center of innovation.”
Loop, based in California, has built one of the largest charging networks in the United States and currently operates more than 6,500 chargers.
Loop’s flagship Flex and Infinity systems can charge passenger and commercial vehicles alike. Its 22 kW EV-Flex stations provide up to 77 miles of range per hour. Loop’s quick-charging 300 kW Infinity Flash stations provide up to 800 miles of range per hour. Loop’s innovative technology offers substantial advantages for both drivers and charging-station hosts. Loop’s mobile app allows drivers to find the nearest chargers, then initiate, monitor, and pay for charging. Where available, drivers can also pay directly using a convenient credit card reader. Charging-station hosts pay no monthly network fees or operating costs. They set billing rates and receive 90% of charging revenue. Loop boasts the industry’s lowest total cost of ownership and an industry-leading uptime.
17 July 2024, London: Menzies Aviation, the leading service partner to the world’s airports and airlines, has announced the renewal of a major cargo and ground handling contract with the Dutch flag carrier, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol (AMS).
Menzies will provide cargo warehouse and ramp handling services for all KLM/Martinair freighter operations at AMS for the next five years, with this renewed contract representing the company’s largest contract at the main international airport in the Netherlands. The extension will see teams at the airport manage approximately 600 aircraft turns and handle almost 100,000 tonnes of cargo every year.
The renewal was announced at an official signing ceremony today at Menzies’ cargo facility at AMS where Miguel Gomez, EVP Europe and Dave Beekman, SVP Benelux from Menzies were joined by KLM Cargo’s Koen Bolster, Vice President Worldwide Operations and Paul van der Wardt, General Manager Martinair Cargo to celebrate the successful partnership. This announcement underscores the relationship between KLM and Menzies Aviation, which stretches back decades. Menzies currently works with the airline at more than ten locations across the world, spanning Europe, Africa, India and Latin America.
Paul van der Wardt, General Manager, Martinair Cargo said: “We are glad to continue our great partnership after all these years of close cooperation. We are looking forward to further develop the ramp handling activities together with Menzies.”
Koen Bolster, VP KLM Cargo Worldwide Operations said: “We are delighted to renew our partnership with Menzies Aviation at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol. This longstanding collaboration has been instrumental in our success, and we are confident that together we will continue to provide exceptional cargo and ground handling services to our customers. We look forward to further strengthening our relationship and delivering excellent operations.”
Hassan El-Houry, Executive Chairman, Menzies Aviation said: “This renewal underscores the strength of our partnership with KLM and reaffirms our commitment to delivering exceptional value and high-quality cargo and ramp services. We are honoured to have been recognised as a strategic partner, and look forward to building on our successful collaboration, achieving new milestones together. Today’s announcement is not just a testament to the successful history of our relationship, but a cornerstone for future growth and innovation.”
New report cites progress, areas for improvement in the Emirates
DUBAI – JULY 10, 2024 – The United Arab Emirates remains the leader, by most key measures, in environmental sustainability and climate action across the Gulf and Africa, says a new Agility Global report that tracks government and business policies, practices and investment related to the environment.
The findings, released Wednesday, are contained in a report that updates Agility’s Middle East and Africa Environmental Sustainability Scorecard, issued last November. The Scorecard examined the performance of 17 MEA countries in environmental sustainability outcomes, government policies and corporate practices. South Africa and the UAE led as the top performing countries in their respective regions and overall.
The new stand-alone report focuses on the UAE and says that the Emirates outscores all five other GCC countries in key areas of environmental progress and sustainability. It concludes that UAE:
- Possesses a “strong base” in green investment, innovation and technology by the government, but that businesses in the UAE stand to improve private sector innovation and investment.
- Scores well in infrastructure and transport because of its investment in mass transit, electric vehicle charging and cleaner port infrastructure.
- Beefed up climate financing regulations and net-zero reporting and monitoring.
- Boosted nuclear and solar capacity.
- Focuses on air quality, water scarcity and mangrove conservation to protect its natural environment.
- Performs well in waste management, innovating to promote circularity and banning single-use plastics in 2024.
“The UAE shows strong collaboration between the government and private sectors in implementing its environmental sustainability agenda,” the report says. “While further progress is needed in areas such as green finance, lowering barriers to entry in the energy market, and filling remaining regulatory gaps, the country is well positioned to enhance its regional leadership role.”
The report noted the country’s leadership in green hydrogen pilot projects, and highlighted its sustainability startup accelerator, Catalyst. It also cites UAE government estimates that the green energy transition could attract AED 600 billion in fresh investment in renewables and clean energy while boosting exports by AED 25 billion and generating 160,000 new jobs in the Emirates.
Agility Global Chairman Tarek Sultan said: “The UAE is becoming a global leader in sustainability by demonstrating the seriousness of its commitment to clean energy, green infrastructure and climate financing assistance for developing countries. Its $54B pledge towards investing in renewables by 2030 and $30B commitment to assisting developing countries in making the clean energy transition are notable. We believe that the scope and scale of the Emirates’ sustainability agenda will generate green-growth opportunities for future-minded investors and businesses.”
The UAE report builds on the results of the 17-country Scorecard, which described MEA nations as “relative late comers to global sustainable development” but said they “are rapidly stepping-up their sustainability strategies, programs and investments.”
The Scorecard used 48 performance and progress indicators to assess performance and compare countries. The indicators include data, regulatory frameworks, policy assessments, incentives and corporate practices across six pillar areas: green investment and technology; sustainable infrastructure and transport; governance and reporting; energy transition; environmental ecosystems; and circularity.
Last fall, roughly two-thirds of UAE business people surveyed for the Scorecard said climate change affects their business operations; and half said their companies would allocate 5% to 20% of capital expenditure toward achieving environmental sustainability targets.
The UAE report was commissioned by Agility Global, a multi-business owner and operator and investor, listed on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX). It was compiled by Horizon Group, a Geneva-based firm that specializes in research and analysis for international organizations, governments and leading businesses.
At COP28, Agility joined 13 other businesses to form the World Economic Forum’s Leaders for a Sustainable MENA, pledging to address climate change in a region where only 12% of MENA businesses have set a net-zero target. Two of Agility Global’s three largest operating businesses (Menzies and Tristar) have committed to net zero. Together, Menzies and Tristar accounted for more than 74% of FY 2023 revenues. Agility Global’s third-largest business, Agility Logistics Parks, developed the first ever EDGE ADVANCED certified “zero-carbon ready” warehouses in the GCC (in Saudi Arabia) and West Africa (in Côte D’Ivoire).