The cargo carrier awarded the handling contract to SAHCO in Lagos to improve its service offering in Nigeria and to provide growth capacity, following a 19% boost in the airline’s export volumes last year and increased import demand from the pharmaceutical and courier sectors.
From April 10, 2019, Virgin Atlantic’s import and export cargo will be handled in SAHCO’s 22,000 square metre warehouse at Murtala Muhammed International airport, which boasts facilities including cold rooms for perishables and temperature-sensitive shipments, and dedicated locations for courier and high value cargo. The building has 22 truck loading bays to expedite collections and deliveries of cargo, while security measures include constant CCTV coverage, access control systems, screening technology and a control room.
Says Tonia Boye, Director–Cargo Operations, Virgin Atlantic: “Lagos has been an important cargo market for us for more than 17 years and we are forecasting further growth in our export and import volumes in 2019. By moving to a larger and modern facility, we can improve our product and service offerings for the growing number of companies moving goods to and from Nigeria.”