Swissport has opened a new temperature-controlled cargo facility at Kilimanjaro International Airport in Tanzania, expanding cold-chain capacity for East Africa’s growing perishables export market.

The 630-square-meter facility is designed to support exporters, airlines and freight forwarders handling temperature-sensitive shipments from Tanzania’s Northern Circuit, a major horticultural production region. Already operational, the facility replaces an airport cargo facility that had served the industry since 1998.

“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,” said Dirk Goovaerts, CEO Continental Europe, Middle East, Africa & India, and Global Cargo Chair. “As demand for perishables and other temperature-sensitive shipments continues to grow across Africa, customers increasingly value partners that combine local expertise with consistent global operating standards.”

The facility features four temperature-controlled chillers and one freezer, providing storage temperatures ranging from 2 degrees C to 25 degrees C, along with dedicated frozen storage between minus 10 degrees C and minus 20 degrees C.

Designed to handle up to 13,000 tons of cargo annually, the facility can accommodate as many as 36 built-up cargo pallets, equivalent to approximately 180 tons of cargo. It will support exports including flowers, fresh produce, seafood and meat, as well as pharmaceutical shipments and other temperature-sensitive cargo.

The facility also incorporates digital cargo-handling technology, including an Integrated Weighing System connected to Swissport’s cargo management platform, mobile cargo scanning and automated cargo tracking. According to Swissport, the systems are intended to improve shipment visibility and traceability while speeding cargo processing.

Approximately 90 percent of the ground support equipment used in Swissport’s Kilimanjaro cargo operation is electric. The operation also incorporates energy-efficient LED lighting and is certified to ISO 14001 environmental management standards.

The Kilimanjaro investment is part of Swissport’s broader expansion of specialized cargo infrastructure at key African air cargo gateways. In East Africa, the facility complements the company’s cargo operations in Dar es Salaam and joins a broader African network that includes operations in Johannesburg, Nairobi and Accra.

Swissport operates more than 120 cargo centers worldwide. In Tanzania, the company handles general cargo, perishables, pharmaceuticals, dangerous goods, express freight, e-commerce shipments and other specialized cargo.