The operator of the largest cargo handling facility at Nairobi’s Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) said it is on schedule to complete its first phase in July 2010, when it will commence handling of both import and export traffic. The new Transglobal Cargo Centre (TCC) will be the first fresh produce and cargo handling facility in Africa to incorporate a multi-storey ETV (elevating transfer vehicle)-based perishables handling system. This cool-chain ETV system will have capacity for storing 160 pallets – the equivalent of more than four B747freighter loads.

The final completion of the giant TCC fresh produce and cargo handling facility, including commissioning of its cool-chain ETV system, will enable it to accept export perishables traffic. It will also mark the end of a one and half-year building programme, representing an investment of £11 million (US$16.4 million) to provide a state-of-the-art handling facility with direct airside access.

Located on JKIA’s newly-extended freight apron, TCC will cater for the airport’s growing cargo business – a substantial element of which is perishables – replacing its reliance upon off-airport cargo handling facilities, and complying with the higher security standards demanded by Nairobi JKIA’s application for FAA category 1 status.

Jomo Kenyatta International Airport has the second highest cargo throughput in Africa, at 290,500 tonnes in 2009 (up five per cent year-on-year) and is currently served by almost 40 scheduled airlines. TCC will have an estimated cargo handling capacity of 250,000 tonnes per annum.

“The export of perishables by air is vitally important to the Kenyan economy,” noted Transglobal’s chairman, Peter Muthoka. “It has huge further potential, but only if the industry moves with the times, and invests in facilities that ease the flow of traffic and comply with everstricterglobal security requirements.”