As air cargo grows more dynamic and decentralised, the pressure on terminal operators to deliver speed, visibility, and consistency is higher than ever. For Menzies Aviation, this means building a global cargo network that runs not just on people and equipment—but on data, automation, and standardisation.

“Our aim is to be the cargo terminal operator of choice across the global supply chain,” Beau Paine, Executive Vice President of Cargo at Menzies Aviation, said. “That means offering the same high level of service, transparency and digital capability—whether you’re in Jordan, India or Australia.”

At the heart of this vision is the Menzies Aviation Cargo Handling (MACH) system—a cloud-based, standardised cargo management system being rolled out across 54 locations worldwide.

“This provides a consistent system across our network and helps us report on operations at the most granular level,” Paine explained. “We’re rolling out digital document handling, smart cabinets for handheld devices, weight and dimensioning apps, and inventory tracking robots.”

MACH also enables real-time visibility and centralised performance monitoring, helping Menzies spot inefficiencies, reduce manual errors, and enhance customer trust. New features like SMS and QR code-based truck call-forwarding add another layer of automation and transparency.

Investing in infrastructure to match innovation

Smart systems demand smart spaces—and Menzies is investing accordingly. In the past year, the company has opened or announced several major new facilities: A 245,000 sq ft terminal at Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru, designed to handle 360,000 tonnes annually; a new cargo centre at Queen Alia International Airport, doubling capacity in Jordan; and a greenfield facility at Western Sydney Airport, designed with autonomous vehicle compatibility.

Each of these sites is being built with digital readiness, scalability, and sustainability at its core.

In parallel with MACH, Menzies is introducing AI-enabled tools to drive precision and predictability. One example is a system to cross-check flown weight at the invoice level against tendered weight in the AWB, flagging inconsistencies before they become billing issues.

The company is also preparing to relaunch its Track and Trace platform, offering message-level shipment visibility across global operations.

“These tools aren’t just about automation for the sake of it,” Paine noted. “They’re about eliminating friction, reducing manual errors, and giving customers confidence in every shipment.”

Safety and security

With cargo crime and cybersecurity threats on the rise, Menzies is reinforcing its defence through layered digital and operational measures.

“We’ve implemented advanced surveillance systems at key stations with motion detection, activity zones, and analytics to detect irregularities,” Paine said. “And we foster a strong safety culture that encourages hazard and near-miss reporting, which has directly led to a reduction in incidents across the network.”

Sustainability isn’t an add-on for Menzies—it’s a core business imperative. In 2025, the company is rolling out IEnvA environmental certification across its cargo network, implementing a structured, aviation-specific environmental management system.

“We’re pushing to reduce single-use plastics, promote biodegradable alternatives, and extend recycling to pallets, uniforms and general station waste,” Paine said.

The digital transformation also plays a key role here. “Every document we digitise, every truck we process more efficiently, contributes to our carbon reduction goals,” he adds.

In parallel, Menzies is deploying SMART building technology across key terminals to track and optimise energy consumption and environmental performance in real time.

For Paine, the focus is on building resilience and scalability—especially as e-commerce and express flows reshape what “urgent cargo” means.

“Customers want speed and predictability, and that means using tech like autonomous vehicles, drones, and machine learning to scale operations without scaling inefficiency,” he outlined.

But at the same time, Menzies is careful to stay grounded in operational reality. “Innovation isn’t about flashy tools—it’s about solutions that work in real stations, for real customers, every day.”

As global cargo operations enter an era defined by volatility, automation, and integration, Menzies is positioning itself to be the partner that delivers reliability, visibility, and value—at scale.