Menzies' joint venture starts ground handling at Baghdad airport

MASIL, a ground handling joint venture between Menzies Aviation, Iraqi Airways, Air BP Limited and Al Burhan Group, has begun cargo ground handling operations at Baghdad International Airport.

Masil's team of 65 staff is providing ground handling services at the hub to carriers including Emirates, Qatar Airways, Turkish Airlines, DHL, MNG Airlines, Silk Way Airlines, Royal Jordanian, Egypt Air, flydubai and Middle East Airlines.



Under an initiative at the hub called Cargo Go Live, Masil employees are also undertaking Menzies Aviation cargo training modules, including dangerous goods, safety management, security and specialised handling techniques.



A spokesperson for Menzies Aviation said: 'The joint venture partners will also implement advanced and bespoke technological systems that will streamline the cargo handling process.'



Masil's operations at Baghdad International Airport follow it being awarded an exclusive contract by the Iraqi Civil Aviation Authority (IC) for the delivery of ground handling, cargo and fuelling services at the airport. The license was the first of its kind to be awarded by the IC to a foreign aviation services company.



Charles Wyley, executive vice president at Menzies Aviation - Middle East, Asia and Africa, commented: 'As we begin to support our cargo customers at Baghdad, we are also delivering against our objective of developing the airport's operating procedures and training schemes.



'Our cargo manifesto, which sets out our strategy for developing a world-class air cargo facility, will see us sharing our deep experience and knowledge to build a safe, compliant and sustainable cargo operation at Baghdad.'


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