Menzies Aviation secures 15-year ground handling licence at Bengaluru's KIA

Bengaluru: Menzies Aviation has secured a 15-year licence to provide ground handling services at the Kempegowda International Airport (KIA).

The licence will come into effect from April 1, with operations expected to begin immediately after the company obtains the required regulatory approvals.

Menzies Aviation has been associated with KIA for the past 15 years, during which it has provided air cargo services to both domestic and international carriers.

Under the new licence, the company will offer a full suite of ground handling services across Terminals 1 and 2, including passenger, ramp and baggage operations. It will also integrate its ground and cargo handling services at the airport.

As part of the expansion, Menzies will launch a local recruitment programme, with around 1,000 new employees expected to be hired over the first three years. This will add to its existing cargo workforce of about 1,700 employees.

The company will also invest more than $9.2 million (approximately Rs 83 crore) to modernise and standardise its ground support equipment (GSE) at KIA. This will include the introduction of electric GSE as part of its long-term sustainability strategy, according to a statement issued by the Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL), the airport operator.