In a resounding declaration of commitment to the thriving air cargo industry, Budapest Airport’s (BUD) Cargo City soared to new heights with the inauguration of its expansive 10,000 sqm extension on Tuesday, February 13.
The grand unveiling was made possible by a multi-million-dollar investment courtesy of Menzies Aviation, a premier service partner renowned for its pivotal role in the global aviation landscape.
The upgraded air freight facility marks a significant milestone, heralding Menzies’ amplified cargo capacity from a robust 49,000 tons to 85,000 tons annually. Anchored by cutting-edge amenities, including temperature-controlled chambers tailored for sensitive cargo like animals and valuables, Menzies now stands poised to deliver an even more comprehensive and secure cargo handling experience to its discerning clientele.
Having staked its claim as one of the pioneering tenants of BUD Cargo City since its inception in 2019, Menzies has witnessed a surge in cargo volumes, necessitating a strategic overhaul of its facilities. The expansion blueprint entails a substantial 3,000 sqm augmentation of warehouse space, coupled with a sprawling 1,500 sqm manoeuvring zone meticulously designed to accommodate trucks and ground support equipment. Additionally, a sleek 300 sqm office and social enclave now serve as the nerve centre for Menzies’ operational endeavours. With the recent expansion, Menzies’ warehouse footprint has expanded, skyrocketing from 4,000 sqm to an expansive 7,000 sqm.
Menzies has spared no expense in fortifying its operational infrastructure, with the upgraded facilities having been operational since December 2023. A monumental investment totalling over $7m underscores the company’s unwavering resolve, with construction costs exceeding $1m, coupled with an additional $6m commitment towards the ongoing lease.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony held in Budapest reverberated with a palpable sense of achievement, as key stakeholders from Menzies Aviation, including Tibor Fazekas, MD cargo, and Levente Varga, quality and CEIV manager, joined forces with BUD stakeholders such as René Droese, CDO, and deputy CEO, Réka Sebestyén, property development director, and József Kossuth, cargo director, to commemorate the auspicious occasion.
Beau Paine, global head of cargo at Menzies Aviation, lauded the transformative impact of the BUD Cargo City expansion, hailing it as a pivotal gateway to Central and Eastern Europe. He expressed enthusiasm for Menzies’ ambitious cargo expansion strategy, which is poised to forge robust partnerships across the global landscape, solidifying its foothold across Europe and beyond in the ensuing months and years.
René Droese, CDO, and deputy CEO of Budapest Airport, echoed sentiments of triumph, crediting nearly a decade of concerted efforts for BUD’s ascent as a preeminent cargo traffic hub in the CEE region. Emphasising the symbiotic collaboration with partners like Menzies, Droese hailed the expanded Cargo Handling Building as a testament to their shared vision and unwavering commitment to propelling the industry forward.
