Swissport has launched a new facility dedicated to the treatment of temperature controlled goods at Kilimanjaro International Airport. In particular, the area of 630 m2 is expected to respond to the increase in exports of perishable products to northern Tanzania.

The new infrastructure has four refrigerated rooms and a freezer, with storage temperatures between +2 °C and +25 °C for refrigerated products and between -10 °C and -20 °C for frozen goods according to the company.

Swissport states that the facility can process up to 13,000 tonnes of freight per year and simultaneously accommodate up to 36 pallets of freight, or about 180 tonnes.

The equipment is aimed in particular at agricultural exports from the Northern Circuit, one of the main horticultural areas in East Africa. In particular, it may take care of fresh flowers, fruit and vegetables, seafood, meat and other goods sensitive to temperature variations.

Capacity is also provided for pharmaceuticals and other cargoes requiring thermal control. The new facility also replaces the old airport freight building, used since 1998.

The infrastructure also includes several digital devices, including a weighing system linked to Swissport's freight management platform, mobile scanners and automated cargo tracking tools.

According to the operator, these equipment must improve the traceability of shipments and speed up certain processing operations. The installation also works with approximately 90% of electrical ground handling equipment and uses low-power LED lighting.

This infrastructure complements Swissport's activities in Dar es Salaam and its regional network including Nairobi and Johannesburg.

According to the company's data, its operations in Africa amounted to approximately 387 000 tonnes of freight in 2025, with an activity carried out in particular by perishable products, essential goods and electronic commerce.