UK-BASED Menzies Aviation has acquired the warehouse handling and trucking business of Airline Cargo Resources South Africa (ACR). “ACR is a home-grown South African company – but globalisation is the buzz word and we believe that Menzies will add significant value to the company, its customers and its staff,” ACR managing director Bryn Woolley told FTW. “Over the years we’ve been approached by many companies but believe that in Menzies we have found the perfect fit,” he said. The acquisition will in no way affect the current staff and operations of the company. Malcolm Tonkin has been appointed general manager: cargo for Menzies Aviation South Africa, while Woolley continues as MD. ACR was established in 1994 as a GSSA, subsequently adding handling and trucking to its service portfolio. Currently it is the general sales and service agent for Etihad Crystal Cargo, Ethiopian Airlines, Air Namibia, Air Austral, Air Madagascar and Air Jamaica. This will remain unchanged under the guidance of Woolley. Menzies has already established a footprint in South Africa, having been awarded a licence for passenger and ramp handling services to airlines at all the major airports in South Africa, effective from March 1. The UK-based company is an independent supplier of ground handling services to the aviation market providing passenger, ramp and cargo services for many of the world’s airlines and some of the busiest international airports. Its global reach provides exciting new growth opportunities for the company as well as its staff, Woolley added.
