NAC adds cold storage capacity

Zambian ground handling specialist and clearing company NAC2000 has increased capacity of a new cold storage facility opened in August 2013. When the new 1000sqm facility comes on line, NAC2000 will have a total of 2 500 sqm of cold storage, in addition to more than 1000sqm of ground storage – bringing the total to around 3 500 sqm of storage space at the Kenneth Kaunda International Airport (KKIA), NAC2000’s new US$1m multipurpose storage facility is situated alongside the main KKIA apron and is equipped with Zambia’s largest state-of-the-art dual view cargo scanner, according to managing director Jonathan Lewis. Since January 1 it has been mandatory for all air cargo to be screened before it is loaded. The dual view scanner meets airline requirements for cargo to be scanned across two different angles in a single pass This reduces handling and improves productivity, according to Lewis. In addition to scanning before being loaded, cargo is weighed on an electronic weighbridge both when it arrives and when it leaves the warehouse. Temperature-sensitive cargo is stored at between 0 and 8 degrees Celsius. One of the cool rooms can also be cooled down to below zero for frozen cargo if required. “We now have the capacity to assist clients who want to ship frozen products like fish and meat,” says Lewis. He says the investment is to assist farmers who are increasing production in order to take advantage of the depreciating kwacha. The company provides full aircraft ground handling services at Zambia’s four international airports. It recently replaced its entire fleet of carriers at Ndola International Airport. NAC2000 currently handles all cargo for Kenya Airways Ethiopian Airlines, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines, South African Airways, Fast Jet and Air Malawi. It also provides full handling and support services for ad hoc cargo and passenger aircraft in Zambia. INSERT & CAPTION The dual view scanner meets airline requirements for cargo to be scanned across two different angles in a single pass. – Jonathan Lewis