Scottish aviation servicer Menzies Aviation expanded its reach into the Balkans by acquiring a majority stake in Cargo Handling Services Limited (CHS) at Sofia International Airport (SOF) in Bulgaria.
At SOF CHS offers a variety of cargo services including warehousing, import and export processing, postal handling and temperature-controlled storage.
Menzies Aviation Europe executive VP Miguel Gomez Sjunnesson emphasised how this strategic partnership will enable Menzies to increase its market share at Sofia airport: “CHS is a well-regarded cargo provider at Sofia Airport, which has potential for significant growth. Strategically, this investment supports our ambitions to accelerate growth by expanding our air cargo business and entering emerging aviation markets.”
According to Menzies Aviation’s annual review and sustainability report, its work in Europe accounts for 29% of total revenue, a number the firm hopes will grow with operations at its 50th European airport.
Menzies have further emphasised their role as a global transporter of “high value and time critical cargo”, having handled 2m tonnes of cargo in 2022.
Tim Buisseret, commercial director at the British Embassy in Sofia, Bulgaria’s fertile market for collaboration and how this joint endeavour promises success: “We are delighted that Menzies Aviation has expanded their presence to Bulgaria and we look forward to supporting them to develop their business.
“Bulgaria has great long-term prospects, Sofia is a key strategic location and I’m sure that Menzies will succeed here.”
SOF is the largest international airport in the nation, served by 21 airlines and offers regular service to all the major business cities in Europe allowing Menzies to reach a wider scope.
