Commit to combating climate change, cutting emissions by 2030, outlining net-zero roadmaps

Kuwait – 26 December 2023 – Agility, a supply chain services, infrastructure and innovation company, affirmed its commitment to combating climate change as a signatory to the World Economic Forum’s joint communique on achieving a net-zero future for the Middle East.

Agility is one of 14 leading companies from the Middle East and North Africa that signed the communique. The companies, members of the World Economic Forum’s Leaders for a Sustainable Middle East and North Africa initiative, pledged to: 1) Drive their organizations to net zero; 2) Deliver near-term emission reductions, 3) Enable greener growth; 4) Build awareness and capability, especially among consumers and supply chain participants; 5) Collaborate with the public sector to create an enabling ecosystem.

“Representing 7% of MENA’s current emissions, this coalition of top business leaders are going beyond pledges and are stepping up with concrete actions to reduce emissions and mobilize the ecosystem towards a net-zero future. This is not only about combating climate change, but about seizing the opportunity to drive a sustainable, inclusive and resilient future for the region,” said Borge Brende, President of the World Economic Forum.

Agility has taken a group-wide approach in its sustainability efforts. All Agility group companies pursue ESG strategies tailored to their industry contexts. Menzies Aviation and Tristar, Agility’s two largest subsidiaries, are responsible for the majority of Agility’s overall emissions and have each established net-zero goals. Menzies aims for net zero by 2045; Tristar’s target is 2050. In the short term, Menzies plans to reduce Scope 1 & 2 emissions by 50% and Scope 3 emissions by 20% by 2030, aligned to the Science Based Targets initiative (SBTi) corporate Net Zero standard. Meanwhile, Tristar has set annual operational energy consumption intensity and CO2 emissions reduction goals of 30,000 tons/year which is approximately around 35% of its total emissions under Scope 1 & 2. Tristar aims to contribute to climate actions through using zero emission fuels in 5% of its deep-sea shipping by 2030. This will be in line with achieving the IMO Initial GHG strategy objective of 40% reduction of CO2 emissions per transport work compared to 2008, by 2030. Tristar is also one of the first signatories to ‘Forward Faster’, a UN Global Compact initiative guiding companies on where they can make their biggest and fastest impact for 2030.

Agility Logistics Parks (ALP), another Agility subsidiary, is pioneering the use of sustainable materials and designs across the MENA region. ALP’s warehousing complex in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and the company’s warehousing complex in Cote d’Ivoire earned the first EDGE Advanced Certifications ever awarded in MENA and West Africa, respectively. This certification, an IFC-backed standard, recognizes buildings that are at least 40% more energy-efficient than the market. Agility was recently named the No. 3 sustainability leader in MENA’s Transport & Logistics sector by Forbes as part of its Middle East Sustainability 100 list.

Tarek Sultan, Agility Vice Chairman, said: “Sustainability is a central focus for Agility, and we seek collaboration with partners who share our vision. Joining WEF’s initiatives for climate change in the MENA region is a reflection of that commitment, and our on-ground sustainability efforts are a testament to our resolve. We believe collaboration like this is critical if the region is to cut emissions and reach net zero.”

The signatories,

  1. Tarek Sultan, Chief Executive Officer and Vice-Chairman, Agility (Kuwait)
  2. Marco Arcelli, Chief Executive Officer, ACWA Power (Saudi Arabia)
  3. Majid Jafar, Chief Executive Officer, Crescent Petroleum (United Arab Emirates)
  4. Hatem Dowidar, Group Chief Executive Officer, e& (United Arab Emirates)
  5. Shayne Nelson, Group Chief Executive Officer, Emirates NDB (United Arab Emirates)
  6. Hana Al Rostamani, Group Chief Executive Officer, First Abu Dhabi Bank (United Arab Emirates)
  7. Abdulaziz Al-Helaissi, Group Chief Executive Officer, Gulf International Bank (Bahrain)
  8. Mohammed Alardhi, Executive Chairman, Investcorp (Bahrain)
  9. Ahmed Galal Ismail, Chief Executive Officer, Majid Al Futtaim Holding (United Arab Emirates)
  10. Helmut von Struve, Chief Executive Officer, Siemens UAE & Middle East (United Arab Emirates)
  11. Jasim Husain Ahmed Thabet, Group Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director, Abu Dhabi National Energy Company (TAQA) (United Arab Emirates)
  12. Lina Noureddin, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, Lamar Holding (Bahrain)
  13. Abdulrahman Al Hatmi, Group Chief Executive, Oman Global Logistics Group (ASYAD) (Oman)

Khalil Yassine, Head, Unilever Arabia (United Arab Emirates)

Supply chain leader recognized for pioneering green buildings, transport, fuels and investment

DUBAI – NOV. 13, 2023 – Forbes Middle East has named Agility, a supply chain services, infrastructure and innovation company, as one of the region’s top leaders in sustainability, recognizing the company’s drive in green warehousing, clean energy, and investment that reduces environmental impact.

Agility is the No. 3 sustainability leader in the region’s Transport & Logistics sector, according to Forbes’ new Middle East Sustainability 100 list. Agility is one of only three Kuwait-based companies on the Forbes list.

Agility is pioneering the use of sustainable materials, designs and systems in development and construction of industrial infrastructure in the Middle East and Africa. A warehouse at the Agility Logistics Park in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia was the first warehousing facility in the Middle East and North Africa to receive EDGE Advanced “green building” certification. The company’s warehousing complex in Cote d’Ivoire is the first in West Africa to receive EDGE Advanced certification, an IFC-backed standard for buildings that at least more 40% energy-efficient than the market.

The company’s venture capital arm, Agility Ventures, has invested in startups and technology companies with innovations or disruptive business models that have a primary focus or quantifiable positive impact on the environment and social conditions. Among the technologies it has invested in: clean hybrid powertrain systems for long-haul trucking; electrified last-mile vehicles; EV charging networks and infrastructure; and solar thermal energy systems.

Agility’s operating businesses are following their own sustainability roadmaps. Agility’s Menzies Aviation business, the world’s largest provider of aviation ground services, and its Tristar liquid logistics affiliate are piloting industry efforts to green ground, air and ocean fleets, and develop storage and distribution infrastructure required for the transition to cleaner fuels.

Agility is also being recognized for its investments in its communities. In the last decade, Agility has reached more than 1 million people in need, including deploying resources in the aftermath of natural disasters and complex humanitarian emergencies, as well as a long-standing focus on youth education, entrepreneurship, employment, and digital skilling. Agility supports education and training initiatives for young people in Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Cote D’Ivoire, Ghana, India and Egypt, among other countries.

Tarek Sultan, Agility Vice Chairman said: “Agility has been investing in ESG leadership for nearly 20 years; it’s a core part of our culture, commitment, and value proposition to shareholders, customers, employees, and communities. We’re honored by the acknowledgement from Forbes, and thank every one of our employees and stakeholders for being such a critical part of our sustainability journey.”

Forbes recognized Agility and others on its Middle East Sustainability 100 list at a dinner chaired by H.E. Dr. Thani Bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Trade, at Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island, Abu Dhabi.

2023 program expanded girls’ participation

Kuwait – 26 September 2023 – CODED Academy, the first coding academy in the Middle East – based in Kuwait, has concluded its Kuwait Codes training program, providing free programming training for over 1,100 high schools students in partnership with Agility and other local companies.

Free programming training for over 1,100 high schools students in partnership with Agility and other local companies

The Kuwait Codes initiative provides basic digital skills that the country’s future workforce needs in order to build a successful knowledge and innovation-led economy. The 2023 program focused on four distinct knowledge areas: website programming, game development, Python Programming, and app-building toolkit Flutter.

The training ran through three main cohorts that welcomed 1147 students, 565 boys and 482 girls. An additional 102 girls participated in a special program, ‘Ra’idat al Taqnia,’ developed by CODED to increase female participation. ‘Ra’idat al Taqnia’ program participants undertook intensive training UI/UX and design of an interface for a website or mobile application; a startup workshop to teach about entrepreneurship; and Women in Tech.

Agility presented the Best Woman Project Award to Jenan Faisal

During the graduation ceremony, Agility presented the Best Woman Project Award to Jenan Faisal, who developed an application using Python that helps people finding destinations during their travels which is also integrated with speech recognition for easier customer usability.

Henadi Al Saleh, Agility Chairperson, said: “Congratulations to all the participants in this year’s Kuwait Codes program. Digital skills are essential for the jobs of the future, and we’re proud to have supported 1147 young people in strengthening their digital capabilities – with nearly 50% female participation. Agility is committed to creating opportunities for our young people to thrive – and our CODED partnership has helped train nearly 1,500 young people in total since 2022.”

4 September 2023, Kuwait: Menzies Aviation, the leading service partner to the world’s airports and airlines, has successfully extended its agreement with Jazeera Airways, the leading low cost carrier in Kuwait. The announcement marks the next step in an expanding partnership with the Kuwaiti airline, which includes passenger, ramp, and air cargo services at seven airports in five countries.

At Kuwait International Airport (KWI), the extended five-year agreement will see Menzies Aviation, operating as National Aviation Services (NAS) at KWI, continue to deliver ground and air cargo handling services, managing more than 1,400 flights a month. In addition, it will oversee the airline’s dedicated T5 Pearl lounge in the exclusive Jazeera Terminal 5, offering passengers a dedicated space to work or relax before they fly.

This latest announcement in the ongoing partnership with Jazeera Airways follows the introduction of passenger, ramp and air cargo services earlier this year at Islamabad International Airport (ISB) in Pakistan where the Menzies-RAS team successfully managed its inaugural flight from Kuwait.
In Europe, new contracts were also secured at Tivat International Airport (TIV), Montenegro and Belgrade Nikola Telsa Airport (BEG), Serbia. This marks the next step in the partnership between Menzies and the airline, building on its existing operations at Jinnah International Airport (KHI) and Allama Iqbal International Airport (LHE) in Pakistan, and Queen Alia International Airport (AMM) in Jordan.

Hassan El Houry, Chairman – Menzies Aviation, said: “The extension of our agreement with Jazeera Airways in Kuwait is the next step in our continued strategic partnership, and demonstrates the strength of our ground services offering. We have built a strong relationship with the airline since we began working with them in 2005, first as NAS and now as Menzies Aviation. We are delighted to continue delivering our ground, cargo and lounge services in Kuwait and new locations in the airline’s growing network across the Middle East, Central and South Asia, Europe and Africa.”

  • Entered six new countries and expanded to 18 new airports
  • Increased air cargo footprint with 75th cargo location
  • Announced net-zero commitment for scope 1, 2 and 3 CO2e emissions by 2045

9 August 2023, Kuwait: Menzies Aviation, the leading service partner to the world’s airports and airlines, and an Agility company, is marking a year since it joined forces with National Aviation Services (NAS) to become the world’s largest aviation services company.

The company, which was acquired by Agility on 4 August 2022, has enjoyed accelerated growth over the past 12 months, successfully entering six new countries and growing its workforce to 40,000 employees – the highest in the company’s 190-year history.

Accelerating global growth

With a focus on accelerating growth, Menzies has created a solid platform for expansion especially in emerging aviation markets. Notable successes were seen in all four regions around the world:

  • In the Americas, Menzies successfully expanded its footprint to Jamaica and Panama. It grew operations in Mexico from 31 to 37 airports and obtained new licenses for operations in Canada, Costa Rica, and Chile. It welcomed new customers through multiple contract wins in Philadelphia, Atlanta, and Texas taking it to 55 airports in the US – and more than 120 in total. It also achieved the largest net sales wins in its history, and won a series of large contracts with key global airline customers, making 2022 its best year yet in the Americas.
  • In Europe, significant growth was achieved with acquisitions and new partnerships in Montenegro, Serbia, Bulgaria and Italy. It also took a decisive step towards the acquisition of Portugal’s largest aviation services and ground handling company, which is set to complete this year.
  • In the Oceania & South East Asia region, a new partnership at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KUL) saw the company establish its first location in Malaysia, complementing its existing operations in Indonesia, China-Macau and Thailand. The company also secured its first engineering contract in Australia, where it has diversified into more narrow-body, high-volume ground handling.
  • In the Middle East, Africa & Asia, the company secured a new five-year license at nine airports in South Africa, where it also won a game-changing air cargo contract at three airports. In India, it entered a 15-year partnership with Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL) to expand international and domestic cargo facilities at Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru.

In the same period, Menzies has grown its air cargo footprint from 69 locations to 75 locations. Air Menzies International, its freight forwarding business, also expanded its global network with new branches in Frankfurt, Germany; Lahore and Karachi in Pakistan; and Toronto, Canada.

Technology transforms operations

The company has invested in technology to enhance operations with sustainability in mind. It extended its partnership with i6, a leader in digital fuel management technology to four additional airports in the UK and has selected Wipro Limited, a leading technology services and consulting company, to transform its air cargo management system.

All in for sustainability

With its sights firmly set on growing the business responsibly and sustainably, Menzies Aviation set a new net-zero commitment, aligned to the Science Based Targets initiative, for scope 1, 2, and 3 CO2e emissions across the company by 2045. The commitments, which were published in Menzies’ 2022 Annual Review & Sustainability Report, reflect the company’s refreshed sustainability targets across safety, people, environment, ethical, community and governance pillars following the launch of its ‘All In’ plan for a fair and sustainable future in 2021.

Philipp Joeinig, CEO, Menzies Aviation, said: “We are extremely proud to reflect on the remarkable achievements and phenomenal growth we have experienced in the year since we joined forces with National Aviation Services (NAS). It is testament to the hard work, determination and collaborative spirit of our people, who continue to embody and represent the company’s values, no matter where they operate. We’re excited to look to the future, as we continue our journey to be recognised as the leading aviation services provider.”

Hassan El-Houry, Chairman, Menzies Aviation, said: “Twelve months ago we reshaped our industry when we combined NAS and Menzies to create the world’s largest aviation services company. This marked a new era of accelerated growth for our business which now spans six continents, 60+ countries, and more than 250 airports, supported by a trained and dedicated team of more than 40,000 employees. We will continue to lead the industry by serving our airline and airport partners with the best quality, safety, and security systems. We are equally committed to helping all our stakeholders achieve their sustainability goals, and we will continue to be responsible corporate citizens in our communities.”

Q4 2022

(Million KD)

Q4 2021

(Million KD)

Variance

(%)

FY 2022

(Million KD)

FY 2021

(Million KD)

Variance

(%)

Revenue 336.5 141.4 137.8% 863.4 486.2 77.6%

 

Net Revenue 188.6 69.8 170.2% 473.3 251.4 88.3%
EBITDA 63.8 21.5 196.7% 180.5 109.0 65.7%
Net Profit from continuing operations 26.6 (0.6) 4218% 68.0 24.2 180.7%
Net Profit discontinued operations  

953.2
Net Profit 26.6 (0.6) 4218% 68.0 977.4 (93%)
EPS (fils)

from continuing operations

10.51 -0.26 4218% 26.83 9.6 179.5%

Numbers above are rounded

 

KUWAIT – March 31, 2023Agility, a long-term investor and operator in supply chain services, infrastructure, and innovation, today reported full-year 2022 earnings of KD 68 million, or 26.83 fils per share, an increase of 180.7% over the same period in 2021, excluding results from its Global Integrated Logistics (GIL) unit, which was sold in 2021. Agility’s EBITDA increased 65.7% to KD 180.5 million and revenue grew 77.6% to KD 863.4 million.

The results include: five months of performance from Menzies Aviation, acquired by Agility in 2022; four months of performance by HG Storage International, acquired by Agility’s Tristar Business in 2022.

On a like-for-like basis — excluding Menzies and HG Storage performance, and GIL results — Agility earnings rose 153.5% from 2021. Agility’s EBITDA increased 44.1% to KD 157 million, and revenue grew 21.2%.

For continuing operations, Agility’s Q4 2022 earnings were KD 26.6 million, an increase of 4,218%. EBITDA was KD 63.8 million, an increase of 196.7%; revenue was KD 336.5 million, an increase of 137.8%.

 

2022 in Review

Agility Vice Chairman Tarek Sultan said: “Agility had a strong 2022, marked by two major acquisitions that are reshaping the company and creating new opportunities. But like all businesses, we face global economic uncertainty in 2023, as well as uncertainty regarding government land lease policy in Kuwait.”

It’s important to emphasize that we take a long-term view in value creation. When it comes to our controlled businesses, Agility’s acquisition of Menzies and Tristar’s acquisition of HG Storage helped us accelerate growth, expand our geographic reach, and increase our exposure to sectors that have strong future growth potential. On the investments side, stock market volatility affected our holdings, but we look beyond daily share price movements to the strategic value, growth and returns we believe our investments will deliver for our shareholder over the long-term.”

Sultan said: “Today, Agility is diversified geographically, operationally, and financially, which helps us reduce the dependency on one country, sector or asset. Our controlled businesses employ a workforce of 45,000 people, who operate on six continents.”

“Ultimately, we’re a different business today than we were even two years ago – and we continue to evolve, grow, and drive value for our shareholders, customers, employees, and communities we operate in.”

 

Dividend Recommendation

As a result of the uncertainty related to public sector policy with respect to land use and the role of the private sector in the economy, the Board of Directors has recommended no dividend distributions for the year 2022. This recommendation is subject to the approval of the AGM.

The Board shall monitor events and assess developments related to public sector policy closely and will accordingly assess the viability of distributing interim quarterly dividends during the fiscal year 2023.

 

Agility Controlled Businesses

Agility’s controlled businesses are the businesses the company controls and operates and whose performance is consolidated and reported through Agility’s profit and loss statement. For full year 2022, our controlled businesses collectively reported EBITDA of around KD 195.1 million and revenue of KD 863.4 million, increases of 57% and 77.6%, respectively, over 2021.

The performance of this segment will be reported under three groups, Aviation Services, Fuel Logistics, and Other Controlled Businesses, which include Agility Logistics Parks, UPAC, GCS and others.

Aviation Services

Agility acquired Menzies in August 2022 and consolidated it with National Aviation Services (NAS), Agility’s legacy ground handling business. The acquisition expanded Agility’s geographical presence, which was reduced after the 2021 sale of GIL. The Menzies acquisition has given Agility the ability to leverage this business for future growth. The integration process of NAS within the Menzies organization is nearing completion. The process has been straightforward due to the fact that the two businesses complement one another’s geographic footprint and operations.

In aviation services, Agility reported in 2022 an EBITDA of KD 41.5 million and revenue of KD 294 million, a number that includes full-year performance of NAS plus five months of Menzies’ results.

The post-COVID revival of air traffic – in passenger and cargo volumes – led to growth in ground handling in 2022. The recovery was slightly offset by a reduction in revenue from COVID-related services provided mainly in Kuwait. The overall recovery was strongest in increased passenger flights across the Americas. Notably, cargo volumes began to slow toward the end of 2022.

Fuel Logistics

Tristar revenue for 2022 grew by 60.1% to KD 252.9 million vs.2021; EBITDA increased by 39% to KD 53.1 million, compared with 2021. Tristar’s Maritime and Fuel Farms segments delivered the highest growth. The drivers of Tristar’s 2022 performance were its recent acquisition of a 51% stake in HG Storage International, finalized at the end of August; successful renewal of two large long-term peacekeeping contracts, making Tristar the UN’s top supplier (as listed on the UN procurement website); and the booming maritime business. In 2023, Tristar is focused on growing and deepening its relationship with blue-chip clients. Its balanced portfolio has positioned it for long-term sustainable value to shareholders.

 

Other Controlled Businesses

For the full year of 2022, this group reported EBITDA of KD 100.4 million and revenue of KD 316.6 million, increases of 42.3% and 14.4%, respectively, over 2021.

The main contributors to this group were:

Agility Logistics Parks (ALP). ALP reported 10% revenue growth for 2022. ALP Kuwait performed well but faces a challenge to future operations on existing properties.  Agility continues to manage those properties and is working to develop more than 1.2 million SQM of additional land as industrial and storage complexes in Sabah Al Ahmed City area in southern Kuwait. Elsewhere, ALP is continuing to pursue its growth strategy by increasing and optimizing its existing land bank, developing new projects, and looking to acquire additional land, especially in the Middle East and Africa. In 2022, ALP announced an agreement with Saudi Arabia’s State Properties General Administration (SPGA) to build a large logistics park for storage and distribution on a 576,760 SQM parcel near Jeddah. In 2023, ALP has expanded operations into Egypt, where it will develop, build and operate modern logistics parks and Grade A warehousing facilities in partnership with Hassan Allam Utilities. ALP also announced the availability of specialized data centers campuses within several of its existing parks.

United Projects for Aviation Services Company (UPAC). UPAC reported a 28.2% increase in revenue for 2022 compared with 2021. The increase was primarily due to a rebound in airport-related services and parking, following the reopening of Kuwait International Airport and lifting of COVID restrictions.  UPAC expects to benefit from increases in daily flights and passenger volumes in 2023 and beyond.

UPAC is a co-investor in Abu Dhabi’s $1.3 billion Reem Mall on Reem Island. The mall officially opened to the public on Feb. 16, 2023, with about 45 units operating.  UPAC expects a gradual opening by more tenants over the coming months. The mall is the region’s first, fully integrated omni-channel retail ecosystem with digital, e-commerce, and logistics capabilities. It brings together all consumer and retail services to ensure a seamless customer experience.

Global Clearinghouse Systems (GCS).  At GCS, Agility’s customs-modernization company, 2022 revenue grew 4% in 2022. GCS is focused on delivering optimal efficiencies and services to its customers.

 

Agility’s Investments

Agility holds non-controlling minority stakes in a number of businesses, both listed and non-listed. For 2022, the carrying value of those stakes was roughly KD 1.4 billion vs. KD 1.8 billion in 2021. The decrease is the result of broad declines in global equity markets. Global markets have been volatile amid increases in interest rates, as well as supply chain disruption. However, as a long-term investor, Agility is focused on investing in sectors it believes will drive value and in companies with strong management that have showcased the ability to generate value. We started with an investment of around 8% ownership in DSV – now it is 8.8% (as a result of DSV recent shares cancellation) – a company listed on the NASDAQ Copenhagen with a total market cap of around KD 13 billion as of 30/03/2023. DSV is the biggest investment in this segment, and it is reported through equity using IFRS9 where only the dividends are accounted for in our income statement in FY 2022.  If we look at Agility’s “share” of DSV’s profit, this would be equivalent to around KD 70 million.

Recap of Agility FY 2022 Financial Performance (Continuing Operations)

  • Agility’s net profit from continuing operations grew 180.7% compared to the same period in 2021.
  • Agility’s EBITDA increased 65.7% to KD 180.5 million.
  • Agility’s revenue increased 77.6%, to KD 863.4 million and net revenue increased 88.3%.
  • Agility enjoys a healthy balance sheet with KD 3.3 billion in assets. Net debt stood at KD 801.7 million as of December 31, 2022 (this excludes lease obligations). Agility has announced that it has increased its credit facilities to finance its business growth plan, which includes the 2022 acquisition of John Menzies Plc. Reported operating cash flow was KD 100 million for the full year of 2022.

March 21, 2023 – The International Court of Arbitration of the International Chamber of Commerce (the “ICC”) last night released its findings in the arbitration case between Iraq Telecom Limited, a subsidiary of Agility Public Warehousing Company KSCP, and International Holdings Limited, an affiliate of Agility, as claimants, and Korek Telecom Limited and Sirwan Saber Mustafa Barzani, as respondents in relation to allegations of fraud and corruption orchestrated by Korek Telecom Company and its controlling shareholder, Sirwan Saber Mustafa Barzani, with a view to unlawfully causing the expropriation of IT’s and IH’s $810 million investment in Korek Telecom.

The ICC award holds that Korek and Barzani are jointly and severally liable, and awards damages to IH and IT of $1.65 billion.  The parties unanimously agreed to resolve their contractual disputes through arbitration before the ICC, which is comprised of preeminent legal experts with experience in high-value commercial litigation. The award is final and binding.

“We hope that this outcome brings resolution and closure to the issue and that the respondents will now honor their obligations in a manner commensurate with that of businesses operating in countries that respect the rule of law,” said Tarek Sultan, Agility’s Vice Chairman. “We remain focused on continuing to move forward with our growth strategy and profitable business partnerships – both in Iraq and around the world.”

Agility has been doing business in Iraq for over 20 years. Agility was represented by Gibson Dunn & Crutcher LLP, White and Case LLP and Meysan Partners LLP

Wipro’s new product will underpin Menzies’ cargo technology transformation to improve business efficiencies, employee experience, and customer service through increased automation.

LONDON | BANGALORE, India – Mar 09, 2023: Wipro Limited (NYSE: WIT, BSE: 507685, NSE: WIPRO), a leading technology services and consulting company, announced that it has been selected by Menzies Aviation, the world’s largest aviation services company, to transform its air cargo management services.

The partnership will help fortify Menzies’ position as the leading cargo handler in the market, enabling the company to grow its services and use of new technologies. It will also accelerate competitiveness while keeping customers, partners, employees, and the environment at the center of this transformation.

Wipro’s revolutionary cargo handling product was architected using cloud-native technologies and will address all of Menzies’ needs, as well as those of the broader air cargo industry. It was developed to improve business efficiencies, enhance employee experience and customer service through increased automation, and provide critical business insights with best-in-class security.

This product will provide greater visibility of cargo location to both Menzies and its customers, support scanning technology for cargo and documentation, and integrate directly with customers’ operating systems, resulting in increased transparency and real-time-tracking. It will also enable new technologies developed for warehouses of the future including robotics, autonomous vehicles and true paperless environments.

Robert Fordree, Executive Vice President Cargo, Menzies Aviation, said: “Following a rigorous tender process for a new warehouse management system, we are excited to announce our partnership with Wipro to drive forward our global technology transformation and ambitious growth strategy. At Menzies, we are committed to investing in innovative solutions, such as our recently launched robotic inventory checks and digitalization of flight packs, and Wipro’s platform will ensure we can utilize cutting-edge systems and products in the years ahead.”

“This agreement will enable end-to-end digitalization of our operations, process standardization, consistent customer service and enhanced employee experience, which is hugely important in attracting a new generation of cargo professionals. Our teams will be able to utilize an operating system that is more aligned to the look and feel of everyday apps, and our customers will benefit from increased transparency of cargo status, use of automation to speed up processes and improved safety and security procedures,” added Fordree.

Omkar Nisal, Managing Director UK & Ireland, Wipro Limited, said: “Wipro is delighted to partner with Menzies Aviation, a global powerhouse in aviation services. This collaboration enables us to leverage Wipro’s extensive technological capabilities coupled with Menzies’ vast cargo-handling and management experience to deliver a product that will help revolutionize the air-cargo industry. We are excited to deliver a modern, contemporary cargo handling solution architected on latest technologies that will support Menzies’ air cargo transformation and growth plans. Wipro’s new product is radically simple to use through a reimagined user experience paradigm. It will also address the urgent need for improved efficiencies in the supply chain driven by the tremendous growth in e-commerce business, while also improving processes in air cargo. We will continue to leverage Wipro’s vast technology prowess and invest in the product to deliver industry leading solutions to Menzies and the air cargo industry.”

Menzies will be rolling out the Wipro product to five air cargo locations — Bucharest in Romania; Wellington, Christchurch, and Auckland in New Zealand; and Macau in China — by the end of 2023, with further plans to fully implement it across Menzies’ global network by the end of 2024.