JKIA expands cargo capacity to handle increasing exports

[MK254]

A SECTION OF THE JOMO KENYATTA INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT (JKIA) IN NAIROBI. FILE PHOTO | NMG

The construction of a new transit shed at the Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) is ongoing in a plan aimed at expanding the facility’s cargo handling capacity by more than 10 per cent.

The expansion will take the number of transit sheds to six. The move has been triggered by the rising air cargo competition from Ethiopia and South Africa, as well as the rise in exports, especially horticulture.

A report released last week by the Fresh Produce Consortium of Kenya (FPC Kenya) shows that the sales of fresh produce increased to reach Sh115 billion in 2017, from Sh101.5 billion in 2016, with flower exports contributing Sh82.24 billion, up from Sh70.83 billion the previous year.

In a bid to handle the increased tonnage of horticulture, which is one the country’s major exports, the Kenya Airports Authority (KAA) is enhancing its exit and import handling capacity by 10,000sqm.

“We have five transit sheds at the airport which deal with the facilitation of cargo; imports and exports at the JKIA. The additional facility, called Mitchell Cott, should be ready by September thus making them six,” said Evans Michoma, KAA Commercial Cargo Manager.

“This will add the capacity of our uplifts for cargo facilitation at the airport.”

Currently, the handling capacity at the airport is a million tonnes annually. This is expected to rise by 150,000 tonnes a year once the new transit shed is completed.

JKIA expands cargo capacity to handle increasing exports

 

[Geza Ulole]

Terminal ya turubai itakuwemo kwenye ongezeko?

 

[NairobiWalker]

Ethiopia and SA are really giving us a run for our money.