Cargo handler Swissport is playing a key role at Liège and Accra airports, chosen as logistics hubs for moving medical supplies by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and the World Food Programme (WFP).
Belgium’s Liège airport (LGG) and Kotoka International Airport in Accra, Ghana (ACC) have been selected to be part of a network of eight UN global logistics hubs that ship medical and humanitarian material across the globe.
Swissport’s cargo operations at Liège Airport and Kotoka International Airport support this effort, ensuring the vital goods reach their destination in time and in perfect condition.
Shipments on the LGG-ACC routing are handled by Swissport on arrival and departure.
Swissport ensures the handling of three weekly Air Ghana flights between Liège Airport and Kotoka International Airport, many of which carry WFP cargo.
The global collapse of commercial air travel and border closures have been hindering aid agencies and health authorities from bringing supplies to fragile areas.
Hendrik Leyssens, Swissport’s VP Global Operations Cargo, said: “Swissport plays an important role as part of a resilient global logistics chain. We are pleased to contribute to these relief efforts with our expertise in safe and reliable logistics.
“The transport of medical and humanitarian equipment to Africa is crucial, especially now that the importance of efficient logistics is greater than ever.”
The first flight departed from Liège on 30 April, carrying 16 tonnes of medical cargo and personal protective equipment, on behalf of UNICEF and the International Committee of the Red Cross.
The cargo was destined for Burkina Faso, Ghana and the Republic of Congo. Every month some 100 million face masks and gloves will be passing through Liège Airport, together with 25m breathing devices and 2.5m coronavirus test kits.
