Global aviation logistics specialist Menzies Aviation has doubled the number of airports where it supports LOT Polish Airlines with ground and air cargo services.

The new five-year contract covers 12 airports across the airline’s global network, including key hubs at Chicago and Budapest. New airports where Menzies will start supporting LOT include Los Angeles International Airport, Toronto Pearson International Airport, Iasi International Airport (IAS), Oslo Airport (OSL) and Bucharest Henri Coandă International Airport (OTP). Passenger and ramp services will be provided at all new stations, with air cargo services also starting at YYZ.

The integration of additional locations into Menzies’ existing partnership with LOT is seamlessly facilitated by the signing of a General Terms of Agreement (GTA), which reflects the airline’s trust in Menzies and its intention to further bolster the relationship. The partnership between Menzies and LOT Polish Airlines goes beyond standard ground services and includes among others knowledge sharing, developing efficiency improvement initiatives and integration of services support systems.

Contract renewals for passenger, ramp and cargo services have also been agreed at Václav Havel Airport Prague (PRG), Budapest Airport (BUD) and Avram Iancu Cluj International Airport (CLJ), with the continuation of ramp and passenger services at Nice Côte d'Azur Airport (NCE), ramp handling at O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and de-icing, passenger and ramp services at London Heathrow (LHR). In addition, Menzies will start providing passenger services at ORD.

Miguel Gomez, Executive Vice President Europe, Menzies Aviation, said: “We are thrilled to be growing our relationship with LOT Polish Airlines at 12 airports across Europe and North America. The extension of our partnership through the GTA demonstrates Menzies’ trusted reputation as ground handler of choice for the airline at these locations and we look forward to further strengthening our partnership over the years to come.”

Maciej Wilk, Chief Operating Officer, LOT Polish Airlines, said: “We are very happy to open a new chapter of our relationship with Menzies, which is a world class aviation services company. It required a lot of effort on both sides to break the daily routine and look beyond simple contractual obligations. I am very proud of what we have achieved and look forward to further developing the relationship.”

Przemysław Wątroba, Procurement and Supply Chain Director, LOT Polish Airlines, said: “This is one of the first steps on our procurement development journey. Establishing long term partnerships with market leaders in key procurement categories with the aim of driving value and innovations beyond transaction. Menzies showed full commitment, flexibility and determination to partner with LOT Polish Airlines. We will jointly work on a fundamental shift in results and efficiency on both sides.”