Swissport International has introduced a new pet lounge at Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport in South Africa, aimed at enhancing the travel experience for unaccompanied pets.
The dedicated facility, designed with features like water service, air-conditioning, and calming music, provides a serene environment away from the busy cargo areas. The pet lounge reflects Swissport’s commitment to prioritizing animal welfare during transit, with CEO Khangi Khoza emphasizing that the facility sets a new standard in airport animal handling in South Africa.
Features
The lounge includes a separate acceptance area for processing travel documents and designated rooms for pets waiting for flights, their owners, or handlers. A specialized, trained team manages the lounge, adhering to the International Air Transport Association’s Live Animals Regulations (IATA LAR), ensuring the utmost care and safety. Swissport also collaborates with the South African State Veterinary Service for rigorous checks on all imported and exported animals.
Swissport was incorporated in 1996. Today, the company is the global leader in airport ground services and air cargo handling, both based on revenue and the number of airports served. This addition is part of Swissport’s broader global air freight operations, handling around 4.7 million tonnes of cargo at 115 centers in 2023.