AMI opens new import off airport de-group facility in Johannesburg

• Major step in streamlining trade logistics, reducing costs, and enhancing efficiency for importers across Africa.
• Quick turnaround times, no queues, extended free storage, low handover fees, and reduced handling.

Air Menzies International (AMI), a leading global wholesale freight forwarder and part of Menzies Aviation, is pleased to announce the opening of its import off airport de-group facility in Johannesburg, designed to enhance operational efficiency and lower costs for importers.

Situated at AMI’s 47,500 square-foot facility at O.R. Tambo International Airport (JNB), the facility offers customers a faster, simpler, and more cost-effective way to manage their shipments. Customers benefit from quick turnaround times, no queues, extended free storage, low handover fees, and reduced handling, streamlining cargo collection and improving supply chain efficiency.

Located for convenient access, customers can easily collect their cargo using an Goods Received Note (GRN) issued by AMI and an Identity Verification Systems (IVS) identification card. Goods are held securely under customs supervision, ensuring full compliance and minimising the risk of loss or tampering. While stored in transit, customers can inspect, repackage, test, or sample their goods prior to final importation, giving greater flexibility and control.

Additionally, the import off airport de-group facility offers a free holding period on the day of arrival plus two days, including weekends and public holidays.

By using AMI’s facility, customers can improve inventory management and mitigate risk by better aligning inventory arrival with marketing and sales schedules, avoiding early capital exposure, and managing demand fluctuations, seasonal timing, and market uncertainties.

Carlos Font, CEO, Air Menzies International, said: “AMI is a well-established and trusted name in the airfreight wholesale market with a well-connected global network. We are committed to investing in solutions such as this import off airport de-group facility to provide customers with enhanced end-to-end support. South Africa is a core operation and a major trade lane for AMI. Our ability to leverage our in-transit facilities in Johannesburg will provide faster transit times and quicker delivery, improved tracking and visibility, and professional handling and storage that minimise end-to-end costs for our clients.”

Tracey Less, Import Manager, AMI South Africa, added: “This marks a major step in streamlining trade logistics, reducing costs, and enhancing efficiency for importers across the Africa region. AMI clients can now manage and distribute goods more flexibly. We can de-consolidate large consignments, hold goods until shipping windows, or manage last-mile distribution more effectively. It supports a more agile logistics network.”

AMI is a 100 per cent neutral freight forwarder operating an extensive global network of 24 locations and 250 worldwide network partners. It has a worldwide reputation for excellence in providing logistics solutions.