Swissport operates WFP’s Liege, Accra logistics hubs for transporting critical supplies

June 05, 2020: The United Nations’ World Health Organisation (WHO) and the World Food Programme (WFP) have chosen Liège Airport (LGG) in Belgium and Kotoka International Airport in Accra (ACC), Ghana as logistics hubs for moving medical supplies across the world in the fight against Covid-19. Swissport plays a key role as a cargo handler at both UN hubs in Liège and Accra.

The hubs have been selected to be part of a network of eight UN global logistics hubs that ship medical and humanitarian material across the globe.

Shipments on the LGG-ACC routing, with both airports identified as United Nations logistic hubs, are handled by Swissport on arrival and departure, highlighting its importance as a part of a reliable global supply chain. 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.

“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,” said Hendrik Leyssens, Swissport’s VP global operations cargo.

The first flight departed from Liège on April 30, carrying 16 metric 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 25 million breathing devices and 2.5 million coronavirus test kits.

In 2019, Swissport International AG provided best-in-class airport ground services for some 265 million airline passengers and handled roughly 4.6 million tonnes of air freight in 115 cargo warehouses worldwide.