John Menzies makes Central America acquisition

John Menzies has agreed to buy a 51% stake in Interexpresso, an aviation service provider in Central America, for an undisclosed sum.

Headquartered in Costa Rica, Interexpresso’s core business relates to cargo handling and aviation security services, primarily consisting of cargo document handling, cargo security screening and aircraft access control. The company’s operations are based in San Jose, Costa Rica, with additional operations in Guatemala and El Salvador.

Menzies said its initial focus will be on developing and growing Interexpresso’s core cargo and security offerings across the region with the potential to expand into additional air cargo handling and ground handling services.

The company also said on Thursday that it has secured new business with Virgin Australia. From mid-October, Menzies will provide ground services at Darwin, Cairns and Queenstown and will also provide air cargo services at Darwin.

Chairman and chief executive officer Philipp Joeinig: "I am pleased to announce our expansion in the Central American region. We have found a knowledgeable partner in Interexpresso and, working together, we will be able to open doors in new, attractive, higher margin and emerging markets in the region."