Swissport opens a dedicated pet lounge at Johannesburg Airport, enhancing animal welfare and transport services.
Swissport has inaugurated a dedicated Pet Lounge at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, South Africa, aimed at enhancing the welfare and transport of unaccompanied pets. This facility is specifically designed to handle the import and export of pets, ensuring a calm and secure environment for animals during their transit.
The Pet Lounge operates separately from Swissport’s general air cargo warehouse and features a special acceptance area for checking animals and verifying their travel documentation. The lounge includes two distinct rooms, offering a comfortable waiting space for pets before their flight, meeting their owner, or being received by a specialised animal handling agent.
Equipped with air conditioning, water services, and soothing music, the lounge is designed to minimize stress for the animals. A dedicated team, trained in accordance with the The International Air Transport Association’s Live Animals Regulations (IATA LAR), ensure that the highest standards of care and safety are met.
In collaboration with the South African State Veterinary Service, Swissport also conducts thorough inspections of all animals being imported or exported through the lounge.
“The Swissport Pet Lounge sets a new benchmark in animal handling at an airport in South Africa, making the stay for our special travellers as relaxing as possible,” said Khangi Khoza, Chief Executive of Swissport South Africa. “This facility reflects our commitment to delivering services that benefit both the animals and our customers, including airlines and forwarders.”
The Pet Lounge represents Swissport’s commitment to raising standards in pet transport, improving both the experience for animals and the operational efficiency of airlines and forwarders.
