New cargo handling company opens in Shannon

Transport Minister Martin Cullen opened a new cargo handling company at Shannon Airport today.

ITC Handling has been launched by Dublin-based aviation services group IAM to enhance Irish industry's trade links with the world.

ITC Handling - which has also opened bases at Dublin and Belfast Airports - has already taken over receiving and handling for 10 of the 11 airlines represented by IAM's GSSA (general sales and services agency) operation, which controls almost 20% of the Republic's export air freight market. ITC Handling will also handle airlines not represented by IAM.

The company has signed a three-year contract to use the facilities and workforce of British Airways Regional Cargo (BARC) in Shannon, Dublin and Belfast providing it with a total of 48,000 sq ft of warehouse space, incorporating X-ray and modern pallet-building facilities.

ITC Handling will use its own in-house supervisory staff to provide an interface to its marketing and trucking operations. The new company is already studying opportunities to open in Cork, possibly also in conjunction with BARC.

In addition to export receiving and handling of air cargo, ITC Handling will also provide carriers with a full import service for traffic into Ireland, incorporating road transfer from their import gateway, pallet breakdown and local delivery.