John Menzies plc, the Edinburgh-based global aviation services business, announced it has agreed a £3.4 million investment to acquire a minority equity stake, by way of a joint venture, in Guangzhou JFreight Aviation Logistics Supply Chain Co. Ltd (JFreight).

“The joint venture will see Menzies manage and operate a new cargo terminal at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport in China, one of the world’s busiest airports, on behalf of the shareholders of JFreight,” said John Menzies.

“This investment creates a strong platform for Menzies in this attractive growth market and represents clear delivery against the company’s strategic objectives of optimising its portfolio with a greater focus on cargo and expanding its geographical footprint into new markets.

“JFreight is experienced in artificial intelligence and robotics and has used its technical skills to create a smart terminal with an electronic interaction point with Chinese customs.

“The terminal has capacity to handle 120,000 tonnes annually.

“It is envisaged that Menzies’ initial focus will be on the handling of product related to the fast growing Chinese e-commerce market with the potential to expand into more general air cargo handling for airlines in the future.”

John Menzies chairman & CEO Philipp Joeinig said: “I am delighted to be able to announce this expansion in the Chinese cargo market.

“We are very pleased to have found a great partner in JFreight and I look forward to developing our relationship with them as we move forward.

“This investment demonstrates our commitment to delivering on our strategy and I am very excited about the opportunity it brings.”

JFreight chairman Zheng Xi Ming said: “I am very pleased to welcome Menzies Aviation with their established expertise in cargo handling and the wider aviation services market into our venture in Guangzhou.

“I very much look forward to working closely together and delivering successful operations.”