Take yourself back by a couple of months to August in Australia. Melbourne was in the throes of a well-publicised second wave of coronavirus infections and strict daytime and evening curfews were in place throughout the state of Victoria.

Suddenly, a critical cargo operation at Melbourne Airport is shut down after two cases of coronavirus are confirmed among its staff…who could possibly step in to handle 70 flights and 2.5 million kilograms of cargo shipments?

Answer: Menzies.

With less than 24 hours’ notice, the team agreed to take on the Qantas/TNT Express domestic cargo handling and the full cargo handling all their international airline customers and international freighter ramp handling.

Preparing simultaneously for six carrier start-ups is unprecedented and to be operationally ready without any delays or issues deserves the highest recognition.

Furloughed staff were called back to work, mothballed equipment brought back into service. Back of house messaging and systems were set up – in under five hours.

And in the first 12 hours, Menzies handled nine new customers and five extra flights without delay, or error and without compromising safety standards.

And that is why this remarkable work was submitted to the GHI Pride of Ground Handling Awards, Best Cargo and Best Station categories.

Find out more about Menzies' stars...