Menzies Aviation is a leading name in the aviation industry with almost 200 years of existence. How would you briefly introduce the company to the Montenegrin public?
People. Passion. Pride.
These three words contain not only the company's trademark, but also what has driven our numerically huge team since 1833, when Menzies was founded in the UK.
Since its founding, Menzies Aviation has grown continuously and is now the world's largest airline by number of countries, airports and operations, with a presence at more than 300 airports in 65 countries. We operate more than 4,8 million flights and carry more than 2,4 million tonnes of cargo annually.
Our team of over 50.000 highly trained professionals provides high-quality aircraft, passenger, baggage and cargo handling services, as well as cargo services, including handling, storage and shipping, and fuel services, including fuel depot management and fueling directly into aircraft. We operate on 6 continents.
But at the heart of our business are our people. Menzies teams are dedicated to the work and to our clients in any of the countries in which we operate. People, whether it is management or our employees at airports or as we like to call those who work under and above the wings of aircraft, are the greatest force for survival at number one. I know many companies, but for Menzies I can say that it is a family. We have a duty to take care of each other, our airline clients, and their passenger clients. The company takes special care of safety and security. I will give one of the many examples that testify to the continuity, tradition and relationship within the company. In the early years of the last century, a pension scheme was established, as well as a club for employees with long service, and all of this still exists today. However, what I would add, and what sets Menzies apart, is the care for the community in which we operate.
What is Menzies' role in Montenegro and what are your plans for the future?
Montenegro is a growing tourist destination with over 89% of foreign visitors arriving by air, indicating a clear potential for the development of the aviation industry. Our goal is to bring international standards in the provision of airport services at the airports in Podgorica and Tivat, standards of safety, efficiency and quality, as well as greater air accessibility.
How does Menzies contribute to the local community and human resource development in Montenegro?
In every market we enter, our focus is on local talent. We want to create not only jobs, but also long-term careers. Our employees are the heart of our business. We invest in them through continuous training, mentoring, clear career paths and a results-based culture. We also collaborate with local partners and suppliers, and we pay special attention to inclusivity and equal opportunities for all. Our ambition is to professionalize the local aviation industry and build a base of future experts in Montenegro.
Sustainability is an increasingly important topic in the aviation industry. How does Menzies approach this challenge?
Sustainability is a strategic priority for Menzies, fully aligned with Montenegro’s green agenda. Our net-zero emissions targets have been verified by the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi), making us the only major aviation service provider with this approval. We already have over 850 electric GSE units worldwide – 24% of our global fleet is electric, with over 50% in Europe. We continue to work with airlines and airport partners to identify ways to improve the efficiency and sustainability of ground operations, while also contributing to the ESG goals of our customers.
We are ready to transfer this approach to Montenegrin airports, in cooperation with local partners.
This is a key step that Menzies can take to help with the future development of Montenegrin airports in light of global climate challenges.
When we talk about security - how important is it in your business?
Safety is at the heart of everything we do. Menzies is ISAGO certified – the gold standard in the aviation industry – and we rigorously enforce all safety protocols worldwide.
Across our global network, we know that delivering safe, efficient and quality airline services starts with well-trained, motivated and empowered staff. In addition to formal training, we foster a culture of mentorship, internal mobility and performance-based advancement, ensuring that employees are supported and recognized throughout their careers. Our teams undergo intensive training, not only in technical aspects, but also in the areas of customer service and operational excellence.
In Montenegro, we want to set the same bar – without compromise when it comes to safety, reliability and professionalism.
Montenegro is entering a new phase when it comes to airport management. How do you view this moment?
The concession process for Montenegrin airports opens up a significant opportunity for strategic development. We believe that now is the right time for Menzies to position itself as a reliable, long-term partner that can bring concrete value: creating new jobs, improving infrastructure, improving service to airlines, opening new markets and connecting to the global network.
We are ready to invest, grow and support Montenegro in achieving its ambitions in the aviation industry and tourism. Our global reputation, combined with a local presence and respect for the specificities of the Montenegrin market, makes us the ideal partner for the next phase of airport development.
As Montenegro goes through this important phase in its aviation development, Menzies is ready to be a reliable, innovative and long-term partner – in collaboration with local stakeholders, in building a better future for air transport and tourism.
Menzies has a fascinating history. Can you share a little more information about it with the readers?
The history of Menzies is truly fascinating and makes us unique in the world of airline services. The company has been in existence since 1833 – a full 86 years before the first non-stop transatlantic flight. It was founded by John Menzies, who recognized a gap in the market and opened a bookshop in Edinburgh. He quickly became the main distributor of books and newspapers in Scotland, and soon his bookshops were present throughout the country.
Menzies was a pioneer in following technological innovations, expanding the business from local to national and later global. The first airport bookstore opened in 1948, foreshadowing future developments in aviation. Over the decades, Menzies grew through acquisitions and innovation – from distributing millions of newspapers a day to handling cargo at Heathrow Airport.
Our teams have been part of historic moments – like VIP flights for world leaders on the occasion of the death of Nelson Mandela in 2013 or exclusive support for the G20 Summit in Australia in 2014. Today, we are the world's largest airline service provider, headquartered in London, but we are still guided by the same principles – innovation, people and passion for what we do.
Menzies has recently started operating in Serbia. Can you tell us more about the company's presence in the market?
Yes, our operations in Belgrade began in March 2024, and include all ground handling services - services for passengers, baggage, goods and cargo, as well as aircraft de-icing and assistance to passengers with reduced mobility, business aviation services and services for state and VIP delegations.
Menzies Aviation has taken over all aspects of ground handling at Nikola Tesla Airport with the aim of improving the quality of service, which has been recognized as a challenge. Air Serbia, as the national carrier and leading airline in the market, also plays the role of a symbol of the state here, and as its strategic partner, we want to contribute to the further development and improvement of the experience of all passengers.
Immediately upon arrival in Belgrade, we invested in equipment, including a specialized technical maintenance system. Belgrade Airport is the first in the region to introduce electric vehicles, which is a step forward towards more sustainable operations.
In this regard, in April 2024, for the first time in the region, we conducted flight dispatches using exclusively electric vehicles, specifically on Air Serbia Airbus A319 aircraft. These first fully “electric” rotations were carried out on the YU-APL aircraft, which flew from Belgrade to Podgorica that day, as well as on the YU-APF aircraft, which flew from Belgrade to Tivat on the same day. We had the full support of Air Serbia and we are glad that we implemented such a large and important initiative together.
In addition to all of the above, we also take care of our employees: we have renovated rest areas, new protective uniforms, continuous training, as well as scholarships for the education of employees and their children.
Our vision also includes broader support for the development of the aviation industry – through expert input in creating sectoral policies, as well as organizing seminars and workshops for the exchange of knowledge and best practices. This is a standard we apply in all markets where we operate, including Serbia.
Finally – how would you summarize Menzies' mission in Montenegro?
Our mission is clear – to be a long-term partner to Montenegro in developing a sustainable, safe and modern aviation ecosystem. We bring global experience, but we act locally – with respect for the community, the environment and people. Menzies is not only a leader in numbers, but also in values. We want to bring that to Montenegro.
(Menzies Aviation)
