Swissport Introduces Pet Lounge at Johannesburg Airport to Enhance Animal Travel Experience

(IN SHORT) Swissport International AG has launched a dedicated Pet Lounge at Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport to improve the travel experience for unaccompanied pets. This new facility emphasizes animal welfare and operational excellence, offering a calm environment with amenities like water service, air conditioning, and soothing music. The lounge includes an acceptance area for checking animals and their travel documents, as well as separate waiting rooms for pets. Managed by a trained team compliant with IATA regulations, the lounge ensures high standards of care and safety for pets. Swissport collaborates with the South African State Veterinary Service for thorough checks on all imported and exported animals. Passengers traveling with pets should consult specialized animal handling agents for assistance with travel documentation and crate requirements.

(PRESS RELEASE) Zurich, Switzerland, 2024-Oct-3 — /Travel PR News/ — Swissport International AG, a leader in airport ground services and air cargo handling, has officially opened a specialized Pet Lounge at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg, South Africa, dedicated to the care of unaccompanied pets. This new facility is designed to enhance the travel experience for animals, showcasing Swissport’s commitment to animal welfare and operational excellence.

Situated away from the busy air cargo operations, the Pet Lounge offers a tranquil environment aimed at reducing stress for pets during their travels. The lounge features essential amenities such as water service, air conditioning, and soothing music to ensure a comfortable atmosphere for furry travelers.

Khangi Khoza, CEO of Swissport South Africa, expressed pride in the new facility, stating, “The Swissport Pet Lounge represents a significant advancement in how we handle animals at airports in South Africa, providing a serene space for our unique travelers. This facility reflects our dedication to delivering exceptional services that benefit both the animals and our airline and forwarding clients.”

The lounge includes a designated acceptance area for checking pets and their travel documentation, along with two separate waiting rooms for animals prior to their flights. Swissport’s trained personnel, compliant with the International Air Transport Association’s Live Animals Regulations (IATA LAR), oversee the operations, ensuring optimal care and safety for each pet. Swissport also works in close partnership with the South African State Veterinary Service to carry out rigorous inspections of all pets entering or exiting the country.

Important Guidelines for Traveling with Pets
It’s essential to note that not all airlines allow pets to travel in the cabin. Passengers intending to fly with their animals should seek the advice of specialized animal handling agents who can provide crates, manage travel documentation, and inform owners about possible quarantine regulations in different countries. Swissport collaborates with these agents to ensure timely delivery of pets to the aircraft or back to their owners upon arrival in South Africa.

Media Contact:

Silvia Garrido
+41 (0) 43 815 00 22
media@swissport.com

Source: Swissport

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