Swissport Opens Pet Lounge at Johannesburg Airport to Enhance Comfort and Care for Traveling Pets

(IN SHORT) Swissport has launched a dedicated Pet Lounge at Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport, providing a calm, stress-free environment for unaccompanied pets traveling through the airport. The facility, equipped with air conditioning, water, and soothing music, is staffed by a trained team and complies with IATA’s Live Animals Regulations. Swissport works closely with South African State Veterinary Services to ensure high standards for animal welfare and collaborates with specialized handling agents to streamline travel logistics for pets.

(PRESS RELEASE) Zurich, Switzerland, 2024-Nov-4 — /Travel PR News/ — Swissport International AG, a leader in airport ground services and air cargo handling, has introduced the Swissport Pet Lounge at Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport, setting a new standard for unaccompanied pet travel in South Africa. This dedicated facility, separate from the main cargo area, offers a calm and comfortable environment designed to minimize stress for pets in transit. With amenities like air conditioning, water service, and soothing music, Swissport prioritizes animal welfare and customer satisfaction.

Khangi Khoza, CEO of Swissport South Africa, commented, “The Swissport Pet Lounge reflects our commitment to elevating animal handling standards at airports and making the journey as comfortable as possible for our special travelers. This facility benefits both the animals and our airline and forwarder clients.”

The Pet Lounge includes a designated check-in area for animals and their travel documents, along with separate rooms where pets can wait comfortably for their flight, owners, or animal handling agents. Staffed by a dedicated team trained to follow the International Air Transport Association’s (IATA) Live Animals Regulations, Swissport works closely with the South African State Veterinary Service to ensure the highest standards of care.

Not all airlines allow pets to travel in the cabin on flights to South Africa, so passengers are advised to consult a specialized animal handling agent for guidance on travel documentation, crate requirements, and potential quarantine regulations. Swissport partners with these agents to ensure pets are delivered punctually and safely to their designated handlers or owners in South Africa.

SPECIAL REGULATIONS FOR PETS

Not every airline flying to South Africa allows pets to travel with their owners in the cabin. Passengers who want to fly with their pet should consult a specialized animal handling agent who can provide a crate, process the necessary travel documentation, and inform passengers about potential quarantine regulations in various countries. Swissport works closely with these agents and ensures that pets are brought on time to the aircraft or to the agent delivering them to their owner in South Africa.

Media Contact:

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

Source: Swissport

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