Pets get stress-free ORTIA check-in area
Passengers wanting to fly with their pets should consult a specialised animal handling agent.
Swissport International AG unveiled a dedicated area for servicing unaccompanied pets at Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport (ORTIA).
Designed to enhance the travel experience, the Pet Lounge underscores Swissport’s commitment to animal welfare and operational excellence.
Swissport International AG is the airport’s ground services and air cargo handlers.
Away from the bustle of the general air cargo warehouse, the new area for importing and exporting unaccompanied pets offers a calm environment, significantly improving their travel experience.
Swissport focuses on a stress-free experience for animals with water service, air-conditioning and calming music.
“The Swissport Pet Lounge sets a new benchmark in animal handling at an airport in SA, making the stay for our special travellers as relaxing as possible,” says Khangi Khoza, the CEO of Swissport SA.
“The facility reflects our commitment to delivering services that benefit the animals and our customers from airlines and forwarders alike.”
The new location has a dedicated acceptance area for checking in the animals and their travel documents, complemented by two rooms for pets waiting for their flight, owner, or a specialised animal handling agent.
A dedicated team trained to handle animals manages the Swissport Pet Lounge. Complying with the International Air Transport Association’s Live Animals Regulations, they ensure the highest level of care and safety.
Swissport collaborates closely with the South African State Veterinary Service to do thorough checkups on all imported and exported animals.
The special regulations for pets:
Not every airline flying to SA allows pets to travel with their owners in the cabin. Passengers who want to fly with their pets should consult a specialised animal handling agent, who can provide a crate, process the necessary travel documentation and inform passengers about the potential quarantine regulations in various countries.
Swissport works closely with these agents and ensures pets timeously reach the aircraft or the agent delivers them to their owner in SA.
