ABM, one of the UK’s leading providers of aviation services and integrated facilities solutions, has been awarded an inflight supplier accreditation by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). The accreditation means ABM is now a regulated supplier of inflight items and comes as the aviation services provider opens a 2,000 sq ft International Distribution Centre (IDC) at Manchester Airport, strengthening its logistics service offering.
The IDC is the second of its kind for ABM, following the opening of the first centre at London’s Heathrow Airport in 2019.
The Manchester IDC extends ABM’s logistical support more widely across the UK and will support clients with inventory control and reporting with real-time view of stock levels, a warehouse management system, order processing and tracking and a dedicated pick and pack operation and team.
ABM is already supporting Virgin Atlantic with inflight services, storing and supplying goods to be used on board such as cleaning products, pillows, blankets and duvets.
Eddie Farrington, Head of Logistics, was appointed as the centre opened. He says: “This is an incredibly exciting moment in the ABM story. The London Heathrow and Manchester distribution centres mean we can now offer clients more automated logistics support across the UK.
Space is at a premium in airport locations which presents a challenge for the many retailers operating there. We’re able to offer secure, racked and freestanding palletised storage for inventory such as stock, gifts, testers and point of sale merchandise.”
With 19 years’ experience from a retail, wholesale and distribution perspective, Eddie Farrington has joined the team to drive the expansion of ABM’s logistics business which includes supporting industries outside of aviation.
Eddie continues: “My experience coupled with ABM’s expert knowledge of airport operations gives us a unique position in the logistics market for aviation and beyond. The IDCs will offer import and export capabilities, national and international deliveries as well as screened airside deliveries so we’re well placed to support retailers and wholesalers as well as airlines and travel retail brands.”
Eddie’s mission is supported by two new business development managers; Ashley Hill and Anna Strzalka who have recently joined to promote ABM’s capabilities in this sector as well as others.
Anthony Bryant. Manager Aircraft Appearance and Cleaning, Virgin Atlantic, says: “The introduction of ABM’s IDC facility at Manchester Airport has streamlined delivery of on-board products for us. The CAA accreditation also means the goods no longer have to be delivered via a third party which means the number of times the products are handled is reduced. This is crucial for reassuring our passengers as we look to recover and relaunch our operation from Manchester Airport.”