WFS awarded Malpensa cargo contract
27 / 02 / 2015
WORLD Flight Services (WFS) has been awarded the handling contract for a new 5,000 sq m cargo terminal at Milan Malpensa Airport (MXP), part of a major investment programme to increase the airport’s cargo capacity to one million tonnes a year by 2020, writes Thelma Etim, deputy editor.
WFS says it will invest more than €1.8m (US$2.37m) in modern handling systems and essential logistics infrastructure for the new facility, which it is scheduled to move into in early 2016.
The successful bid is for a minimum of 10 years with the option of a further five years at MXP, which handles some 50 per cent of all air cargo exports from Italy, reveals a company statement.
WFS, which has had an office at the airport since 2008, has cargo-handling contracts in Milan with major carriers such as, American Airlines, US Airways and China Cargo Airlines.
The new cargo terminal will be built by SEA – which runs Malpensa and Linate airports – in conjunction with WFS’ Paris-based technical department, it adds.
It will also incorporate seven landside doors for trucks, a ramp for smaller vehicles, secure cages for valuable cargo and dangerous goods, as well as cool rooms for temperature-controlled shipments.
Emilio Fernandez, WFS’ chief executive for Europe, says: “We are proud to have been chosen to operate what will be a magnificent new cargo facility, and intend to play an important role in helping Milan Malpensa achieve its impressive growth targets for the next six years and beyond.”
Massimiliano Introini, managing director of Italy at WFS, adds: “WFS is the only international handler at MXP and will provide the global expertise, knowledge and services that will be essential in attracting more airlines from across the globe. We also offer the considerable benefits to airlines of our extensive road feeder system connecting the WFS airport network throughout Europe.”
The company expects to employ 50 new cargo personnel once the terminal opens.
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