Carrier deploys Lödige ETVs and upgrades cold chain facilities at 200,000-tonne capacity terminal as part of efficiency drive
Korean Air is investing in a range of automated handling technology at its New York JFK air cargo terminal as part of efforts to increase operational efficiency.
The investments will see the company work with Lödige Industries to install two fully automated Elevating Transfer Vehicles (ETVs), enabling more efficient and higher-capacity ULD handling.
In addition, fixed transfer vehicles will be removed and replaced with Cargo Pallet Movers and a total of 14 workstations will also be replaced with modern models.
The airline will also construct a new refrigerated warehouse and upgrade existing temperature-controlled facilities.
In the four current temperature-controlled warehouse areas, temperature controllers, roller conveyors, and shutters, among other components, will be renewed.
Korean Air said the terminal is ”one of the largest cargo facilities in the eastern US”, with a total warehouse floor area of 17,065 sq m and an annual handling capacity of 200,000 tons.
Korean Air’s decision to invest in upgrades at one of its most important cargo terminals follows the airline’s announcement that it will invest in seven next generation Airbus A350 freighters as well as eight of new generation Boeing 777-8Fs.
The carrier is also in the process of merging with Asiana Airlines, a deal which saw Asiana offload its freighter business to Air Incheon as part of competition requirements to approve the deal.
Junho Choi, regional manager, cargo office in New York, Washington and Boston, at Korean Air Cargo, said: “JFK is our gateway for cargo services along the East Coast and a key hub in our growing global network.
”By modernising the terminal with state-of-the-art automation technology, we are ensuring long-term efficiency, higher safety standards, and increased sustainability of our operations.”
Jonathan Hardy, managing director of North America at Lödige Industries, added that the upgrades would help the airline meet customer demands in the years to come.
”As the airport plays an increasingly important role in global commerce, the modernised cargo centre will further strengthen the airline’s leading market position.”
