Qatar Airways Cargo and WFS expand partnership with JFK contract

Photo: Qatar Airways Cargo

Qatar Airways Cargo is extending its global partnership with Worldwide Flight Services (WFS) through the awarding of a three-year cargo and freighter ramp handling contract at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK).

Under the agreement, WFS is initially providing cargo services in support of 11 of Qatar Airways’ Boeing B777 passenger services a week and three B777 freighter flights, handling a projected 45m kilos per annum. Destinations served by the airline ex JFK include Doha, Mexico City, and Liege in Belgium.

WFS, due to be acquired by SATS, is now responsible for managing all aspects of the cargo handling process for Qatar Airways Cargo at JFK, including cargo acceptance, screening, build-up and breakdown of pallets and containers at its dedicated Building 75 facility.

WFS is also providing full freighter handling and ramp parking for Qatar’s B777F aircraft at its Building 76 operation at the airport.

“This is a very significant new contract for WFS with one of our leading global clients,” said Mike Simpson, WFS executive vice president, Americas.

“In North America alone, Qatar Airways Cargo is now partnering with WFS in Boston, Dallas, Houston, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Seattle, as well as in New York. As the largest cargo handler at JFK, Qatar Airways Cargo recognises the value we will bring to their operational efficiency and customer experience through the significant expertise and resources we can leverage.

“Qatar Airways’ customers will enjoy a priority service through the dedicated WFS warehouse facility we are providing for the airline.”

WFS is in the process of obtaining GDP (Good Distribution Practice) certification for Building 75 to support the handling of pharma and other special products.

Intuitive tools have also been adopted by WFS for management and frontline staff to manage and track its cargo operation, including visual dashboards, across all JFK facilities.

These tools presently monitor the progress of import cargo, with an export version now in development. A new dock management system rolled out at WFS’ buildings at JFK is also enabling trucking companies to forward book appointments for the delivery and retrieval of cargo, resulting in significant resource planning and productivity gains for all stakeholders.

Currently, WFS operates eight cargo and mail facilities at New York JFK, serving 42 airline customers and handling over 560 million kilos annually.

In 2024, WFS will also commence a 15-year lease on a new 346,000 sq ft cargo terminal in the first phase of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey’s Vision Plan to enhance the international reputation of JFK.

The new facility will have a throughput capacity of over 300m kilos a year.

In December, WFS was appointed to handle SF Airlines’ new scheduled freighter services at JFK.

WFS wins major cargo handling contract with Saudia Cargo

China Eastern selects WFS for Liege cargo-only PAX flights

Zongteng’s new Paris freighter to be handled by WFS

Share this story

Related Topics

Latest airlines news

YunExpress targets e-commerce demand with latest 777 freighter

YunExpress has extended its agreement with lessor Atlas Air to include a second Boeing 777-200 freighter that will be used…

Read More

Share this story

WFS strikes DHL cargo deal in France

DHL Aviation has signed a new multi-year contract with Worldwide Flight Services (WFS) to manage freight at its airport stations…

Read More

Share this story

AAPA: February Asia air cargo demand up 10%

Air cargo demand in Asia grew in February “as a result of business and e-commerce activity” said the Association of…

Read More

Share this story

Rebecca Jeffrey

Rebecca Jeffrey
New to aviation journalism, I joined Air Cargo News in late 2021 as deputy editor. I previously worked for Mercator Media’s six maritime sector magazines as a reporter, heading up news for Port Strategy. Prior to this, I was editor for Recruitment International (now TALiNT International). Contact me on: [email protected]