WFS grows cargo capacity at JFK by 20%
26 / 10 / 2023
An artist impression of how the new WFS cargo terminal in New York JFK will look when it opens in Q1 2025. Source: WFS
Worldwide Flight Services (WFS) will increase cargo capacity at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) by 20% in early 2025 with the opening of a new 346,000 sq ft terminal.
New York JFK is one of WFS’ biggest international cargo stations. WFS already operates eight handling facilities at the airport, serving 38 airline customers.
WFS said the new facility will take the company’s footprint at North America’s sixth largest cargo airport to over 700,000 sq ft and grow capacity to more than 675,000 tonnes per annum.
The opening of the facility will also give JFK its first dedicated on-airport handling facility for temperature-controlled pharmaceutical products and perishables cargos.
The cargo terminal includes new automation solutions. These include the terminal’s dock management system, ETV system, and process automation.
“When the facility opens in Q1 2025, we will increase our ability to offers airlines and the air cargo community in New York the opportunity to carry more special and premium cargos and support the growing demands of businesses and consumers in the US and globally,” said Mike Simpson, chief executive Americas at WFS.
“By incorporating scalable systems and forward-looking solutions, the building will remain versatile and responsive to evolving customer and industry needs as well as emerging technological advancements.
“Furthermore, our customers can be assured that we will continue to deliver the accurate and reliable service they have come to expect from us.”
In line with parent company SATS’ global sustainability goals, the new building will use renewable energy provided by solar panels to lower its carbon footprint.
Additionally, energy efficient windows, lighting, ventilation, air conditioning systems and the use of electric forklifts, slave pallet movers, and GSE equipment will contribute to the terminal’s environmental efficiency.
The terminal’s 26-acre site will also provide ramp space for three widebody aircraft.
WFS has signed a 15-year lease on the new cargo terminal.
WFS also increased its presence in the US Midwest earlier this year by opening an additional cargo terminal at Chicago O’Hare International Airport, growing annual capacity by 10% to over 310m kg.
