WFS looks to expand Bengaluru facilities
12 / 09 / 2023
Source: WFS
Cargo handler Worldwide Flight Services (WFS) is investing in its facilities at Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru after signing handling contracts with 20 airlines.
The new deals, of between three and five years, come after the handler began operations at the airport at the end of May in partnership with Bangalore International Airport Limited.
WFS is the airport’s second handler and the only one with a dedicated cold chain operation.
The company is now looking to develop its facilities at the airport.
Following refurbishment, the handler will increase its annual capacity at the airport from 120,000 tonnes to 250,000 tonnes.
It also has a two-phase plan to increase the size of the cold chain facility, initially doubling its capacity to 80,000 tonnes and, later, to over 150,000 tonnes per annum in “acknowledgment of India’s leading positive in the global pharmaceutical and healthcare markets”.
WFS has already introduced new forklift equipment and cargo tugs in Bengaluru, including new-generation electric vehicles.
Other automation and digitalisation systems will also be adopted by WFS in India to “increase productivity and operational visibility”.
“After a great deal of planning and preparation, it was an honour for WFS to commence its first-ever operations in India in Bengaluru at the end of May and we are proud to have already won so many important airline customers,” said Manish Agnihothri, chief executive of WFS Bengaluru.
John Batten, WFS’ chief executive Europe, Middle East and Africa, said: Our goal from the outset has been to bring our international cargo handling expertise into the Indian market and to add value for India’s air cargo community stakeholders.
“We aim to play an important role in helping Bengaluru realise its air cargo growth ambitions.”
The airport is the third-largest and fastest-growing cargo hub in India.
