Worldwide Flight Services (WFS), a member of SATS Group, is set to increase cargo capacity at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) by 20 per cent in early 2025 with the opening of a new terminal.

WFS states the new facility, already under construction, will take the company’s footprint at North America’s sixth largest cargo airport to over 700,000 square feet and grow capacity to more than 675,000 tonnes per annum.

JFK is already one of WFS’ biggest international cargo stations, where it operates eight handling facilities serving 38 airline customers.

The opening of the new 346,000 square foot facility will give JFK its first dedicated on-airport handling facility for temperature-controlled pharmaceutical products and perishables cargos.

The cargo terminal is being designed with the latest technology and digital solutions to offer current and future customers 20 per cent growth capacity, supported by WFS’ investment in new automation solutions, including the terminal’s dock management system, ETV system, and process automation.

Furthermore, 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.

Mike Simpson, chief executive for Americas at WFS, said: “When the facility opens in Q1 2025, we will increase our ability to offer 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.

“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.”

WFS has signed a 15-year lease on the new cargo terminal, which represents a prime phase of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey’s comprehensive Vision Plan to enhance the international reputation of JFK and support economic growth across the US northeast region.

WFS also increased its presence in the US Midwest earlier in 2023 with the opening of an additional cargo terminal at Chicago O’Hare International Airport, growing annual capacity by 10 per cent to over 310 million kilogrammes.

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