Worldwide Flight Services (WFS) has opened a cargo handling centre at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.

WFS won the airport’s tender for a 20-year lease to operate the new 100,000sq ft Cargo Building C. The airport sees the new facility as a major part of its multi-billion-dollar master plan to accommodate the future aviation needs of the region.

Prior to the Covid-19 crisis, Hartsfield-Jackson handled more than 675,000 tonnes of cargo per annum.

“We were extremely proud to be awarded the opportunity to operate Cargo Building C, and to now be opening the first new cargo terminal at [the airport] in more than 30 years,” said WFS’ EVP Americas Mike Simpson.

“Atlanta is a major cargo hub in North America and, through this long-term commitment and investment, WFS is demonstrating its ability to offer airlines using this great airport the highest international standards of safety, security and service. We look forward to a long and successful partnership with the airport authority and Atlanta’s air cargo community.”

The new building combines full cargo and freighter handling capabilities and provides 11 dock doors, drive-up ramp access and a container bypass system. Multiple charging points are also available for ‘active’ temperature-controlled containers and WFS said it would also offer services for temperature sensitive shipments.

Equipment inside the warehouse includes forklifts with a capacity range from 4,000lbs to 30,000lbs, three large weighing scales – including a 30,000lb in-ground, drive-on system – and ground services equipment for full aircraft handling.

[Pictured above: Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport’s director air services development Elliott Paige with WFS’ CEO Craig Smyth Group]