SATS has officially opened its new BUP Handling Centre at Changi Airport, a cutting-edge facility designed to streamline cargo operations and improve processing times for airfreight shipments.
The facility is named after BUPs (Bulk Unitisation Programme shipments), which are pre-packed cargo units assembled by freight forwarders or shippers and sent to SATS for loading onto aircraft. Strategically located at the SATS Cargo Airfreight Terminal, the BUP Handling Centre spans an area roughly half the size of a football field.
Drawing inspiration from the efficient cargo lanes at Singapore’s Tuas and Woodlands checkpoints, the dedicated, sheltered centre is engineered to handle time-sensitive shipments faster and more effectively. Operated by SATS Cargo, the new facility is expected to cut minimum cargo processing times by 20%, reducing turnaround from 2.5 hours to just 2 hours.
Kuah Boon Kiam, Senior Vice President of Cargo Services at SG Hub, commented:
“In the air cargo logistics network where every minute counts, the BUP Handling Centre’s enhanced processes are a game-changer for SATS Cargo operations at Changi Airport. It enables faster, safer, and more efficient handling—day or night, rain or shine.”
Key Benefits of the BUP Handling Centre:
- Faster processing: 20% reduction in minimum cargo handling time
- Operational efficiency: Frees up space at other terminals, eases congestion
- Seamless documentation and verification: Resolves acceptance issues such as paperwork, weighing, and cargo sizing
- Direct airside access: Accepted cargo can be towed directly to aircraft
- Future-ready capabilities: Acts as a testbed for enhanced systems and processes ahead of Changi Terminal 5 and Changi East Industrial Zone opening
This initiative is part of a broader strategy by SG Hub, a division launched by SATS on 1 October 2024 to consolidate and strengthen operations at Singapore’s air gateways—Changi Airport, Seletar Airport, and surrounding aviation industries.
SG Hub provides end-to-end ground handling services, including passenger and baggage handling, aircraft servicing, security, and cargo operations—all vital for efficient and secure airport operations.
“The BUP Handling Centre also gives us a platform to refine cargo workflows and future-proof our systems,” said Kuah.
“We’re grateful to our partners in the aviation and freight forwarding sectors for their support in making this launch a success.”