Realterm and the Susquehanna Area Regional Airport Authority (SARAA) have announced a strategic partnership to develop a new state-of-the-art cargo facility at Harrisburg International Airport (MDT) in Pennsylvania, marking a significant step in the airport’s long-term cargo growth strategy.
The planned development will deliver up to 105,000 square feet of first-line cargo space, designed to support both single-tenant and multi-tenant operations. Positioned adjacent to the airfield apron, the facility will enable direct aircraft-to-warehouse transfers, significantly improving operational efficiency for cargo operators.
Jennifer Carter, Senior Vice President of Airport Affairs at Realterm, said the project aligns with MDT’s long-term ambitions to strengthen its position as a regional cargo hub. She highlighted the airport’s strategic location in Central Pennsylvania as a key advantage for operators seeking a competitive edge in the Mid-Atlantic market.
According to Airports Council International (ACI) World, MDT handled more than 55,000 tonnes of cargo in 2025. The airport’s location places it within a six-hour drive of approximately 35% of the US population and serves a region that continues to attract major investment from companies such as UPS, Bayer and Coca-Cola.
Alexi Lachambre, Senior Vice President of Investments, Airport Infrastructure at Realterm, said the development reflects both the strength of the company’s partnership with SARAA and the untapped cargo potential at MDT. The flexible design allows for full customisation based on tenant requirements, accommodating either a single operator or up to four separate tenants.
Key features of the facility include up to 105,000 square feet of warehouse space, eight airside drive-in doors, 40 landside loading dock doors and more than 180 vehicle parking spaces. The development will also incorporate a 150-foot-deep airside footprint and a 135-foot truck court, supporting efficient cargo handling and vehicle movement.
Sustainability is a core component of the project, with plans for the building to meet LEED-certified standards. Features will include skylights, motion-sensor LED lighting, EV-ready infrastructure and a specialised engineered floor slab capable of supporting cooler facilities, floor scales and pallet lift systems.
Timothy J. Edwards, Executive Director of SARAA, noted that MDT recently completed a $60 million expansion of its airside cargo apron and welcomed the partnership with Realterm as a natural extension of that investment.
Harrisburg International Airport serves a wide regional catchment area, offering strong road connectivity across Central Pennsylvania and key nearby markets including Baltimore, Philadelphia, Washington, D.C. and New York City.
Realterm currently manages a global portfolio of approximately 22 million square feet of airport infrastructure across 40 airports, including cargo facilities, flight kitchens, ground support equipment hubs and maintenance, repair and overhaul sites.