E-commerce logistics provider Teleport has partnered with ground handling specialist Ground Team Red (GTR) to launch a new air cargo terminal in Sandakan, Sabah, as part of its efforts to enhance ground processing infrastructure in Malaysia. The move supports Teleport’s goal of moving two million parcels by the end of the year.
The newly opened facility, situated just south of Sandakan Airport, is designed to streamline air cargo operations using advanced handling systems that improve efficiency. According to a joint statement by both companies, the terminal will strengthen trade connections between Sabah, peninsular Malaysia, and international destinations, positioning Sabah as a growing logistics hub in the region.
Teleport and GTR also revealed plans to expand their cargo infrastructure in Sabah, with additional terminals slated for development at Kota Kinabalu and Tawau airports.
Pete Chareonwongsak, Chief Executive Officer of Teleport, based in Kuala Lumpur, emphasized Sabah’s strategic importance.
“Sabah is a very important hub for Teleport, as it is our second-best-performing air cargo location in Malaysia after Kuala Lumpur, based on combined import-export throughput. Our goal is to move e-commerce everywhere, not just in capital cities,” he said.
“Investing in this Sandakan facility shows our commitment to ensuring that businesses of all sizes—especially those based in Sandakan—can access affordable and reliable cross-border delivery services, with timelines as fast as next-day. Teleport’s network of more than 40 partner airlines will also benefit from the terminal’s capabilities.”
Musdalifa Abdullah, Chief Executive Officer of GTR, described the Sandakan terminal as the initial step in a broader regional strategy.
“This launch marks the beginning of GTR’s comprehensive expansion across Sabah. Starting in Sandakan and soon continuing with facilities in Kota Kinabalu and Tawau, we are focused on building efficient and practical cargo infrastructure throughout the region,” he said.
He continued, “By working with airlines and logistics solution providers, we are reinforcing the logistics ecosystem as the backbone of economic development. Our investments are designed to eliminate trade barriers and open new opportunities for businesses across all sectors.”
As demand grows in Sandakan, GTR has confirmed its readiness to scale up the facility’s capacity to match increasing air cargo volumes.
Last May, Teleport announced its aim to deliver two million parcels daily by 2025 to rival global express logistics companies. The company is accelerating its next-day airfreight services in response to the rising cross-border e-commerce volumes entering Southeast Asia.