Worldwide Flight Services (WFS) will advance air cargo handling innovation and sustainability at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) as it celebrates the opening of the first new cargo terminal to be built at the airport in 30 years.
With the opening of the new facility at the end of January, WFS’ warehouse footprint at JFK now exceeds 1 million square feet across eight facilities, reinforcing its position as the airport’s largest provider of cargo handling services.
WFS currently serves 38 international and domestic airline customers at JFK.
Mike Simpson, chief executive officer, gateway services, Americas at WFS, said: “WFS is proud of its 41 years of service to our customers at New York JFK.
“Building 260 marks a new era for WFS and air cargo at one of the main gateways to the United States.
“This cutting-edge facility reflects our commitment to innovation, sustainability, and operational excellence in our drive to serve customers better.
“Building 260 sets new standards for efficiency and safety and is a showpiece not just for JFK’s aviation ecosystem, but to the air cargo industry worldwide.
“The facility embodies our dedication to connecting the world through logistics and embraces new levels of digitalization and sustainability that will act as a model for other new cargo operations around the world.”
He added: “We thank our partners at Realterm for their collaboration in bringing this project to life and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey for their support in making it a reality, as well as all the members of our own team who have been so committed to this project.”
With 350,000 sq. ft. of floor space, Building 260 represents a transformative step forward for WFS and the air cargo industry at JFK by embracing cutting-edge technology, environmentally sustainable practices, and robust safety and security protocols.
The opening of the facility increases WFS’ cargo capacity at New York JFK by a further 25% and establishes the first-ever dedicated on-airport handling facility for temperature-controlled pharmaceutical products and perishable cargo.
Over 3,000 sq. ft of cooler space enables the handling of perishable and pharmaceutical goods requiring variable temperature ranges of between 2-8°C or 15-25°C.
Adjacent to the new WFS cargo terminal is a ramp area that can accommodate up to three Boeing 747-400/777 or similar-sized wide body freighters and has already received its first arrival with Atlas Air.