News

WFS builds new cargo terminal at New York JFK

Worldwide Flight Services (WFS) has advanced cargo handling services at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport with the first new-build terminal in 30 years.

The new facility opened at the end of January, increasing WFS’s footprint to more than one million square feet across eight facilities, serving 38 international and domestic airlines.

Mike Simpson, CEO Gateway Services Americas at WFS says Building 260 reflects WFS’s commitment to innovation, sustainability and operational excellence in cargo handling.

He said: “The facility embodies our dedication to connecting the world through logistics and embraces new levels of digitalisation and sustainability that will act as a model for other new cargo operations around the world.”

Simpson thanked Realterm, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, and WFS’s team members for making their support.

Building 260, which increases WFS’s capacity at JFK by 25%, has 350,000 square foot of floor space and over 3,000 square feet of cooler space dedicated to perishable and pharmaceutical cargo, the first dedicated on-airport handling facility for these goods.

A ramp area is adjacent to the new cargo terminal, which can accommodate up to three Boeing 747-400/777 or similar sized widebody freighter.

It has already welcomed its first arrival, a B747 operated by Atlas Air.

Safety features of the facility include dock and polymer barriers to prevent accidental trailer movement, and there are impact-resistant doors and column protection systems to minimise damage from forklifts and moving equipment.

To make operations more efficient, Building 260 is equipped with features such as the latest Dock Management System for picking up and dropping off cargo.

It is expected to reduce truck dwell times by up to 25% by generating pre-alerts to reduce air waybill processing time.

The Slot Booking System manages traffic flow and provides clear visibility of shipment movement and availability, allowing WFS to schedule truck appointments at the 44 truck docks based on shipment volume and complexity.

The digital journey of shipments in Building 260 is monitored by technologies including Warehouse Progress Monitoring to give customers real-time visibility, Auto Dimensioning Equipment for compliance with carrier requirements, and IATA Dangerous Goods AutoCheck for safety and security.

Automated Elevated Transport Vehicle (ETV) and ULD management systems have been designed to provide tracking by flight and automated staging for cargo buildup and breakdown, which streamlines operations by minimising the use of forklifts to move containers and pallets.

Operational efficiency has been further enhanced by Building 260’s location near several major highways for road transport connections.

Sustainability solutions built into Building 260 support SATS’s environmental, social and governance (ESG) group priorities from electric forklift trucks to EV charging stations for GSE and customer and employee vehicles.

The centralised ETV system for automated ULD dispatch also streamlines operations and reduces equipment usage.

Frank Clemente, SVP Cargo Americas at WFS, said: “Building 260 reflects our commitment to delivering exceptional service and setting new benchmarks for the industry. It’s a milestone achievement that positions us to meet the future demands of global logistics with confidence and excellence.”


Related articles