The new 346,000 square-foot facility will take the company’s footprint at North America’s sixth largest cargo airport to over 700,000 square feet and grow capacity to more than 675,000 tonnes per annum.
WFS already operates eight handling facilities at the airport, which is one of WFS’ biggest international cargo stations, serving 38 airline customers.
The opening of the new WFS facility will give JFK its first dedicated on-airport handling facility for temperature-controlled pharmaceutical products and perishables cargos.
The cargo terminal is also designed with the latest technology and digital solutions to offer current and future customers 20% growth capacity, supported by WFS’ investment in new automation solutions such as the terminal’s dock management system, ETV system, and process automation.
“When the facility opens in Q1 2025, we will increase our ability to offers airlines and the air cargo community in New York the opportunity to carry more special and premium cargos and support the growing demands of businesses and consumers in the US and globally. By incorporating scalable systems and forward-looking solutions, the building will remain versatile and responsive to evolving customer and industry needs as well as emerging technological advancements,” said Mike Simpson, Chief Executive Officer, Americas at WFS.
“Furthermore, our customers can be assured that we will continue to deliver the accurate and reliable service they have come to expect from us.”
In line with SATS’ global sustainability goals, the new building will use renewable energy provided by solar panels to lower its carbon footprint. Additionally, energy efficient windows, lighting, ventilation, air conditioning systems and the use of electric forklifts, slave pallet movers, and GSE equipment will contribute to the terminal’s environmental efficiency.
The terminal’s 26-acre site will also provide ramp space for three wide-body aircraft.
WFS has signed a 15-year lease on the new cargo terminal, which represents a prime phase of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey’s comprehensive Vision Plan to enhance the international reputation of JFK and support economic growth across the US northeast region.