The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey (Port of NY/NJ), in partnership with Worldwide Flight Services (WFS) and Realterm, has opened the new US$270 million consolidated cargo handling centre at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK).

As the first new cargo facility at JFK in 25 years, this new cargo centre will consolidate operations from four separate cargo zones into a single modernised location, reducing congestion, streamlining operations and unlocking space for future development.

In the joint announcement, the companies noted that the JFK air cargo sector plays a vital role in the regional and national economy, generating US$11.4 billion in annual economic activity.

The new consolidated cargo handling centre enhances JFK's role as a premier hub for global trade and will improve service for industries reliant on high-value cargo such as pharmaceuticals, electronics and perishables.

"We are in the midst of historic overhauls across all of our airports, and this new cargo centre is yet more proof of the transformation that is underway," said Kevin O'Toole, chairman of the Port Authority.

"This new consolidated cargo centre reduces truck congestion, lowers emissions ... all while supporting the industries that power the region and the nation."

Port Authority Executive Director Rick Cotton noted that by replacing outdated facilities with a modern cargo centre, Port of NY/NJ is preparing for the future and improving efficiency and sustainability at JFK.

"JFK plays a central role in global commerce, and this modern consolidated cargo centre strengthens its position as a key gateway for high-value goods and international trade," he said.

Operated by WFS, JFK's primary cargo handler, the 350,000-square-foot facility spans 26 acres and replaces two older facilities.

The new cargo centre is the first step in the Port Authority's broader redevelopment plans for the airport's north cargo area to accommodate recent and future long-term cargo growth through modern and efficient cargo facilities.

The announcement said the consolidation of cargo facilities in the north area aims to reduce congestion, improve logistics flow, and free up land for future development needs at the airport.

In the United States, JFK is the nation's busiest entry point for low-value international e-commerce packages, handling about one-quarter of all such incoming shipments, as well as a key high-value international cargo hub.

In 2024, JFK handled 1.67 million tons of cargo, a 5% increase from 2023 and 25% more than in 2019, making it the eighth-busiest cargo airport in the United States and the 21st globally.

Several innovations in the new cargo centre are expected to streamline the airport's cargo operations, reducing wait times for truck drivers and minimising queuing outside the facility — including an advanced truck dock management system designed to optimize the flow of goods in and out of the facility, leveraging real-time scheduling, automated check-ins, and digital communication between drivers and dock operators.

The system automatically allocates the most efficient doors based on the size, type, and contents of each delivery, maximising throughput and reducing delays. The system also ensures that trucks arrive only when a dock is available, significantly reducing idle wait times and on-site congestion.

Port of NY/NJ said this coordination ensures that fewer trucks are on the road, leading to reduced noise, emissions and traffic congestion for the surrounding community.

The new consolidated cargo handling centre also includes 3,000 square feet of cooler space for goods requiring temperatures of 2 to 8 degrees Celsius and 15 to 25 degrees Celsius, making it JFK's first dedicated on-airport facility for temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals and perishables.

The facility also sets a new benchmark for sustainability, advancing the Port Authority's commitment to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 and to facilitate the same goal for its operational partners.

The new cargo handling centre features electric forklifts, electric vehicle chargers, and an automated unit load device system to optimise power usage.

Mike Simpson, chief executive officer of Gateway Services, Americas, at WFS, said the new facility marks a new era for WFS and air cargo at one of the main gateways to the US.

"This cutting-edge facility reflects our commitment to innovation, sustainability, and operational excellence in our drive to serve customers better. This new development 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," 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," he said, adding that WFS has served customers at JFK for 41 years.