SF Express Singapore has opened its airside logistics centre located at SATS Core A warehouse in Changi Airfreight Centre.

The Chinese multinational delivery services and logistics company and the largest courier in China said the new facility enables the optimization of export and import operations, resulting in improved flexibility and faster turnaround times for customers.

The development also facilitates SF Express Singapore's expansion across Southeast Asia and globally.

Reduced processing time

"With the launch of the airside logistics centre, the expected on-airport processing time will be reduced from 4 to 6 hours to 1.5 to 2 hours," SF said in the announcement.

It added that the direct access to the airside enables the efficient transfer of cargo between the tarmac and the logistics centre.

For imports, this access speeds up the process of getting goods from the terminal, allowing for faster sorting and distribution, which means customers can receive their deliveries earlier and even have multiple delivery waves in a single day.

SF Express said this significantly enhances its cargo sorting and transhipment capacity in Singapore.

"As a close neighbour to China, Singapore connects South Asia and Oceania, offering significant geographical advantages. Moreover, with its advanced logistics operations and facilities, Changi Airport has become a crucial global logistics hub," said Zhang Ji, vice president of SF Group.

"SATS, one of the largest aviation ground service providers in the world, operates at over 215 locations across more than 27 countries, providing ramp operations and in-flight catering services. With the strong support of Changi Airport and SATS in Singapore, S. F. Express's air cargo business has been steadily developing," he added. 

Singapore Changi Airport is a key air cargo hub in Southeast Asia and globally.

The airport is equipped with advanced cargo facilities capable of processing millions of tons of goods through Singapore, ensuring the efficient flow of goods.

SF Express noted that the collaboration with SATS, a major player in global air cargo, is a strategic partnership that enhances the supply chain and end-to-end logistics services, ensuring the efficient flow of goods.

"SATS SG Hub is immensely proud to be empowering the success of SF Express supply chain through ensuring seamless airside handling for its hub operations as their aviation ground service provider as part of our wider multi-station global network partnership," commented Henry Low, chief Executive officer of SATS Singapore Hub.

Lim Ching Kiat, executive vice president of Air Hub and Cargo Development, Changi Airport Group, said with air express and logistics activities in Southeast Asia poised for robust long-term growth, the expanded capacity and new airside capabilities will enable SF Express to capture the region's growth potential and offer a higher level of service to its global customers.

SF said the deal would also further accelerate the construction of logistics nodes along the "Belt and Road Initiative", promote the overseas expansion of Chinese enterprises, and establish more efficient logistics channels for economic and trade exchanges between China and Southeast Asia.