Worldwide Flight Services (WFS), a SATS company, has secured a lease for a new 11,000m², purpose-built air cargo facility at London Heathrow Airport (LHR), which is expected to become fully operational in 2027.

WFS will install a four level, 220 position PCHS with two ETVs that together with other MHS improvements will allow the new facility to provide an annual handling capacity in excess of 160,000 tonnes.

The 20-year lease on the Southampton Road, situated within Heathrow's main cargo area, strengthens WFS' position as the largest cargo handler at LHR and the airport's strategic importance to UK and international trade.

In 2024, 1.58 million tonnes of cargo moved through Heathrow — up 10% year-on-year — with a value of £215.6 billion, making it the largest UK port by value. Airlines operating to and from Heathrow serve 230 destinations globally in 85 countries and regions and carry over 72% of all UK air cargo by value.      

  (Photo: WFS)

WFS said this strong performance is reflected in its growth at London Heathrow, with volumes 28% higher in the first six months of 2025 versus H1/2024, resulting from airline contract wins and organic growth by its existing carrier clients.

"Heathrow is literally flying from a cargo perspective, so it is imperative that we can provide the physical infrastructure to process these growing volumes. This new lease is an important part of this strategy and reflects WFS long-term commitment to Heathrow and its airline and cargo customers," said Chris Beale, managing director UK at WFS.   

Across eight facilities at Heathrow with a total footprint of nearly 44,000m², WFS currently handles over 350,000 tonnes annually for 12 major airlines, including its latest customers, Air India and Riyadh Air.

The new development will enable WFS to meet the growth requirements of its existing customers and provide capacity to serve more airlines.  

As well as supporting WFS' sustainability goals, the Southampton Road warehouse will incorporate dedicated handling facilities for special cargoes, including valuable, pharmaceutical, perishable, express, AVI, and dangerous goods shipments. It will also handle outsize cargoes, such as cars and aero engines.