WFS is already looking to expand its newly opened cargo terminal in India's Bengaluru after it secured handling contracts with 20 airlines.

The cargo handler — which is a member of the SATS Group — currently offers an annual throughput capacity of 120,000 tonnes at the facility at Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru (BLR), which also employs about 700 staff.

[Source: WFS]

WFS said this will rise to 250,000 tonnes per annum following refurbishment.

It noted that Bengaluru is the third-largest and fastest-growing cargo hub in India.

"WFS is responsible for the development, operation, management, and maintenance of the operations, which include the only dedicated Cold Chain Facility at the airport," the cargo handler said.

It added that WFS aims to use its design, build, finance, process reengineering and development capabilities to optimise and grow cargo capacity in Bengaluru.

It also has a two-phase plan to significantly increase the size of the Cold Chain Facility, initially doubling its capacity to 80,000 MT and, later, boosting throughput to over 150,000 MT per annum in acknowledgement of India's leading positive in the global pharmaceutical and healthcare markets.

To improve operational productivity, WFS said it has already introduced new forklift equipment and cargo tugs in Bengaluru, including new generation electric vehicles, in support of its ESG global sustainability commitment.

Other automation and digitization systems will also be adopted by WFS in India to increase productivity and operational visibility.

"After a great deal of planning and preparation, it was an honour for WFS to commence its first-ever operations in India in Bengaluru at the end of May, and we are proud to have already won so many important airline customers. It is a tribute to our local teams, partners and stakeholders, as well as colleagues from other WFS & SATS stations around the world, who assisted in our launch, that we have achieved such a smooth operational transition," said Manish Agnihothri, CEO of WFS Bengaluru Private Limited.

John Batten, WFS' chief executive officer EMEAA, noted that WFS' goal from the outset has been to bring its international cargo handling expertise into the Indian market and to add value for India’s air cargo community stakeholders.

"We aim to play an important role in helping Bengaluru realise its air cargo growth ambitions," he said.

Raveen Pinto, vice president of aviation Business at BIAL, said: "BIAL is pleased to announce that WFS, a leading global company in ground handling and cargo services, has joined our airport community as one of the two cargo terminal operators."

"This partnership is exciting as WFS will leverage its international experience and best practices to enhance our airport cargo operations and make them more efficient and smoother. We are eager to grow and thrive together in the future as the preferred gateway of the region," he added.