Worldwide Flight Services (WFS), a SATS company, is set to enhance air cargo handling and promote sustainability at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), following the opening of the first new cargo terminal at the airport in three decades.
With the new facility opening at the end of January, WFS now has over 1 million square feet of warehouse space at JFK across eight locations, making it the largest cargo handling provider at the airport.
WFS currently serves 38 international and domestic airline customers at JFK.
Mike Simpson, chief executive officer of Gateway Services, Americas at WFS, noted that Building 260 sets new standards for efficiency and safety and is a "showpiece" not just for JFK's aviation ecosystem but for the air cargo industry worldwide.
"The facility embodies our dedication to connecting the world through logistics and embraces new levels of digitalization and sustainability that will act as a model for other new cargo operations around the world," he added.
Building 260 covers 350,000 sq. ft. and marks an important development for WFS and the air cargo industry at JFK. It incorporates modern technology, sustainable practices, and strong safety and security measures.
The new facility boosts WFS’ cargo capacity at New York JFK by 25% and is the first dedicated on-airport handling site for temperature-sensitive pharmaceutical products and perishable goods.
Over 3,000 sq. ft of cooler space enables the handling of perishable and pharmaceutical goods requiring variable temperature ranges of between 2-8°C or 15-25°C.
WFS noted that adjacent to the new WFS cargo terminal is a ramp area that can accommodate up to three Boeing 747-400/777 or similar-sized wide-body freighters and has already received its first arrival with Atlas Air.
Safety was a key focus in the design of the facility. It includes dock and polymer barriers to prevent accidental trailer movement during loading and unloading. There are also impact-resistant doors and protection systems for columns to help minimize damage from forklifts, which can reduce downtime.
Building 260 meets modern cargo operation standards and features the latest Dock Management System. This system aims to improve efficiency by reducing truck dwell times by up to 25% through pre-alerts that streamline air waybill processing.
Additionally, the Slot Booking System will help manage traffic flow and provide visibility into shipment movements at the building’s 44 truck docks, allowing WFS to schedule truck appointments based on shipment volume and complexity.
Building 260 also features Warehouse Progress Monitoring (WPM) to give customers real-time visibility, Auto Dimensioning Equipment for compliance with carrier requirements, and IATA Dangerous Goods (DG) Autocheck for safety and security.
The Automated ETV (Elevating Transport Vehicle) and Unit Load Device (ULD) Management systems have been designed to allow for tracking by flight and automated staging for cargo buildup and breakdown, which helps to streamline operations by minimizing forklift usage needed to move ULDs like aircraft containers and pallets. These technologies will ultimately reduce congestion and lower wait times for cargo shipments.
Sustainability solutions were also built into the new facility from electric forklift trucks to EV charging stations for both ground support equipment and customer/employee vehicles. The centralized ETV system for automated ULD dispatch to the ramp and warehouse also streamlines operations and reduces equipment usage.
"Building 260 reflects our commitment to delivering exceptional service and setting new benchmarks for the industry. It’s a milestone achievement that positions us to meet the future demands of global logistics with confidence and excellence," said Frank Clemente, SVP Cargo, Americas at WFS.
