Swissport Takes Over Korean Air Cargo JFK Facility

The cooperation agreement between Swissport and Asiana Cargo took effect on September 1st. Swissport will be fully responsible for the management, subleasing, and modernization upgrade of the 9th cargo building at JFK Airport. This facility covers an area of 232,500 square feet. Swissport plans to invest in automated equipment (such as the ETV system), upgrade infrastructure, and add specialized temperature-controlled storage for goods. After completion, the annual throughput will increase from 2 million tons to 295,500 tons. Initially, about 80 employees will be equipped, and the team size will expand to 390 after full production.

Nelson Camacho, the CEO of Swissport in North America and Canada, stated that the company will vigorously invest in high-tech automation, transparent systems, and security measures, aiming to achieve IATA CEIV and GDP certifications. Relying on automated technology and professional team experience, it will ensure efficient operation. Jaedong Eum, the executive vice president of Asiana Cargo, emphasized that operational excellence and continuous investment in equipment and training are key to cargo ground services. The two parties will work together to create a benchmark for JFK cargo development.

Sustainability is the core of Swissport's upgrade plan: electric ground support equipment (GSE) will be introduced and charging infrastructure will be improved, making it the first service provider at JFK to use an all-electric fleet throughout the cargo operation process. At the same time, BioNatur biodegradable products will be promoted to reduce plastic waste, and a high-density VNA shelving system will be used to improve storage efficiency. Ajay Barolia, the executive vice president of Swissport's North American freight operations, pointed out that these investments will lay a solid foundation for the future development of the 9th cargo building and strengthen safe and reliable modern cargo service capabilities.