Swissport to run Korean Air hub at JFK
Korean Air Cargo has chosen Swissport to manage its long-standing freight terminal at New York’s JFK airport. The five-year agreement, effective 1 September, gives Swissport full control of cargo building 9, including sublease responsibilities.
The 21,600 sqm facility will undergo major modernisation, with automation upgrades, a new ETV system, and expanded temperature-controlled storage. Capacity will rise from 200,000 t to nearly 296,000 t annually. Initial operations will start with 80 staff, expanding to almost 400.
Sustainability is central to the project: Swissport will deploy an all-electric ground support fleet, a first for JFK freighter operations, supported by new charging infrastructure. Both partners see the contract as a blueprint for future cargo handling, combining technology, safety and sustainability at one of the world’s busiest airports. (ah)