The Rise Of Portable Digitisation In Airports

Port Authority, Realterm And Worldwide Flight Services Celebrate Opening Of New $270 Million State-Of-The-Art Consolidated Cargo Handling Center At John F. Kennedy International AirportNew Facility Streamlines Operations, Reduces Truck Congestion and Supports Growth of High-Value Cargo Sector JFK’s Cargo Operations Support More Than 93,000 Direct and Indirect Jobs and Generate More Than $11 Billion in Economic Activity Annually First Step in the Port Authority’s Redevelopment of Airport’s North Cargo Area to Modernize and Consolidate Cargo Handling Centers Photos from the Opening and of the New Facility are Available Here The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, in partnership with Realterm and Worldwide Flight Services (WFS), today celebrated the opening of a new state-of-the-art $270 million consolidated cargo handling center at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). As the first new cargo facility at JFK in 25 years, this new cargo center will consolidate operations from four separate cargo zones into a single modernized location, reducing congestion, streamlining operations and unlocking space for future development. The JFK air cargo sector plays a vital role in the regional and national economy, supporting more than 93,000 direct and indirect jobs and generating $11.4 billion in economic activity annually. The new consolidated cargo handling center enhances JFK’s role as a premier hub for global trade and is expected to generate new jobs and economic development opportunities while improving service for industries reliant on high-value cargo such as pharmaceuticals, electronics and perishables. “We are in the midst of historic overhauls across all of our airports, and this new cargo center is yet more proof of the transformation that is underway,” said Port Authority Chairman Kevin O’Toole. “This new consolidated cargo center reduces truck congestion, lowers emissions and creates good-paying jobs, all while supporting the industries that power the region and the nation.” “By replacing outdated facilities with a modern cargo center, we’re preparing for the future and improving efficiency and sustainability at JFK,” said Port Authority Executive Director Rick Cotton. “JFK plays a central role in global commerce, and this modern consolidated cargo center strengthens its position as a key gateway for high-value goods and international trade.” Operated by WFS, JFK’s primary cargo handler, the 350,000-square-foot facility spans 26 acres and replaces two older facilities. The new cargo center is the first step in the Port Authority’s broader redevelopment plans for the airport’s north cargo area to accommodate recent and future long-term cargo growth through modern and efficient cargo facilities. Consolidation of cargo facilities in the north area aims to reduce congestion, improve logistics flow, and free up land for future development needs at the airport. In the United States, JFK is the nation’s busiest entry point for low-value international e-commerce packages, handling about one-quarter of all such incoming shipments, as well as a key high value international cargo hub. In 2024, JFK handled 1.67 million tons of cargo, a 5 percent increase from 2023 and 25 percent more than in 2019, making it the eighth-busiest cargo airport in the U.S. and 21st globally. Several innovations in the new cargo center are expected to streamline the airport’s cargo operations, reducing wait times for truck drivers and minimizing queuing outside the facility. These include an advanced truck dock management system designed to optimize the flow of goods in and out of the facility, leveraging real-time scheduling, automated check-ins, and digital communication between drivers and dock operators. The system automatically allocates the most efficient doors based on the size, type, and contents of each delivery, maximizing throughput and reducing delays. The system also ensures that trucks arrive only when a dock is available, greatly reducing idle wait times and on-site congestion. This coordination ensures that fewer trucks are on the road or waiting in nearby neighborhoods, leading to reduced noise, emissions and traffic congestion for the surrounding community. The new consolidated cargo handling center also includes 3,000 square feet of cooler space for goods requiring 2 to 8 degrees Celsius and 15 to 25 degrees Celsius environments, making it JFK’s first dedicated on-airport facility for temperature-sensitive pharmaceuticals and perishables. The facility also sets a new benchmark for sustainability, advancing the Port Authority’s industry-leading commitment to reach net-zero carbon emissions by 2050 and to facilitate the same goal for its operational partners. The new cargo handling center features electric forklifts, electric vehicle chargers, and an automated unit load device system to optimize power usage. “We are thrilled to see this project come to life as a showpiece for cargo operations not just at JFK, but for airports worldwide,” said David Rose, managing director of Realterm. “This modern and one-of-a-kind facility exemplifies what can be achieved through strong public-private partnerships and demonstrates Realterm’s commitment to creating infrastructure that meets the evolving needs of the air cargo industry while supporting local economic development.” “WFS is proud of its 41 years of service to our customers at JFK,” said Mike Simpson, Gateway Services chief executive officer, Americas, at WFS. “This new facility marks a new era for WFS and air cargo at one of the main gateways to the United States. This cutting-edge facility reflects our commitment to innovation, sustainability, and operational excellence in our drive to serve customers better. This new development sets new standards for efficiency and safety and is a showpiece not just for JFK’s aviation ecosystem, but to 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.” “Queens continues to grow and with it, so must our airports,” said Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. “As we invest nearly $20 billion into the redevelopment of Kennedy Airport, upgrading the facility’s ability to handle cargo here in the nation’s biggest city, both by population and by economy, is just as important as adding new passenger amenities. With Building 260, we’re doing just that, and I couldn’t be more excited to cut the ribbon on it today.” The project also exceeded its goals for participation by minority and women-owned business enterprises (MWBEs), with more than 42 percent of construction contracts awarded to MWBE firms, creating significant economic opportunities for local communities. The new facility is expected to generate 100 permanent new jobs, with a priority on hiring from the airport’s surrounding community through ongoing and targeted local hiring events and outreach in partnership with the Council for Airport Opportunity and other workforce development organizations. About Realterm Realterm is an independent global investment manager focused on the transportation industry. The firm acquires, develops, finances and manages differentiated real estate and infrastructure assets serving land, air, sea and rail networks across the world. Realterm currently manages over 430 investments totaling in excess of $12 billion in assets under management on behalf of global investors. Realterm is also the leading provider of facility-related services to airports throughout North America, developing, operating and managing over 17 million square feet of cargo and aviation-related facilities at more than 35 airports. About Worldwide Flight Services (WFS) WFS, a member of the SATS Group, is the world’s largest air cargo logistics provider, driven by service excellence, agile innovation, and the strength of its global network. Together, SATS and WFS have built a comprehensive Americas-Europe-APAC network, spanning over 215 stations in 27 countries. This global reach enables WFS to deliver integrated, one-stop aviation solutions that power global trade, travel, and taste. Combining innovation with operational excellence, WFS helps businesses navigate the complexities of a rapidly evolving industry. For more information, visit wfs.aero/.

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24 April 2025

5 min read

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The Rise Of Portable Digitisation In Airports

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