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Korean Air partners with Swissport on air cargo at JFK

Korean Air is partnering with Swissport to operate its air cargo’s long-standing freight facility at JFK Airport.

The five-year cargo handling contract comes into effect on 1 September and accords Swissport full management and sublease responsibilities for the terminal.

Swissport plans a significant investment in eco-tech infrastructure and digital innovation to ensure maximum operational excellence. 

Swissport will now operate, sublease, and extensively modernize Korean Air Cargo’s 232,500 square-foot freight facility inclusive of offices.

Investments in automation and infrastructure upgrades including an ETV system overhaul and new temperature-controlled storage for specialised cargo, will see the site’s annual throughput capacity increase from 200,000 to 295,500 tons.

“We are delighted to partner with Korean Air Cargo on this historic contract, marking our first large-scale collaboration at a single location. We are aligned in our mission to provide operational excellence to Korean Air Cargo’s customers.

“Swissport is strongly committed to raising and further fine-tuning the standard of cargo handling at New York JFK airport and is therefore investing significantly in establishing high-tech quality automation, transparent systems and enhanced safety measures, while also pursuing IATA CEIV and GDP certifications.

“It is this perfect blend of automation and our professional team’s track-record expertise that ensures efficient, high-quality operations and the best customer service,” said Nelson Camacho, CEO of Swissport North America and Canada.

“Swissport has demonstrated that it shares our values of professionalism, excellence and sustainability, and our vision for the future of our JFK hub,” Jaedong Eum, executive vice-president and head of the cargo business division at Korean Air, stated.

“Air Cargo ground quality comes along with operational excellence beyond efficiency.  And continuous investment in state-of-the-art equipment and training is crucial for successful and sustainable operations. Together with Swissport, we will establish a blueprint at JFK for a highly successful Cargo Path Forward over the coming years.”