Following the signing of handling agreements with 20 airlines, cargo handler Worldwide Flight Services (WFS) is making improvements to its facilities at Bengaluru’s Kempegowda International Airport.

The new contracts, which range in length from three to five years, were signed when the handling and Bangalore International Airport Limited started operations at the airport at the end of May.

Only WFS has a specialised cold chain operation, making it the second handler at the airport.

The business is now trying to expand its airport facilities.

After renovation, the handler will boost the airport’s yearly capacity from 120,000 tonnes to 250,000 tonnes.

It also has a two-phase plan to increase the size of the cold chain facility, initially doubling its capacity to 80,000 tonnes and, later, to over 150,000 tonnes per annum in “acknowledgment of India’s leading positive in the global pharmaceutical and healthcare markets”.

WFS has already introduced new forklift equipment and cargo tugs in Bengaluru, including new-generation electric vehicles.

Other automation and digitalisation systems will also be adopted by WFS in India to “increase productivity and operational visibility”.

 “After a great deal of planning and preparation, it was an honour for WFS to commence its first-ever operations in India in Bengaluru at the end of May and we are proud to have already won so many important airline customers,” said Manish Agnihothri, chief executive of WFS Bengaluru.

John Batten, WFS’ chief executive Europe, Middle East and Africa, said, Our goal from the outset has been to bring our international cargo handling expertise into the Indian market and to add value for India’s air cargo community stakeholders.

“We aim to play an important role in helping Bengaluru realise its air cargo growth ambitions.”

The airport is the third-largest and fastest-growing cargo hub in India.