Worldwide Flight Services (WFS) plans to enhance cargo capacity at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) by 20 percent in early 2025 with the completion of a new 346,000-square-foot terminal that will incorporate modern technology and sustainability solutions.

The new WFS facility will provide JFK with its first dedicated on-airport processing facility for temperature-controlled pharmaceutical items and perishable cargos. The cargo terminal is also equipped with cutting-edge technology and digital solutions to provide existing and prospective customers with a 20 percent increase in capacity, thanks to WFS’ investment in new automation systems. These include the dock management system, ETV system, and process automation at the port.

“When the facility opens in Q1 2025, we will increase our ability to offers airlines and the air cargo community in New York the opportunity to carry more special and premium cargos and support the growing demands of businesses and consumers in the US and globally. By incorporating scalable systems and forward-looking solutions, the building will remain versatile and responsive to evolving customer and industry needs as well as emerging technological advancements,” said Mike Simpson, Chief Executive Officer, Americas at WFS. “Furthermore, our customers can be assured that we will continue to deliver the accurate and reliable service they have come to expect from us.”

The 26-acre location of the facility will also have ramp space for three wide-body planes.

WFS has secured a 15-year lease for the new cargo terminal, which is a key component of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey’s Vision Plan to improve JFK’s international reputation and boost economic growth in the US northeast region.

WFS also expanded its footprint in the Midwest of the United States earlier in 2023 by establishing a second cargo terminal at Chicago O’Hare International Airport, increasing yearly capacity by 10% to approximately 310 million kg.