Air cargo handling service provider Swissport has opened a new facility at London Heathrow Airport (LHR) in response to a 17% increase in cargo tonnage this year driven, largely by e-commerce imports.
The new facility will enable Swissport to support its ongoing expansion in the rapidly growing air cargo market, with further developments planned at Gatwick, East Midlands, Manchester and Stansted airports in the UK.
“Our new facility at Heathrow is a cornerstone of our global air cargo expansion strategy. It not only enhances our service capabilities at a critical global hub but also demonstrates our commitment to investing in infrastructure and technology to meet the growing demands of the air cargo industry,” confirmed Joe Bellfield, chief operating officer of cargo at Swissport.
“Several customers are waiting to join Swissport’s portfolio once we have the space, and we’re thrilled to be expanding at Gatwick, East Midlands, Manchester and Stansted in the months that follow our opening at Heathrow Airport today,” he added.
The new Heathrow facility includes 1,400m2 of temperature-controlled space, advanced warehouse management systems and real-time tracking capabilities. These advances will enable Swissport to handle more customers and satisfy additional demand.