Worldwide Flight Services (WFS), the world’s largest air cargo handler, is extending its North American network to Atlanta after winning the tender to operate Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport’s (H-JAIA) new Cargo Building C, a key part of the airport’s multi-billion dollar master plan to accommodate the future aviation needs of the region.
This move, represents the latest investment by WFS to grow its global handling capabilities. The company has recently expanded its facilities in Paris, New York JFK, Brussels, Copenhagen and Madrid which, with the addition of Atlanta, adds a further 700,000 square feet to its international operations footprint.
WFS is taking a long-term lease on the new facility, the most modern cargo terminal in Atlanta, as part of a multi-million dollar investment to bring its world class service, safety and security programmes to support the airport’s strong cargo growth. In 2018, cargo volumes at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport rose 4.7% to over 700,000 tonnes, which followed a 7.5% increase in the previous year.
Located in the airport’s South Cargo Area, the newly-constructed facility combines a 120,000 square feet warehouse and 20,000 square feet of office space and will incorporate freighter ramp handling facilities and a container bypass handling system. To support customers’ premium temperature-controlled products, it will also house 2,500 square feet of dedicated cooling facilities capable of storing 140 skids plus ULD containers for handling pharmaceuticals as well as other perishables cargoes. WFS is also commencing the process to become the first cargo handling partner in Atlanta to achieve Good Distribution Practice (GDP) certification.
In line with its commitment to the highest quality, safety and security standards WFS will equip the building with its unique ePic warehouse management system to maximise its operational efficiency and will also invest in the implementation of a multi-layered security system linked directly to its centralized Security Operations Center (SOC) in North America to provide 24/7 security surveillance.
