Worldwide Flight Services (WFS) has expanded its cargo handling operation at Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport (JNB) to accommodate new contracts with Lufthansa and Swiss WorldCargo, a press release confirmed. 

WFS expects to handle 23,000 tonnes per annum for the two airlines, which have both signed three-year handling agreements starting 1 September. 

Lufthansa uses both Airbus A380 and B747-800 aircraft between Johannesburg and Frankfurt, whilst Swiss WorldCargo’s flights to Zurich are operated by Boeing 777-300ERs, the release stated. 

Injecting more investment into South Africa, WFS said it has acquired the lease of an additional 3,600 square metres of warehouse space in Johannesburg, as well as purchased cargo handling equipment and increased its workforce. 

Last year, WFS built a 350-square-metre pharma facility at OR Tambo, which is GDP accredited to handle temperature-controlled healthcare products. 

WFS said the new contracts will make it the second largest cargo handler in Johannesburg. 

The contracts also expand its footprint in South Africa, adding to the cargo handling company’s cargo operations in Cape Town after winning the contract from United last December.

“The added capacity, equipment and staff give us a platform to expand and increase our footprint in Johannesburg as we emerge from the pandemic,” said Malcolm Tonkin, general manager for cargo (South Africa) at WFS.

Last week, WFS secured contracts with ABC and Air China Cargo at Madrid Airport.