WFS has certainly brought its international cargo handling expertise into the Indian market and has already won handling contracts with multiple airlines within the first three months of opening a facility.

The company, a member of the SATS Group, has signed 3-year and 5-year contracts with 20 global airlines since opening its first cargo terminal in India at the end of May. The leading air cargo handler has a 15-year license to operate at the Kempegowda International Airport Bengaluru (BLR) in partnership with Bangalore International Airport Limited (BIAL).

WFS said it plans to use its resources and capabilities to optimise and grow cargo capacity in Bengaluru with a two-phase plan to significantly increase the size of the cold chain facility, doubling the existing annual capacity to over 150,000 tonnes, to support India’s pharmaceutical and healthcare markets.

The company has already introduced new forklift equipment and cargo tugs in Bengaluru to improve operational efficiency, including new generation electric vehicles in view of its ESG global sustainability commitment. Other automation and digitization systems will also be adopted by WFS in India to increase productivity and operational visibility, the company noted.

As part of the partnership with BIAL, WFS was welcomed to the airport community as one of two main cargo terminal operators. The airport believes the team-up will enhance airport cargo operations and make them more efficient and smoother.

“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, CEO of WFS Bengaluru Private Limited. “It is a tribute to our local teams, partners and stakeholders, as well as colleagues from other WFS and SATS stations around the world, who assisted in our launch, that we have achieved such a smooth operational transition.”