Swissport International, the world’s leading provider of aviation services, launched operations at the Digital & Intelligent International Cargo Terminal at Shanghai Pudong International Airport, the world’s second-largest air freight hub. This milestone marks Swissport International’s entry into the Chinese market as part of its Asia strategy, bringing global expertise to support China’s fast-growing cross-border e-commerce sector.
The launch follows the partnership agreement signed in October 2025 between Swissport and Smarex, a joint venture between AVINEX Logistics (Shanghai Airport Authority Logistics Development Company) and China Eastern Airlines Logistics. Swissport has worked closely with Smarex to bring the facility into operation, combining its global operational expertise with advanced digital and intelligent infrastructure.
“Launching operations at Shanghai Pudong International Airport is a defining moment for Swissport in Asia and globally,” said Warwick Brady, CEO and President of Swissport International. “As Swissport marks 30 years of operations this year, our network continues to expand – including here in China. We are pioneering the future of intelligent, high-tech and sustainable air cargo operations by combining our global reach and proven operational expertise with cutting-edge AI-enabled infrastructure and Smarex’s advanced capabilities in one of the world’s most dynamic logistics markets. This partnership positions Swissport at the forefront of the cross-border e-commerce revolution, connecting Chinese businesses with consumers worldwide through our network of key cargo hubs, while setting new standards for smart cargo handling that will benefit both Chinese exports and imports, as well as our global customers.”
Integrated global air cargo network
The operation combines a global customer service network, internationally recognised safety standards, and operational systems based on best-in-class global practices, setting a new benchmark for international air cargo handling.
Through Swissport International’s network spanning 312 airports in 49 countries, Shanghai Pudong International Airport is directly connected to major cargo hubs across North America, Europe, South America, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific, enabling fully integrated global cargo flows and enhanced connectivity for customers.
This includes seamless trade routes from Shanghai to key destinations such as New York, Miami, Liège, Zurich, Amsterdam, and the United Kingdom, with goods able to reach key markets up to two days faster than previous routing options, supported by consistently high standards of efficiency and reliability across the entire network.
China remains the world’s largest e-commerce market, with retail e-commerce sales accounting for more than 45% of global online transactions. Cross-border e-commerce continues to expand rapidly, growing at an estimated double-digit rate annually, driven by rising international demand for Chinese-manufactured goods and increasingly sophisticated global supply chain integration, underscoring the strategic importance of high-performance air cargo infrastructure.
Next generation cargo operations
The facility – total size of 144,000 square metres – is designed to support the rapid growth of cross-border e-commerce, including fast customs coordination through an “inspect-first, then-deliver” model and high-speed automated sorting across four loop lines.
The cargo hub also introduces advanced cold chain capabilities across 15,000 square metres of temperature-controlled infrastructure, ranging from -60°C to +25°C, ensuring the integrity of pharmaceutical and perishable cargo through strict handling standards and continuous 24/7 monitoring.
Brad Moore, CEO of Swissport in the APAC region, said: “Shanghai Pudong International Airport already handles around four million tonnes of freight each year. Now, plugged into our global network, we expect volumes to grow by around 8 to 10 per cent over the coming years as connectivity and efficiency improve across key trade corridors. This is particularly significant given the scale and momentum of China’s e-commerce and cross-border trade ecosystem. As demand accelerates, our integrated model ensures that goods can move faster and more reliably between Shanghai and critical international destinations. This facility represents a major step forward in building a truly connected, intelligent and sustainable global cargo network.”
AI-enabled cargo operations
Shanghai operations leverage advanced automation and intelligent systems, supported by integrated digital platforms that enable real-time operational control, visibility, and efficiency. The facility is fully electrified, reflecting Smarex’s and Swissport International’s commitment to more sustainable ground handling operations across its global network.
The operation features an AI-enabled cargo model with systems that support real-time decision-making and optimise cargo flows across handling and sorting processes.
The partnership introduces a closely integrated global-local model, combining Smarex’s logistics with Swissport’s international air cargo expertise. Beyond operational standardisation and knowledge transfer, the collaboration supports the development of next-generation intelligent cargo capabilities, positioning Shanghai as a blueprint for scalable smart terminal operations across Swissport’s global network.
