dnata has extended its longstanding partnership with Lödige Industries for the maintenance and upgrade of cargo handling infrastructure at Singapore Changi Airport, reinforcing efforts to support long-term operational efficiency and rising cargo demand across one of Asia’s busiest logistics hubs.
The renewed agreement covers the continued maintenance and modernisation of several critical cargo handling systems operated by dnata in Singapore, including automatic cargo handling systems, pallet cargo handling infrastructure and specialised cool chain facilities used for temperature-sensitive shipments.
The partnership also includes the ongoing upgrade of one of the first material handling systems installed by Lödige Industries in Asia in 1979 — a system that has remained operational for decades and continues to form part of dnata’s cargo infrastructure at Changi Airport.
Supporting Long-Term Cargo Infrastructure Reliability
Under the agreement, Lödige Industries will maintain multiple cargo handling assets across dnata’s Singapore operations, including the Automatic Cargo Handling System (ACHS), the Pallet Cargo Handling System (PCHS), and mechanical systems supporting the airport’s Cool Chain and perishable cargo terminal facilities.
The companies said the collaboration will also involve the development of additional technical solutions aimed at enhancing dnata’s cargo facility capabilities as cargo volumes continue to grow across the Asia-Pacific region.
Industry analysts note that extending the lifecycle of existing cargo infrastructure through targeted upgrades has become increasingly important for airport operators and cargo handlers seeking to balance operational efficiency with rising demand and infrastructure investment costs.
By modernising proven cargo systems rather than fully replacing them, operators can maintain operational continuity while improving system performance, automation and handling capacity.
Sam Gould, Head of Cargo at dnata Singapore, said the extended partnership reflects the operational value and reliability Lödige Industries has consistently delivered over many years.
“Our partnership with Lödige Industries is the best we could have chosen, not only because they have extensive experience and knowledge in this field, but also because they understand our needs and have consistently proven themselves to have a high level of reliability,” Gould stated.
“With this critical service, we will ensure that our cargo handling systems are ready for long-term operation, enabling us to handle growing cargo volumes and maintain the high quality standards required by our customers.”
Focus on Cargo Facility Modernisation
The agreement highlights the increasing importance of advanced cargo automation and specialised handling infrastructure as global supply chains become more time-sensitive and operationally complex.
Singapore Changi Airport remains one of the world’s leading air cargo hubs, supported by strong connectivity across Asia-Pacific and major investments in logistics infrastructure, digitalisation and cold chain capabilities.
The maintenance scope under the renewed partnership includes infrastructure supporting perishable and temperature-sensitive cargo operations, which continue to represent high-growth segments within the global air freight industry.
Lödige Industries said maintaining and upgrading existing high-quality systems can often provide the most effective operational solution while reducing maintenance costs and minimising operational disruptions.
“Maintaining a fundamentally functioning system of good quality and adapting it to new challenges through upgrades can be the most effective solution in this case,” said Ranga Jayaweera, General Manager for Singapore at Lödige Industries.
“We are very pleased to support dnata once again,” he added.
Decades of Collaboration Across Global Cargo Hubs
The partnership between dnata and Lödige Industries extends well beyond Singapore and reflects decades of collaboration across several international cargo markets.
Lödige Industries has previously supported dnata projects involving cargo infrastructure, automation systems and material handling upgrades at airports including Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, London and Amsterdam.
Among the company’s recent projects are the second phase expansion of dnata City East at Heathrow Airport, upgrades to dnata’s cargo handling systems at Sydney Airport in 2024 and equipment supply for dnata’s new cargo terminal at Amsterdam Airport Schiphol.
In Singapore, Lödige’s earlier work for dnata included the installation of systems for its perishables centre, implementation of an elevating transfer vehicle (ETV) system and support for engineering and infrastructure works across cargo operations.
Industry observers note that airport cargo operators globally are increasingly prioritising long-term technology partnerships to improve operational resilience, support automation and maintain service reliability amid rising e-commerce and pharmaceutical cargo demand.
Preparing for Future Cargo Growth
The continued investment in Singapore’s cargo handling infrastructure reflects expectations of sustained long-term growth in regional and international air freight demand.
As cargo operators face increasing pressure to improve efficiency, reduce handling times and maintain temperature integrity for sensitive shipments, advanced automated handling systems are becoming central to airport cargo strategies.
The renewed partnership is expected to help dnata maintain operational flexibility and scalability at Changi Airport while supporting future cargo growth across key sectors including pharmaceuticals, perishables, e-commerce and high-value freight.
Commenting on the long-standing relationship between the two companies, Sam Gould described the collaboration as both strategically important and deeply established.
“This partnership, which has grown over decades, is exceptional and fills us with both pride and ambition to uphold our high quality with every new project and to continue our collaboration in the long term,” Gould said.
