New York’s JFK International Airport will get its first new cargo terminal in 20 years as part of modernization programme.
The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey has signed a long-term ground lease agreement with Aeroterm for the development of a $145m, 350,000 sq ft cargo facility on more than 26 acres. The facility will be operated by Worldwide Flight Services (WFS) once completed.
The Aeroterm project will demolish two obsolete facilities at JFK and build an expanded facility that will incorporate “advanced technology systems designed for maximum efficiency in the handling and storage of cargo, as well as a dedicated temperature-controlled area for handling pharmaceutical products”.
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This includes greater ramp capacity to handle three large freighters and more than 50 dock doors. Demolition of the existing facilities is scheduled to begin in September 2021, with project completion expected by the end of 2023.
“In a business that is all about efficiency, a facility of this magnitude and location will see WFS use its know-how as the world’s leading cargo handler to bring the best services to all industries that depend on air freight,” said WFS executive vice president Mike Simpson.
“JFK has a major opportunity right now to expand its cargo operations, given its location and direct access to all of the major airport hubs worldwide. This new streamlined facility will be able to handle significant cargo volumes, ease cooperation between airlines operating within carrier alliances, and optimize the use of technology, equipment, and resource planning.”
“This cargo modernization program is a critical step forward in the overall redevelopment of JFK airport, at a time air cargo is vital to our regional economic vitality,” said Port Authority Chairman Kevin O’Toole. “We look forward to working with Aeroterm to raise our cargo capabilities to state-of-the-art standards.”
Port Authority executive director Rick Cotton added: “Governor [Andrew] Cuomo’s Vision Plan for JFK included strong support for cargo as a key piece of the redevelopment, and this project will create jobs, boost the local economy and produce a world-class cargo operation.”
