$270 million consolidated cargo handling center opened at JFK Airport

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, along with Realterm and Worldwide Flight Services (WFS), has opened a new $270 million consolidated cargo handling centre at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). The facility, located in JFK’s north cargo area, will streamline operations by consolidating four cargo zones, reduce truck congestion, and support growth in high-value cargo sectors. Operated by WFS, the new 350,000-square-foot facility was officially opened today and marks the first new cargo facility at JFK in 25 years.

The cargo centre is part of the Port Authority’s larger redevelopment initiative to modernise JFK’s cargo infrastructure and unlock space for future development. JFK’s air cargo operations support over 93,000 direct and indirect jobs and contribute more than $11 billion in annual economic activity. The new facility aims to enhance efficiency and support industries handling high-value goods, including pharmaceuticals, perishables, and electronics.

“We are in the midst of historic overhauls across all of our airports, and this new cargo centre is yet more proof of the transformation that is underway,” said Port Authority Chairman Kevin O’Toole. “This new consolidated cargo centre reduces truck congestion, lowers emissions and creates good-paying jobs, all while supporting the industries that power the region and the nation.”

“By replacing outdated facilities with a modern cargo centre, we’re preparing for the future and improving efficiency and sustainability at JFK,” said Port Authority Executive Director Rick Cotton. “JFK plays a central role in global commerce, and this modern consolidated cargo centre strengthens its position as a key gateway for high-value goods and international trade.”

The new cargo facility includes an advanced truck dock management system, designed to minimise wait times and queueing by using real-time scheduling and automated check-ins. It also includes JFK’s first on-airport temperature-controlled space dedicated to pharmaceuticals and perishables, with 3,000 square feet of cooler space set for 2-8°C and 15-25°C environments.

In 2024, JFK handled 1.67 million tonnes of cargo, a 5 per cent increase from 2023, making it the eighth-busiest cargo airport in the United States. It also serves as the primary entry point for low-value international e-commerce packages, managing about 25 per cent of the nation’s inbound shipments in this category.

“We are thrilled to see this project come to life as a showpiece for cargo operations not just at JFK but for airports worldwide,” said David Rose, managing director of Realterm. “This modern and one-of-a-kind facility exemplifies what can be achieved through strong public-private partnerships and demonstrates Realterm’s commitment to creating infrastructure that meets the evolving needs of the air cargo industry while supporting local economic development.”

“WFS is proud of its 41 years of service to our customers at JFK,” said Mike Simpson, Gateway Services chief executive officer, Americas, at WFS. “This new facility marks a new era for WFS and air cargo at one of the main gateways to the United States.”

Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr said, “As we invest nearly $20 billion into the redevelopment of Kennedy Airport, upgrading the facility’s ability to handle cargo here in the nation’s biggest city, both by population and by economy, is just as important as adding new passenger amenities.”

The construction project exceeded its diversity goals, with more than 42 per cent of contracts awarded to minority- and women-owned business enterprises (MWBEs). The facility is expected to create 100 permanent jobs, with a focus on local hiring through targeted outreach and workforce development programmes.