WFS expands handling partnership with Cathay Cargo at PDX and DFW

Worldwide Flight Services (WFS), a subsidiary of SATS, has deepened its collaboration with Cathay Cargo by securing long-term cargo handling contracts at Portland International Airport (PDX) and Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW). These new agreements build on WFS’s existing cargo handling operations for Cathay Cargo in Boston (BOS), Houston (IAH), and Los Angeles (LAX), as well as its ground handling services at New York JFK and Houston, according to an official release from WFS.

WFS kicked off its new cargo operations at Portland International on 18 March 2025 and at Dallas/Fort Worth on 15 April 2025. Under the terms of the long-term contracts, WFS now handles the full spectrum of Cathay Cargo’s ground-to-air services in both markets, a move designed to strengthen capacity and elevate service standards for Cathay Cargo and its customers throughout the Americas.

“We’re excited to strengthen our successful partnership with WFS across the Americas, building on our outstanding collaboration in Los Angeles, Houston, and Boston,” says Tom Owen, Director Cargo, Cathay Cargo. “This expansion provides customers access to WFS’s modernised cargo terminal in Portland and dedicated warehouse space in Dallas-Fort Worth, complemented by our new four-times-weekly passenger service launching in April. Together, we’re delivering a seamless one-stop air cargo solution that enhances both service quality and our operational presence across South Central USA. Through this extended partnership, we’re combining WFS’s ground expertise with Cathay Cargo’s global network to deliver world-class cargo services. Our shared commitment to integrated systems, innovative processes, and joint safety and sustainability initiatives enables us to provide customers with superior solutions while upholding the highest operational standards throughout our growing Americas network.”

The expansion coincides with Cathay Pacific’s launch of four-times-weekly direct passenger services between Hong Kong and Dallas/Fort Worth, set to begin on 24 April 2025. By leveraging the belly-hold capacity of these flights alongside its dedicated freighter network, Cathay Cargo will offer an integrated logistics solution that enhances efficiency and expands shipping options for North American customers, the release added.

Michael Simpson, CEO Gateway Services, Americas at WFS, says: “WFS is delighted to expand our longstanding relationship with Cathay Cargo to include Portland and Dallas Fort Worth. These new contracts build on our proven track record for delivering exceptional cargo handling services for Cathay Cargo in key cities in the United States, from coast to coast. Our teams are fully prepared to implement the specialised handling processes and performance standards that Cathay’s cargo operation demands. We look forward to delivering exceptional value through our commitment to operational excellence, safety, and time-critical handling that Cathay and their customers rely on.”