Korean Air to automate JFK cargo terminal to lift East Coast capacity

Korean Air has selected Lödige Industries to modernise its cargo terminal at John F Kennedy International Airport as part of a plan to improve cargo handling performance on the US East Coast. The project is positioned as a long-term logistics investment aimed at strengthening throughput, safety, and network reliability at one of the airline’s key gateways.

The JFK cargo terminal, which opened in December 2000, is among the largest cargo facilities in the eastern United States. It has a warehouse floor area of 17,065 square metres and an annual handling capacity of 200,000 tonnes. Korean Air said the upgrade is intended to align the facility with current cargo volumes and evolving operational requirements.

The modernisation will focus on automation across core air cargo processes. Two fully automated Elevating Transfer Vehicles will be installed to support higher-capacity Unit Load Device(ULD) handling and reduce manual intervention. Fixed transfer vehicles will be removed and replaced with cargo pallet movers to enable more flexible ULD transport and improved use of floor space. Fourteen existing workstations will also be replaced with updated models.

Cold chain infrastructure forms a central part of the project, reflecting the growing share of temperature-sensitive cargo moving through the hub. Plans include the construction of a new refrigerated warehouse and upgrades to existing temperature-controlled areas. In four current temperature-controlled zones, components such as temperature controllers, roller conveyors, and shutters will be renewed to support consistent handling conditions and system reliability.

“JFK is our gateway for cargo services along the East Coast and a key hub in our growing global network. By modernising the terminal with state-of-the-art automation technology, we are ensuring long-term efficiency, higher safety standards, and increased sustainability of our operations,” says Junho Choi, Regional Manager, Cargo Office in New York, Washington and Boston, at Korean Air Cargo.

Lödige Industries said the project will support Korean Air’s cargo operations as JFK’s role in international trade continues to expand. “Korean Air Cargo is renowned worldwide for its high-quality cargo service. With the modernised terminal, all requirements are met to satisfy the highest customer demands at JFK for years to come. As the airport plays an increasingly important role in global commerce, the modernised cargo centre will further strengthen the airline’s leading market position,” says Jonathan Hardy, Managing Director of North America at Lödige Industries.

The upgrade underscores a broader shift by carriers toward automated cargo terminals as they seek to manage rising volumes, tighter handling windows, and more complex cargo profiles across major hubs.