Swissport opens first UK perishables hub at Heathrow
The facility has begun operations with Scan Global Logistics as its first customer
Swissport has launched its first dedicated perishables centre in the United Kingdom at London Heathrow Airport, strengthening its global cold chain network and expanding capacity for time- and temperature-sensitive cargo. The facility has begun operations with Scan Global Logistics as its first customer, marking a new phase in the handling of seafood and other perishables moving through the UK’s largest air cargo gateway.
The purpose-built site was acquired by Swissport in November 2024 as part of its strategy to expand perishables handling capability in the UK. The facility is designed to support growing volumes of seafood and fresh produce, with a focus on improving predictability, throughput and handling quality for exporters and logistics providers operating in Northern Europe and beyond.
Scan Global Logistics is the first operator to establish a dedicated presence at the centre. The partnership is aimed at strengthening capacity and improving consistency for temperature-sensitive shipments. Steen Søgaard, RCEO North Europe at Scan Global Logistics, said producers of perishables depend on predictable capacity and controlled handling as volumes increase. He added that the facility provides a stable platform for both daily operations and long-term growth.
The Heathrow site operates around the clock and includes temperature controlled handling areas designed specifically for fresh seafood logistics. Covering approximately 2,694 square metres, the centre has an annual handling capacity of up to 30,000 tonnes. The facility also includes a dedicated Border Inspection Post, enabling airside inspection and faster clearance of imported goods, reducing dwell time and protecting product integrity.
Swissport plans to install an EMIS screening system at the site in the first quarter of 2026. The system allows palletised seafood shipments to be screened without being broken down, enabling faster processing and fewer handling steps. The technology is expected to improve flow consistency during peak periods while meeting EU security requirements.
Colin Wells, Global Head of Perishables at Scan Global Logistics, said the system would allow perishables to move through Heathrow with greater efficiency and predictability. He added that the approach supports improved processing times while maintaining quality and freshness for exporters relying on the hub.
Heathrow plays a central role in global seafood logistics, with an estimated 200,000 tonnes of salmon passing through the airport each year. As direct uplift from origin becomes more constrained, hub operations with reliable throughput are becoming increasingly important for exporters in Norway, Iceland, the Faroe Islands and the UK.
Industry data indicates continued growth in farmed Atlantic salmon volumes, with Europe and the Americas each accounting for around 35 to 40 per cent of global consumption. Forecasts from Kontali point to production growth of between 15 and 25 per cent from 2025 to 2030, increasing pressure on airport infrastructure and cold chain performance.
The new facility forms part of Swissport’s wider global network of temperature-controlled cargo centres. The company operates 117 cargo facilities worldwide and handles around 5 million tonnes of freight annually. For Scan Global Logistics, the partnership strengthens its perishables footprint and provides greater control over seafood flows into and out of key markets.
