Swissport launches advanced air cargo centre at Auckland airport
Swissport begins operations at new Auckland cargo hub, boosting efficiency, transparency, and cold chain capacity.
Swissport has officially commenced operations at its new state-of-the-art Auckland Cargo Centre, marking a major milestone in its Asia-Pacific growth strategy. Located at Auckland Airport with direct airside access via Checkpoint Delta, the new facility significantly enhances the company’s cargo handling footprint in New Zealand and the wider region.
Spanning 8,500 square metres, the Auckland Cargo Centre sets a new benchmark in operational efficiency, offering weather-protected receipt and dispatch zones, as well as the airport’s largest X-ray machine for cargo screening. With direct access to the airfield, the terminal is designed to expedite cargo transfer processes, resulting in faster turnaround times and improved service reliability.
“This is a major step for Swissport in New Zealand,” said Joel Greig, General Manager of Cargo Operations for New Zealand and Australia. “We are bringing our global expertise to Auckland and are ready to deliver world-class service to our airline and freight forwarding customers.”
The facility is fully licensed as a Customs Controlled Area and certified by New Zealand’s Ministry for Primary Industries (MPI) as a Transitional Facility. This allows for secure and compliant handling, inspection, and clearance of both import and export shipments. The terminal also includes extensive cold storage zones that can handle both palletised and ULD cargo. This includes sensitive perishables such as pharmaceuticals, seafood, fresh produce, and meat – a vital link for New Zealand’s export-heavy economy.
Advanced digital systems and 46 CCTV cameras offer real-time cargo monitoring and end-to-end visibility, aligning with Swissport’s focus on safety, transparency, and innovation. The company’s investment in Auckland is part of a broader push to expand its air cargo infrastructure across Asia-Pacific, with current operations in South Korea, Japan, and Australia.
As global demand for air freight grows, driven by e-commerce and expanding trade across Asia and Africa, Swissport’s Auckland hub is expected to play a critical role in regional cargo flow.
