Cargo handler Worldwide Flight Services to operate seafood center at Oslo Airport

Aug 14, 2018: Worldwide Flight Services (WFS) has inked MoU with Sjomatterminalen AS to operate the seafood center at Oslo Airport that will handle up to 250,000 tonnes of seafood annually.

“The Seafood Center at Oslo Airport will increase the competitiveness of Norwegian Seafood globally and industrialize the handling. With an experienced international handler as WFS, we believe Oslo Airport will increase its competitive advantage as the preferred cargo hub in Northern Europe,” says Martin Langaas, director Cargo in Avinor Oslo Airport.

Norway stands for half of all the air cargo generated in the Nordic region. In 2017, Oslo Airport was the fastest growing cargo airport in Europe with a 36 percent growth. Some 185,000 tonnes where flown in and out of the airport with 90,000 tonnes being seafood.

“We have listened to the exporters and their needs to ensure quality and time to market. I believe the dedication from the seafood exporters in this project is an acknowledgement of the project itself. The seafood center will create value for all of Norway and increase the competitiveness of Norwegian seafood globally,” added Oyvind Hasaas, executive vice president of Oslo Airport.

In 2018, Norwegian Seafood as air cargo is expected to reach some 230,000 tonnes. As a result, Oslo Airport is now the largest freighter airport in Northern Europe with 14 cargo airlines calling at the airport weekly.

John Batten, executive vice president Cargo EMEAA at WFS, stated: “The seafood industry is a unique opportunity for us to share our experience and excellence in air cargo handling. Our terminal will be a game changer in the handling of seafood as air cargo and be an important part of ensuring the future growth of one of Norway’s most important industries.”

Construction of the terminal is expected to commence in April 2019, with an opening of the terminal in 2021.