Korean Air has handed over the management of its flagship cargo facility at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to Swissport, one of the world’s leading ground handling companies.
The five-year partnership, which took effect on September 1, is designed to streamline cargo operations while allowing the airline to focus on expanding its freight network and developing new routes.
Under the deal, Swissport will take over full operation and leasing management of Cargo Building 9, a 250,000-square-foot facility at JFK. The company plans major investments in automation and sustainability, including a full overhaul of the Elevated Transfer Vehicle (ETV) system and the addition of temperature-controlled storage for specialty freight.
These upgrades are expected to raise the terminal’s annual handling capacity from about 440 million pounds to nearly 651 million pounds. Staffing will also expand dramatically, from an initial 80 employees to more than 390 as operations ramp up.
Swissport will additionally introduce JFK’s first all-electric cargo operation, deploying electric ground support equipment (GSE) for every transport movement from warehouse to ramp.
In partnership with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, the company is building a robust charging infrastructure to support the system. On the sustainability side, Swissport will use Bionatur biodegradable materials for packaging and cargo handling, cutting down on plastic waste.
The move underscores Korean Air’s strategy to strengthen its presence in North America while aligning with broader ESG goals.
JFK serves as a critical gateway for the airline’s trans-Pacific and East Coast cargo operations, making the partnership a major step in driving efficiency and long-term sustainable growth in one of the world’s most competitive freight markets.
