Korean Air has selected Swissport as its cargo handling partner at John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York, marking the start of a five-year agreement that will see Swissport take over operations at Cargo Building 9 from 1 September 2025.
As part of the contract, Swissport will assume full responsibility for managing and subleasing the 232,500-square-foot facility, which includes both warehousing and office space. A significant investment programme is planned to modernise the site, including upgrades to the ETV system, new temperature-controlled storage areas, and digital automation systems aimed at enhancing safety, transparency and efficiency. Once fully operational, the facility will be capable of handling 295,500 tonnes of cargo annually, up from its current capacity of 200,000 tonnes.
Swissport will begin operations with a dedicated Korean Air Cargo team of 80 staff, with plans to scale up to more than 390 employees as Cargo Building 9 ramps up to full capacity.
Nelson Camacho, CEO of Swissport North America and Canada, said the contract marks the company’s first large-scale collaboration with Korean Air at a single location. “Swissport is strongly committed to raising the standard of cargo handling at JFK. We are investing heavily in quality automation, transparent systems and enhanced safety, while pursuing IATA CEIV and GDP certifications.”
Jaedong Eum, Executive Vice President and Head of the Cargo Business Division at Korean Air, welcomed the partnership. “Swissport has demonstrated that it shares our values of professionalism, excellence and sustainability. Together, we will establish a blueprint for a successful Cargo Path Forward at JFK in the years ahead.”
As part of its broader strategy, Swissport is also set to become the first cargo handler at JFK to operate a fully electric ground support fleet for freighter operations. This includes investment in electric ground support equipment (GSE) and charging infrastructure, developed in coordination with the Port Authority. The company is also rolling out biodegradable materials in cargo operations to reduce plastic waste across its North America region.
Ajay Barolia, Executive Vice President Cargo for Swissport North America, highlighted the company’s long-term vision. “Our operational strategy aligns with Korean Air Cargo’s values, focusing on safety, consistent service quality, and full transparency. From autonomous systems to sustainable GSE and high-density racking, we are building a future-ready cargo facility designed for growth.”
Cargo Building 9 has long served as a cornerstone of Korean Air’s air freight operations at JFK. The new partnership with Swissport signals a significant upgrade in service quality, sustainability, and capacity at one of the United States’ key international gateways.
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