Worldwide Flight Services (WFS), part of the SATS Group, is set to open a new multi-purpose cargo terminal at Lyon-Saint Exupéry Airport (LYS) in summer 2026. The terminal, secured under a 20-year lease, will sit adjacent to the runway and is positioned to serve the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region, recognized globally as a leading hub for vaccine production and pharmaceutical exports.
Covering more than 25,000 square metres, the new air cargo facility will include over 19,000 square metres of warehouse space and 4,400 square metres of temperature-controlled storage, compliant with Good Distribution Practice (GDP) standards. The temperature zones will accommodate sensitive cargo such as medical supplies and perishables, ensuring a constant +2 to +25°C environment. Equipped with 36 dock doors, five of which are configured for aircraft pallets, the facility is designed to streamline cargo throughput while supporting the broader pharma logistics ecosystem.
WFS is developing the site—called Aéroport de Lyon DC1—in partnership with Groupe em2c, Prologis, and the Lyon Airport authority. The project will consolidate WFS activities in Lyon under one roof, creating a strategic anchor for its operations in France and complementing its hub at Paris Charles de Gaulle Airport.
“Lyon DC1 will become our second-largest hub in France. Its strategic location and pharma-ready infrastructure will boost our capacity, reduce turnaround times, and cut emissions,” said Laurent Bernard, Vice-President of WFS France. “This also positions us strongly within the SATS and WFS global network, which operates over 215 stations worldwide.”
For the airport operator, the terminal is part of a broader plan to elevate Lyon-Saint Exupéry’s role in the regional supply chain. “The new pharma centre operated by WFS addresses rising demand for healthcare logistics and reflects the excellence of the region,” said Cédric Fechter, Chairman of the Management Board of Aéroports de Lyon. “This aligns with VINCI Airports’ strategy to grow cargo activities and enhance regional competitiveness.”
Environmental sustainability is central to the project. The building has received a BREEAM “Very Good” rating and will feature solar panels, LED lighting, and EV charging stations. On-site renewable energy will power WFS operations, with surplus energy returned to the grid.
Prologis and em2c, both key developers in the region, highlighted the project’s broader economic impact. More than 300 direct and indirect jobs are expected to be created. “This facility is a long-term investment in the region’s growth,” said Vincent Sadé of Prologis. “It combines sustainability with supply chain innovation.”
The new cargo terminal is poised to enhance WFS’s role in one of Europe’s most dynamic logistics corridors, offering a dedicated facility that integrates temperature-controlled handling, operational efficiency, and environmental responsibility—all within the core of Europe’s healthcare export zone.
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