WFS, an affiliate of the SATS Group, launched operations at Kempegowda International Airport (KIA) in Bengaluru. WFS (Bengaluru), a 74:26 joint venture between WFS and airport operator Bangalore International Airport (BIAL), will manage a cargo terminal facility at India’s third largest cargo hub, Kempegowda International Airport, Bengaluru (IATA: BLR), for a 15-year concession period beginning May 24, 2023. During the concession period, WFS will also be the sole operator of BLR’s dedicated cold chain facility. WFS will invest significantly in modernising and expanding the two terminal facilities at its BLR Gateway, increasing the final annual cargo handling capacity to over 250,000 MT of general cargo and over 80,000 MT of cold chain cargo in phases.
“Our operation in Bengaluru represents WFS’ first foray into cargo handling in India,” stated John Batten, CEO, Europe, Middle East, Africa, and Asia (EMEAA) WFS. WFS, as the global leader in air cargo handling, looks forward to adding value to the Indian air cargo industry by introducing world-class practises, improving efficiency, and driving productivity improvements that we believe are well aligned with the Government of India’s National Air Cargo Policy and related ambitions. We will implement the highest international safety, security, environmental, and operational excellence requirements, as well as make major investments in enhancing and expanding the cargo infrastructure at our BLR Gateway. Finally, we feel that WFS can help and facilitate BIAL’s, the Bengaluru regions, and India’s air freight growth objectives.”
WFS, a member of the SATS Group, is the leading air cargo logistics provider globally with world-class ground handling capabilities. Combined, SATS and WFS offer a global footprint of 201 cargo and ground handling stations in 23 countries, covering trade routes responsible for more than 50% of global air cargo volume. The combined group operates in five of the top 10 cargo airports in North America and Europe, respectively, including Los Angeles, Chicago, Miami, Frankfurt, and Paris, and four of the top 10 cargo airports in Asia, including Hong Kong, Taipei, Singapore, and Beijing.
