WFS invests in new offline cargo handling facility in Amsterdam to support growth

Worldwide Flight Services (WFS), the world’s largest air cargo handler, is to open a new offline cargo warehouse at Amsterdam Schiphol to support its growing client base at the airport and add capacity ahead of the winter 2022 peak season.

The new 3,000m² facility is the fourth WFS cargo terminal at Schiphol, taking the company’s overall footprint to 17,500m² and will be dedicated to handling offline cargoes. It is part of WFS’ ongoing commitment to invest in growing and upgrading its facilities at major air cargo gateways in Europe as opportunities to do so become available.

“Amsterdam is one of our biggest hubs in Europe and it’s important that we continue to align with the capacity and service needs of our customers,” said Marc Claesen, SVP Commercial EMEAA. “Across Europe and North America, WFS is working with airports to access additional and, where possible, new cargo handling space. Schiphol is the latest of several airport expansions we will achieve in 2022. As well as providing us with a dedicated offline operation in Amsterdam, this development improves our ability to optimize our overall warehouse capacity at the airport, which will be very important as we enter the peak season and beyond.”    

WFS currently provides cargo handling services at Schiphol for more than 50 airlines as well as major forwarding and logistics providers. In addition to warehouse operations, WFS’ service portfolio also includes airside transport and linehaul trucking.

The new building has eight truck docks for loading and unloading and will open in August, adding to WFS’ capabilities to handle pharmaceuticals, perishables, AVI, valuable and Dangerous Goods shipments. It will also adopt the latest operational systems, including the CargoKiosk system to expedite the handling of trucks making cargo deliveries and collections, and CargoSpot Mobile to digitalize operational processes and provide ‘realtime’ shipment visibility.

WFS’ pharma facility in Amsterdam is certified in compliance with Good Distribution Practice (GDP) and IATA CEIV Pharma requirements to handle CRT, COL and ERT temperature-controlled shipments. Clients have access to cool rooms offering 2-8° and 15-25° environments to protect the integrity of pharma products.