Korean Air partners with Swissport on air cargo at New York JFK

A Five-Year Strategic Partnership

Korean Air has entered into a five-year agreement with Swissport to operate and modernize its Cargo Building 9 at John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), New York. Effective from September 1, 2025, Swissport will take full responsibility for management, operations, and subleasing of the terminal.

For Swissport, which has been present at JFK since 1969, this is its first large-scale collaboration with Korean Air at a single site. The company plans to make substantial investments in eco-friendly technology and digital innovation to deliver maximum operational efficiency.

Expanding Capacity Through Modernization

The cargo facility spans 232,500 square feet, including office space, and will undergo significant infrastructure upgrades under Swissport’s management. Planned investments include:

Overhauling the ETV system
Building new temperature-controlled storage for specialized shipments
Introducing automation to streamline warehouse processes

As a result, annual throughput capacity will rise from 200,000 tonnes to nearly 295,500 tonnes. Korean Air Cargo operations will initially begin with about 80 staff, eventually expanding to more than 390 employees once the facility reaches full capacity.

Commitment to Service Excellence

Swissport emphasized that this partnership represents a joint mission to provide world-class freight handling services.

“We are delighted to partner with Korean Air Cargo on this historic contract. Our shared mission is to deliver operational excellence to Korean Air’s customers,” said Nelson Camacho, CEO of Swissport North America and Canada. “Swissport is investing heavily in advanced automation, transparent systems, and enhanced safety measures, while pursuing IATA CEIV and GDP certifications. By combining technology with our team’s expertise, we ensure efficient, high-quality operations and the best customer service.”

These efforts reflect Swissport’s strategy to set a new benchmark for cargo operations at JFK.

Korean Air’s Vision for the Future

From Korean Air’s perspective, the collaboration with Swissport is not only about efficiency but also about building a sustainable long-term blueprint.

“Swissport has shown that it shares our values of professionalism, excellence, and sustainability, as well as our vision for the future of our JFK hub,” said Jaedong Eum, Executive Vice President and Head of the Cargo Business Division at Korean Air. “Continuous investment in state-of-the-art equipment and training is crucial for successful and sustainable operations. Together, we will establish a model for the Cargo Path Forward over the coming years.”

This statement underscores the alignment between both companies in pursuing innovation, sustainability, and operational excellence.

Driving Sustainability with Electric GSE

Sustainability is at the core of Swissport’s modernization plans. The company is investing in a fully electric ground support equipment (GSE) fleet and working with the Port Authority to provide a reliable charging infrastructure at JFK.

This initiative makes Swissport the first cargo handler at JFK to operate an all-electric fleet for freighter operations, covering the entire chain from warehouse to ramp.

Additionally, Korean Air Cargo customers will benefit from the introduction of Bionatur biodegradable products, designed to reduce plastic waste in packaging and daily cargo handling across North America.

Preparing for a Sustainable Future

Swissport is positioning Cargo Building 9 as a future-proof cargo hub that balances safety, efficiency, and environmental responsibility.

“Our operational strategy rests on three pillars: safety, consistent service quality, and full transparency,” explained Ajay Barolia, Executive Vice President Cargo, Swissport North America. “We are introducing sustainable and energy-efficient GSE, advanced automation, autonomous technologies, and high-density VNA racking systems to maximize storage space and processing speed. These investments will prepare Cargo Building 9 to meet current demand while scaling for future growth.”

By integrating automation, eco-friendly practices, and advanced infrastructure, Swissport aims to redefine airfreight operations at JFK and strengthen Korean Air’s competitive position in the global cargo market