Worldwide Flight Services (WFS) has been awarded the handling concession for a new 5,000 sq. mt. cargo terminal at Milan Malpensa Airport, part of a major investment programme to increase the airport’s cargo capacity to one million tonnes a year by 2020.
WFS, the world’s largest cargo handler, will move into the new building in early 2016 on completion of the construction phase and will invest in excess of €1.8 million to equip the facility with modern handling systems and the necessary logistics infrastructure.
The successful bid is for a minimum of 10 years with the option of a further five years at Milan Malpensa, which handles some 50% of all air cargo exports from Italy. WFS has operated an airline representative office at the airport since 2008 and has cargo handling contracts in Milan for major airline customers including American Airlines, US Airways and China Cargo Airlines.
The new cargo terminal will be built by SEA, the operator of Milan’s Malpensa and Linate airports and will be developed in conjunction with the technical department of WFS in Paris. The building will incorporate seven landside doors for trucks, a ramp for smaller vehicles, secure cages for valuable cargo and dangerous goods, and cool rooms for temperature-controlled shipments. The design will also include a 1,000 sq. mt. covered area on the air-side ramp, an additional 2,000 sq. mt. ramp area and office accommodation.
Emilio Fernandez, WFS’ CEO Europe, said: “We are proud to have been chosen to operate what will be a magnificent new cargo facility, and intend to play an important role in helping Milan Malpensa achieve its impressive growth targets for the next six years and beyond.”
Massimiliano Introini, Managing Director Italy at WFS, added: “WFS is the only international handler at MXP and will provide the global expertise, knowledge and services that will be essential in attracting more airlines from across the globe. We also offer the considerable benefits to airlines of our extensive road feeder system connecting the WFS airport network throughout Europe.”
WFS expects to employ up to a further 50 new cargo personnel at Milan Malpensa when the cargo terminal opens.
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