Qatar Airways Cargo has awarded a new three-year cargo and freighter ramp handling contract at New York JFK to WFS.
Under the agreement, the handler will initially provide cargo services to support the carrier’s 11 Boeing 777 passenger services a week and three B777 freighter flights, handling a projected 45 million kilos per annum. Destinations served by the airline from JFK include Doha, Mexico City, and Liege in Belgium.
WFS is now responsible for managing all aspects of the cargo handling process for Qatar Airways Cargo at New York JFK, including cargo acceptance, screening, build-up and breakdown of pallets and containers at its dedicated Building 75 facility. It is also providing full freighter handling and ramp parking for Qatar’s B777F at its Building 76 operation at the airport.
WFS executive vice president, Americas, Mike Simpson, said: “This is a very significant new contract for WFS with one of our leading global clients. In North America alone, Qatar Airways Cargo is now partnering with WFS in Boston, Dallas, Houston, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh, and Seattle, as well as in New York.
“As the largest cargo handler at JFK, Qatar Airways Cargo recognises the value we will bring to their operational efficiency and customer experience through the significant expertise and resources we can leverage. Qatar Airways’ customers will enjoy a priority service through the dedicated WFS warehouse facility we are providing for the airline.”
WFS is in the process of obtaining GDP (Good Distribution Practice) certification for Building 75 to support the handling of pharma and other special products and has developed intuitive electronic tools to manage and track cargo across its JFK facilities.
A new dock management system rolled out at WFS’ buildings at JFK is also enabling trucking companies to forward book appointments for the delivery and retrieval of cargo, resulting in significant resource planning and productivity gains for all stakeholders.
In 2024, WFS will also commence a 15-year lease on a new 346,000sq ft cargo terminal in the first phase of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey’s e Vision Plan to enhance the international reputation of JFK. The new facility will have a throughput capacity of over 300 million kilos a year.