The global ground and cargo handling market is undergoing a wave of major transformation: two leading players have announced major international projects.
Swissport International has launched its first operations in China, establishing a joint venture with Smargo, a merger of Avinex Logistics and China Eastern Airlines Logistics. The partners will operate the new “Digital and Intelligent International Cargo Terminal” at Shanghai Pudong Airport. Investment in the project totaled $215 million, and the terminal’s annual capacity will reach 1.2 million tonnes of cargo. According to Swissport CEO Warwick Brady, the new service will speed up export shipments from Shanghai by two days thanks to integration with the company’s global network.
Meanwhile, in Baku, Dnata and Silk Way Group signed an agreement to establish a joint venture to handle cargo and aircraft at the future Alat Airport, scheduled to open in 2027. The project will create approximately 1,000 jobs and transform Azerbaijan into a key hub for cargo transportation between Europe and Asia.