Swissport launches its operations in China with a next-generation cargo terminal at Shanghai Pudong Airport

• Swissport International has secured a landmark commercial agreement to jointly manage and operate the new digital and intelligent international cargo terminal at Shanghai Pudong International Airport in partnership with Smargo, a joint venture between AVINEX Logistics and China Eastern Airlines Logistics.
• This strategic entry into China represents Swissport’s flagship operation in Asia and a cornerstone of the company’s global air cargo strategy

Swissport, a global leader in aviation services, announced its entry into the Chinese market through a strategic partnership with Smargo, the joint venture between AVINEX Logistics (the logistics development company of the Shanghai Airport Authority) and China Eastern Airlines Logistics, to manage and operate the highly innovative smart and digital international cargo terminal at the airport. Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG), the world’s second largest air cargo hub. The signing ceremony of this agreement was held on October 21, with the support of the Shanghai Airport Authority and China Eastern Airlines Co., Ltd. With operations at nearly 300 airports in 45 countries and handling 5 million tons of cargo annually across 117 cargo terminals worldwide, Swissport provides unparalleled global connectivity and operational expertise to this important air cargo gateway.

“This landmark agreement represents Swissport’s strategic entry into China with one of the most technologically advanced shipping facilities in the world,” says Warwick Brady, President and CEO of Swissport International. “By connecting Shanghai to our global network, we will enable Chinese exporters to reach international markets up to two days faster through our specialized e-commerce handler. Working with our partners AVINEX Logistics and China Eastern Airlines Logistics, we are creating efficient trade paths that will transform how Chinese companies communicate globally.” “Shanghai is just the beginning of our long-term commitment to the future of aviation in China.”

“Our new facility in Shanghai Pudong is a cornerstone of Swissport’s cargo strategy in Asia and reflects our long-term commitment to this dynamic market,” said Brad Moore, CEO, Asia Pacific, Swissport International. “By bringing our global expertise in specialized cargo handling to one of Asia’s most important air cargo hubs, We create new efficiencies that strengthen the regional supply chain. This pioneering operation not only enhances our presence. in China but also serves as a vital connection point for trade across the entire Asia-Pacific region. This partnership fully supports our strategy to build premium cargo operations in key Asian gateways, where we can deliver the most value to our airline partners and their customers.

Connecting China to global markets

The new terminal comes at a strategic time as Shanghai Pudong Airport continues to strengthen its position as a global air cargo hub, currently handling nearly 4 million tons per year with an expected growth of 8-10% per year. This partnership will create seamless connections between China and key international markets, opening new opportunities for Chinese companies to reach global customers faster and more reliably. At the same time, the facility will serve as a vital gateway to bring international goods to the vast Chinese market, creating a true two-way trade corridor connecting China with major global centers and the world with China.

This agreement complements Swissport’s recent cargo operations at JFK International Airport in New York. Together, these initiatives form a strategic network linking major shipping hubs across Asia, North America and Europe, positioning Shanghai Pudong as an important link in global supply chains flowing to and from Chinese markets.

State-of-the-art facilities and technological innovation

The new state-of-the-art facility, located in the western cargo area of ​​Pudong Airport, sets a new standard for technology-based logistics services. The facility covers 222,000 square meters with a core operating area of ​​approximately 150,000 square meters, represents a total investment of 1.56 billion yuan (about 215 million US dollars) and is designed to handle between 600,000 and 1.2 million tons of international cargo annually when it becomes operational in late 2025.

Designed to meet the demands of modern e-commerce and global supply chains, the terminal features an AI-based warehouse management system with 99.5% scheduling accuracy – 60% higher than traditional operations. Its fully automated operations, including 94 autonomous vehicles and specialized AGVs, eliminate manual handling, reduce errors and reduce wait times, giving customers real-time visibility and an efficient and predictable flow of goods.

The facility also sets new standards in the handling of specialty goods. It has 15,000 square meters and is temperature controlled, including a 200 square meter ultra-deep freezer. With the capacity to store 1,500 tons of temperature-sensitive cargo at a time, the facility supports next-generation pharmaceuticals, vaccines and biomedical cargo with precise temperature stability, addressing a critical gap in Shanghai’s air cargo capabilities while striving for the highest pharmaceutical handling credentials in the industry through GDPR and CEIV Pharma certifications.

Advantage of global e-commerce network

Swissport’s unique competitive advantage lies in its well-established global e-commerce network. The company already operates specialized e-commerce cargo centers in key global locations including New York’s JFK Airport, Liège, Brussels, Basel and Milan. This interconnected network allows Chinese exporters to benefit from seamless, end-to-end processing when shipping to major global markets, a capability that no domestic processor can match.

For cross-border e-commerce, the Shanghai facility’s four high-speed automated sorting systems will process 3,500 parcels per hour – three times the throughput of traditional shipping stations – enabling Chinese exports to be delivered up to 40% faster to global markets. This addresses one of the most important challenges facing Chinese e-commerce merchants: international delivery speed and reliability.

Market trends indicate that cross-border e-commerce from China is expected to reach US$230 billion by 2026, growing at more than 25% annually and creating demand for the specialized processing capabilities specifically developed by Swissport. The Shanghai operation will connect directly to Swissport’s global network, creating a seamless pipeline for Chinese goods reaching international markets.

Future vision and long-term commitment

This landmark agreement reinforces Swissport’s commitment to strategic growth in the Asia-Pacific region while supporting China’s position as a global aviation hub. Following the Shanghai operation, Swissport plans to evaluate additional opportunities in the Chinese freight market to establish a comprehensive network of specialized freight operations across major commercial centers in China.

The digital and intelligent international cargo terminal at Pudong Airport represents one of Swissport’s most significant operational achievements and reinforces the company’s position as the partner of choice for premium air cargo handling services worldwide. As the project progresses towards completion in 2025, Swissport will work closely with AVINEX and China Eastern to ensure operational readiness for what promises to be one of the most advanced air cargo facilities in the global aviation industry.