Korean Air Cargo is set to significantly enhance its cargo operations on the US East Coast with a comprehensive modernization of its cargo terminal at New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK). The airline has appointed Lödige Industries, a global specialist in cargo terminal automation, to deliver the upgrade, which will introduce advanced automation and expanded cool chain capabilities aimed at improving efficiency, safety and sustainability.

Opened in December 2000, the JFK cargo terminal is one of the largest air cargo facilities in the eastern United States. The facility spans more than 17,000 square metres of warehouse space and has an annual handling capacity of approximately 200,000 tonnes, serving as a critical gateway for Korean Air’s transpacific and global cargo network.

The modernisation programme will see the introduction of a suite of state-of-the-art automated systems designed to increase throughput while enhancing workplace safety. A key component of the upgrade is the installation of two fully automated Elevating Transfer Vehicles (ETVs), which will significantly improve the speed and capacity of unit load device (ULD) handling. Existing fixed transfer vehicles will be removed and replaced with flexible Cargo Pallet Movers, optimising space utilisation and enabling more efficient cargo flows. In addition, 14 existing workstations will be upgraded to modern models to support higher productivity and improved ergonomics.