Swissport International has announced the opening of a new cargo facility at Manchester Airport, doubling its annual handling capacity at the site to 110,000 tons.
The expansion forms part of Swissport’s strategy in the UK to respond to growing demand in air freight and strengthen its position in the global cargo network.
The facility, referred to as ‘Box 4,’ increases Swissport’s operational footprint at the airport by 67 percent compared with its previous site. Full operations are scheduled to commence on 27 October, following an inauguration event held on 23 October.
Joe Bellfield, Swissport’s Chief Operating Officer Cargo UK&I said:Manchester is a critical hub for the UK's air cargo network, and this new facility reflects Swissport's commitment to investing in infrastructure and technology to meet the evolving needs of our customers. This expansion strengthens our ability to handle a diverse range of goods – from e-commerce shipments and perishables to pharmaceuticals and high-value products – with the highest standards of safety, security, and efficiency.
The new cargo hub incorporates advanced material-handling systems intended to improve the transfer of Unit Load Devices (ULDs), reduce manual handling, and increase throughput. It features a dedicated Pharma Centre with cold rooms and temperature-controlled environments to manage pharmaceuticals, vaccines and perishables.
The layout includes specialised racking systems, dock-levellers and an open-plan warehouse design to optimise operational flow. Additional facilities for airline tenants and expanded pallet-handling areas are provided to support time-critical and temperature-sensitive freight.
Stephen Turner, Chief Commercial Officer at Manchester Airport, said:We're proud to connect the North, and that doesn't just mean flying our passengers to the places they want to travel to, it also means fulfilling an important role as a hub for international trade. This new facility will allow our airlines to transport higher volumes of cargo, which will not only help businesses in our region to source the products they need and sell their own products abroad but will also create jobs and incentivise airlines to grow their schedules from Manchester.
The facility has achieved an ‘A’ Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating, and includes intelligent energy-saving lighting and building systems. Infrastructure has been installed to enable a transition to electric-powered ground service equipment (eGSE), with the target of operating a fully electric fleet at the site within two years. This is aligned with Swissport’s global targets to electrify 55 per cent of its GSE fleet by 2032 and to achieve net zero emissions by 2050.
Swissport positions the investment as a means to support regional supply-chain resilience and economic growth in northern England. The company initially expects to employ 95 team members at the new site—transferred from the previous location—with further recruitment planned as cargo volumes increase.
