Manchester Airport has announced that it has increased the capacity of its cargo facility, doubling its annual handling capacity.
Swissport International has opened its new cargo facility – Box 4 – at Manchester Airport, doubling annual capacity to 110,000 tons.
The new facility increases Swissport’s operational footprint by 67% compared to the previous site and will begin full operations on 27 October.
The facility integrates advanced cargo handling systems designed for the seamless transfer of Unit Load Devices (ULDs), improving operational speed, reducing manual handling, and increasing efficiency.
A dedicated Pharma Centre with cold rooms and temperature-controlled environments ensures precise handling of pharmaceuticals, vaccines, and perishables.
Specialised racking systems, dock levellers, and an open-plan layout optimise operational flow, while enhanced facilities for airline tenants and expanded pallet handling areas support efficient management of high-value, time-critical, and temperature-sensitive cargo.
Chief commercial officer at Manchester Airport, Stephen Turner, 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.”
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