Swissport International has made a significant entrance into the Chinese market with the announcement of a partnership to manage and jointly operate the new Digital & Intelligent International Cargo Terminal at Shanghai Pudong International Airport. This partnership, formed with Smargo, a joint venture between AVINEX Logistics and China Eastern Airlines Logistics, marks Swissport’s first flagship operation in Asia and a major milestone in the company’s global air cargo strategy.
The signing ceremony, held on 21 October with the support of Shanghai Airport Authority and China Eastern Airlines Corporation Limited, solidifies Swissport’s presence in Shanghai, the world’s second-largest air cargo hub. With operations in nearly 300 airports across 45 countries and the handling of over five million tons of cargo annually, Swissport brings extensive global experience and expertise to the table.
Warwick Brady, President & CEO of Swissport International, emphasized the benefits of this partnership for Chinese exporters, stating that it will allow them to reach international markets up to two days faster through specialized e-commerce handling. He also highlighted the strategic importance of this collaboration with AVINEX Logistics and China Eastern Airlines Logistics, as it will create efficient trade pathways and demonstrate Swissport’s long-term commitment to China’s aviation future.
Brad Moore, CEO APAC at Swissport International, described the new facility as a cornerstone of the company’s cargo strategy in Asia. He emphasized the terminal’s ability to strengthen regional supply chains, enhance Swissport’s presence in China, and serve as a vital connection point for trade across the Asia-Pacific region.
The new 222,000-square-meter facility, located in the West Cargo Area of Pudong Airport, represents a significant investment of 1. 56 billion yuan (approximately USD 215 million). Set to become operational in late 2025, the terminal is designed to handle between 600,000 and 1. 2 million tons of international cargo annually. It will feature an AI-driven warehouse management system with 99. 5% scheduling accuracy, 94 autonomous vehicles, and automated processes to reduce errors and dwell times while providing real-time cargo visibility.
One of the notable features of the terminal is its 15,000 square meters of temperature-controlled space, including a 200-square-meter ultra-deep freeze chamber capable of storing 1,500 tons of temperature-sensitive cargo. This space is specially designed to support pharmaceuticals, vaccines, and biomedical shipments, with a goal of achieving GDP and CEIV Pharma certifications.
Through Swissport’s global e-commerce network, Chinese exporters will have access to seamless end-to-end handling to key markets, including hubs in New York, Liège, Brussels, Basel, and Milan. The Shanghai terminal will include four high-speed automated sorting systems, with a capacity to process 3,500 parcels per hour, enabling up to 40% faster delivery of Chinese exports.
The addition of this new terminal reinforces Shanghai Pudong’s position as a global air cargo hub, with current handling of around four million tons annually and projected