Swissport opens new cargo facility doubling its freight capacity at Manchester Airport

Swissport International, the global provider of airport ground and cargo handling services, has opened a new cargo facility at Manchester Airport, doubling its handling capacity at the airport to 110,000t a year.

image: Swissport

The facility, known as “Box 4”, expands Swissport’s footprint at the airport by around two thirds and is part of a wider UK expansion strategy, with several new cargo hubs planned across the country. This investment, says Swissport, underscores the company’s commitment to supporting regional economic growth, strengthening supply chain resilience, and meeting the increasing demands of global trade.

The new hub is equipped with advanced cargo handling systems and includes a dedicated pharmaceutical centre, enabling the safe and efficient transport of temperature-sensitive goods.

The facility has achieved an ‘A’ Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) rating, with intelligent energy-saving lighting and building systems throughout. It also includes infrastructure to enable a full transition to electric-powered ground service equipment, supporting Swissport’s target to operate a fully electric fleet at the site within two years.

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.”

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."