Swissport launches China operations with next-generation cargo terminal at Shanghai Pudong Airport

Swissport has entered the Chinese market through a strategic partnership with Smargo (a joint venture between AVINEX Logistics and China Eastern Airlines Logistics) to operate the new Digital & Intelligent International Cargo Terminal at Shanghai Pudong Airport (PVG).
The state-of-the-art facility, opening in late 2025, spans 222,000 sq m with AI-driven warehouse management, 94 autonomous vehicles, and 15,000 sq m of temperature-controlled space—capable of handling up to 1.2 million tonnes of cargo annually.
The partnership strengthens Shanghai’s role as a global cargo hub, integrating Swissport’s global network to enable up to 40 percent faster e-commerce and pharma logistics, while marking the company’s long-term commitment to China’s aviation and trade growth.

Swissport has announced its entry into the Chinese market through a strategic partnership with Smargo—a joint venture between AVINEX Logistics (Shanghai Airport Authority Logistics Development Company) and China Eastern Airlines Logistics. Together, they will manage and operate the cutting-edge Digital & Intelligent International Cargo Terminal at Shanghai Pudong International Airport (PVG), the world’s second-largest air cargo hub.

The signing ceremony, supported by the Shanghai Airport Authority and China Eastern Airlines Corporation Limited, marks Swissport’s official arrival in China. With operations at nearly 300 airports in 45 countries and handling five million tonnes of cargo annually across 117 stations, Swissport brings unmatched global connectivity to one of the world’s most important trade gateways.

“This milestone agreement marks Swissport’s strategic entry into China with one of the world’s most technologically advanced cargo facilities,” said Warwick Brady, President & CEO of Swissport International.

“By connecting Shanghai with our global network, we’ll enable Chinese exporters to reach international markets up to two days faster through our specialised e-commerce handling. Shanghai represents just the beginning of our long-term commitment to China’s aviation future.”

Brad Moore, CEO APAC at Swissport International, added: “Our new facility at Shanghai Pudong is a cornerstone of Swissport’s cargo strategy in Asia and reflects our long-term commitment to this dynamic market.

“By bringing our global expertise in specialised cargo handling to one of Asia’s most important air freight hubs, we are creating new efficiencies that strengthen the regional supply chain.”

The partnership comes as Pudong Airport continues to expand its role as a global air cargo hub, handling around 4 million tonnes annually with projected growth of up to 10 percent per year. The facility will create seamless two-way trade connections, enabling faster export flows from China and smoother imports into its vast domestic market.

Located in the West Cargo Area of Pudong Airport, the new state-of-the-art terminal covers 222,000 sq m, including a 150,000 sq m core operational zone. Representing a 1.56 billion yuan (US$215 million) investment, the facility will handle between 600,000 and 1.2 million tonnes of international cargo annually once operational in late 2025.

Equipped with AI-driven warehouse management achieving 99.5 percent scheduling accuracy and 94 autonomous vehicles, the terminal promises faster, error-free processing. It also features 15,000 sq m of temperature-controlled space and a 200 sq m ultra-deep freeze chamber, capable of storing 1,500 tonnes of pharmaceuticals, vaccines, and biomedical shipments.

Swissport’s global e-commerce network—including hubs in New York, Liège, Brussels, Basel, and Milan—gives Chinese exporters a competitive advantage. The Shanghai terminal’s automated sorting systems will process 3,500 parcels per hour, enabling up to 40 percent faster delivery to global markets.

Following the Pudong launch, Swissport plans to explore additional cargo opportunities across China’s major commercial centres. As the Digital & Intelligent International Cargo Terminal nears completion, Swissport, AVINEX, and China Eastern will collaborate to deliver one of the world’s most advanced air cargo operations—linking China’s booming export economy with the global marketplace.

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