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Korean Air launches "smart" cargo terminal at Incheon Airport

Korean Air has announced that it has completed the modernisation of its cargo terminal at Seoul's Incheon International Airport, declaring it a "fully integrated 'Smart Terminal'. The modernisation programme, which ran from June 2025 to last month, included the introduction of automated technologies across a range of terminal handling operations. "Top-tier cargo handling quality" was nevertheless maintained throughout the process, the airline said. At the heart of the upgrade of the terminal has been the deployment of both Automated Guided Vehicles (AGVs) and new Elevating Transfer Vehicles (ETVs). By moving from a single line to dual automated transfer lines integrated with the new ETVs, the terminal has increased its ULD processing capacity from 18 to 30 units an hour. Moreover, the terminal's total cargo handling capacity is expected to increase by more than 25%, while Korean Air is also expanding specialised facilities that handle high-yield, special cargo. Korean Air Cargo already operates its Cool Cargo Center at Incheon, a specialised facility capable of storing and processing over 150 tons of fresh cargo at any one time. According to a statement from the carrier, the automation of heavy equipment has minimised the number of manual handling touchpoints, while infrastructure upgrades have also improved the overall working environment. "This renovation is an essential step to proactively respond to the rapidly changing global logistics environment by upgrading equipment and integrating smart technologies," Korean Air said. As well as its state-of-the-art cargo terminal at its primary hub at Incheon, Korean Air has dedicated cargo terminals in New York, Los Angeles, Narita and Osaka. And, complementing the Incheon facility upgrade, the Seoul-headquartered carrier is also modernising its cargo terminal at JFK International Airport in New York, with completion of the process scheduled for next year. Furthermore, in confirmation of a fleet upgrade, Korean Air said last month that it had finalised an order for eight Boeing 777-8 freighters that it first committed to last year. And, earlier this year, in June, Korean Air Cargo capacity began to be placed on the Freightos booking platform. As a result, customers could access Korean Air's real-time air cargo rates and capacity on key lanes from North America and Europe to Asia, and make bookings via the platform. Meanwhile, at Incheon, last month it was confirmed that supply chain giant DSV had continued the expansion of its Air ThermoDirect service with the addition of a new facility at the Seoul airfreight gateway.

Davies Turner to establish new airfreight HQ outside Heathrow

Davies Turner has acquired a logistics facility close to Heathrow Airport that will become the new headquarters of Davies Turner Air Cargo. The facility is currently being prepared for occupation, with an official opening scheduled for later this year. Its acquisition represents one of the most significant property investments in the UK-based independent freight forwarding group's recent history, the company said. The 130,000 sq ft facility is located less than two miles (3.2km) from Heathrow Airport's cargo terminal and just 500 yards from Junction 14 of the M25, the orbital motorway that surrounds London. It comprises approximately 70,000 sq ft of high-specification warehousing, with 12.5m clear internal height, and two mezzanine floors providing a further 50,000 sq ft of operational space. The site features five dock-loading doors and two level-access loading doors, together with 10,000 sq ft of office accommodation Davies Turner said that the acquisition forms part of its long-term strategy to "invest in critical logistics infrastructure that supports customer growth, operational excellence and future expansion". The new site has been selected to "strengthen the company's capacity, improve efficiency and provide a modern, future-ready environment for both employees and customers", it added. James Wheatley, managing director of Davies Turner Air Cargo, stated: "This acquisition represents a major milestone for Davies Turner Air Cargo and demonstrates our long-term commitment to the UK airfreight market. "Heathrow remains the country's premier international cargo gateway and this strategically located facility provides an exceptional platform from which to support our customers' future growth." He observed: "The investment gives us the capacity, infrastructure and operational flexibility required to continue developing our services for many years to come." Meanwhile, the long-running saga of Heathrow's own expansion rumbles on. Earlier this month, the airport indicated that the opening of its planned third runway is likely to be closer to 2039 than 2035. In its first quarter 2025 results, published on 30 April 2025, it said that depending on the UK Government's response, it aimed for the third runway to be operational by 2035. But in January 2026, Heathrow said the UK Government timetable was to secure planning permission by 2029 and bring the runway into operation within a decade, up to 2039. And, in a recently issued statement to Reuters, a spokesperson for Heathrow said that 2035 had been an "ambitious target". The airport added: "Our focus has always been to secure planning permission by 2029. Once achieved the runway will be open within a decade."

2026 Air Cargo News Award winners revealed!

The 2026 Air Cargo News Awards - the 42nd edition - celebrated innovation and excellence in the air cargo industry, with winners across 10 categories. More than 200 people attended this year's awards at the 5-star Royal Lancaster London hotel where comedian Seann Walsh announced the winners following a drinks reception and three-course meal. The first award of the afternoon was the Air Cargo Pharma award, which was sponsored by Hactl and scooped by SATS. LATAM Cargo and Qatar Airways Cargo were highly commended. Next up was the Air Cargo Charter Project of the Year, which was sponsored by Network Airline Services. The winner was JCS Livestock. IAG Cargo's Jazzmin Gallimore-Cox picked up the Awery Aviation Software-sponsored Young Airfreight Professional of the Year. This award was introduced in recent years, in recognition of the dynamic young individuals helping to shape the future of airfreight. Coaching partners, neAira Executive Performance & SHK Solutions, will donate four months of executive performance coaching to Jazzmin. She will also receive a prize of £500. Ground Handler of the Year was awarded to Hong Kong Air Cargo Terminals Limited (Hactl). Additionally, dnata picked up a highly commended certificate. Following was the Innovation Award - Digital, sponsored by WEXCO Cargo GSSA. This year the award was won by SAL Logistics Services. Additionally, Cathay Cargo was highly commended. Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport sponsored the Innovation Award - Product category, which Qatar Airways Cargo won. Hactl also received a highly commended certificate. Taking home the trophy for the GSSA of the Year, sponsored by Etihad Cargo, was FlyUs Aviation Group. Then the Ethiopian Cargo and Logistics Services-sponsored Cargo Hub of the Year accolade went to Hong Kong International Airport. The dnata-sponsored Air Cargo Environment category was cinched by Eltete TPM. Hactl was highly commended. The final award of the afternoon was the highly sought-after Cargo Airline of the Year. Amongst tough competition, LATAM Cargo emerged to be the winner of the award, sponsored by FlyUs Aviation Group. Cathay Cargo achieved a highly commended certificate in the category. Congratulations to all the winners at the 2026 Air Cargo News Awards! Well done to all the shortlisted and highly commended companies and a massive thanks to all our sponsors. We appreciate the time and effort from everyone involved that has helped make the awards an exciting and enjoyable celebration of the air cargo industry. A full gallery of pictures from the evening can be found at aircargonewsawards.net over the coming days.