Swissport has officially launched operations at its new, state-of-the-art Auckland Cargo Centre, expanding its air freight footprint in New Zealand and across the Asia-Pacific region.
Strategically located with direct airside access via Checkpoint Delta, the new facility spans 8,500 square metres of handling space. It includes weather-protected receipt and dispatch areas, advanced security systems and cold chain capabilities for sensitive exports such as pharmaceuticals, seafood, produce and meat.
It is the first cargo terminal in Auckland with direct access to the airfield, enabling faster and more efficient cargo transfers.
“The team has spent the past six months getting ready to set a new benchmark in New Zealand for operational excellence and customer service in air cargo handling,” says Joel Greig, Swissport general manager of cargo operations in New Zealand and Australia.
“We are proud to bring Swissport’s global expertise to Auckland and look forward to building strong partnerships with our airline and freight forwarding customers.”
Swissport’s new terminal includes Auckland Airport’s largest X-ray machine and the latest in cargo screening technology. A network of 46 CCTV cameras provides round-the-clock surveillance, offering real-time visibility to customers and supporting secure, efficient cargo throughput.
The site is licensed as a Customs Controlled Area and approved by the Ministry for Primary Industries as a transitional facility, enabling it to securely process both imports and exports.
“Our focus is on adaptability, collaboration, and delivering tangible benefits to customers –– whether through faster turnaround times, enhanced transparency, or greater reliability,” Greig says.
“We’re here to raise the standard for air cargo handling in New Zealand.”
The new operation is part of Swissport’s wider regional expansion, joining a network of modern air cargo centres at major international airports in South Korea, Japan and Australia. It also positions the company to support growing demand from the global air freight sector, driven by strong export economies in South Asia, Southeast Asia and China, and the continued rise of e-commerce and express networks.
Globally, Swissport handled approximately five million tonnes of air freight in 2024, up from 4.7 million tonnes in 2023, and provided airport ground services for about 247 million airline passengers.
The Zurich-based airport ground services and air cargo handling company now operates at 279 airports in 45 countries with a workforce of around 61,000.
