Cargo facilities to be expanded at New York airport

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey has announced the expansion of cargo space and services.its facilities at New York Newark Liberty International Airport, responding to a sharp rise in demand from the market.

The agency has issued “a request for proposals (RFP)” to pre-qualified firms to lease, operate and maintain two of the airport’s major cargo buildings through renovations “that will dramatically enhance Newark Liberty’s air cargo operations.”

The airport is already a major international shipping hub for leading carriers such as FedEx and UPS and the move is part of the Port Authority’s “broader effort to transform its operations to compete in a dynamic, growing air cargo market.”

“With the presence of robust distribution channels in the region, the Port Authority has a strategic objective to position its air cargo facilities at Newark Liberty to meet growing demand,” said Port Authority chairman, Kevin O’Toole.

“COVID-19 has shifted the way products are moved from one market to the next, and our airports are uniquely suited to assist cargo operators.

For his part, Port Authority executive director, Rick Cotton, commented: “These new cargo projects provide an exciting opportunity at Newark Liberty to expand cargo capacity and customize the delivery of world-class warehousing and services to help shape the future of air cargo services at the airport,” said Port Authority Executive Director Rick Cotton.

“This newly expanded capacity will lead to increased economic activity and create more jobs to help drive the region’s economic recovery.”

The local air cargo market remains “a critical link” in the global supply chain and a key driver of New York-New Jersey economic growth. Cargo supports 22,000 jobs, $4 billion in sales and $1.5 billion in overall wages throughout the Newark region, the agency underlined.

As customers and vendors increasingly turn to online outlets for commerce and goods, Newark has become the regional hub for small packages.

In addition, nearly 40% of cargo currently handled at Newark Liberty is carried in both domestic and international passenger flights. These modernized facilities together with other existing multi-tenant cargo facilities will offer additional facility choice and cargo connectivity to passenger terminals.