Importers and exporters of perishable produce into one of the US East coast's biggest airports have been handed a significant boost, as new 15,000sq ft temperature controlled facility at New York’s John F Kennedy International airport has been opened.
It's the largest facility of its kind at the airport, following a joint venture between Virgin Atlantic Cargo and Delta Cargo, offering shippers with increased competition in cold chain logistics and vastly increased availability of space. Boasting the latest technology:
- Four temperature controlled chambers at 3,250 sq ft each.
- Segregation for pharma and perishables cargo.
- Direct ramp access.
- CCTV oversight.
The news is extremely welcome for exporters into the US, at an airport with direct links to 26 cities across Europe and where warehouse space, particularly temperature controlled, continues to be extremely challenging to find. In conjunction with a similar advanced facility at Heathrow, UK exporters in particular can now benefit from the latest cutting-edge technology and temperature monitoring at both ends of air freight transit between the airports.
These kind of facilities, used in conjunction with the WTA Platform temperature tracking feature, mean shippers of food and pharma goods have truly unmatched insight into the condition of their goods during transit.
"This is great news for both shippers and freight forwarders. Having more options for temperature controlled cargo into the US not only benefits by reducing costs, due to the addition of another competing provider, but also adds more volume to the storage facilities at JFK airport for inbound and outbound cargo."
Lawrence Saunders, Air Freight Customer Service Manager, WTA Group.
The news further strengthens air freight's position as the best transport option for temperature sensitive goods. Despite continued advancement of reefer technology on sea freight vessels, progress on cold chain facilities at airports, means air freight remains the transport choice for shippers of food, pharma and other perishable items.
"By expanding our cold chain footprint and leveraging our extensive partner and route network at JFK, we are offering an unparalleled set of options for our customers looking to move temperature-sensitive shipments through the Northeast corridor."
Vice President, Delta Cargo, Rob Walpole.
To find an air freight solution which is perfectly tailored to your business needs, reach out to me below. Alternatively, take a look at our detailed air freight resource centre, which offers free guidance and answers so many of the crucial questions surrounding air freight shipments. It might also be worth checking out our air freight service in more detail.
Dean Levey, National Air Freight Manager - dean.levey@wtagroup.com
