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San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is set to significantly strengthen its air cargo capabilities through a major infrastructure expansion project that will feature advanced automation technology from Lödige Industries. The airport is investing more than $300 million in a new cargo terminal designed to enhance handling capacity, improve operational efficiency, and support future growth in air freight volumes.
The new facility forms part of SFO’s long-term strategy to modernize its cargo infrastructure and reinforce its position as one of the leading air cargo gateways on the U.S. West Coast. With global air freight demand expected to continue growing, the airport is focusing on automation-driven solutions that can streamline cargo flows while maximizing available space and resources.
Under the project, Lödige Industries has been selected to provide customized automated cargo handling systems for the terminal. The company will deploy technologies that enable automated storage and retrieval, high-throughput cargo processing, and optimized cargo movement across the facility. The systems are expected to reduce manual handling requirements, improve turnaround times, and increase overall terminal productivity.
According to industry reports, the terminal has been designed to accommodate rising cargo volumes while supporting the operational needs of airlines, freight forwarders, and logistics service providers operating through SFO. The integration of advanced automation is also expected to improve cargo visibility and handling accuracy, helping stakeholders manage increasingly complex supply chains more efficiently.
The investment reflects a broader trend across global airports, where digitalization and automation are becoming critical to addressing capacity constraints, labor challenges, and growing e-commerce demand. By incorporating automated technologies into its cargo operations, SFO aims to create a future-ready facility capable of supporting both current and emerging logistics requirements.
Construction and implementation activities are expected to progress over the coming years, with the expanded cargo terminal anticipated to be operational by 2028. Once completed, the project is expected to deliver a substantial increase in cargo handling capacity while enhancing service reliability and operational resilience.
For Lödige Industries, the contract further strengthens its footprint in the global air cargo sector, where automated storage, transport, and terminal management solutions are increasingly being adopted by airports seeking greater efficiency and scalability. The SFO project represents another milestone in the industry’s transition toward smart, technology-enabled cargo operations.
As international trade and e-commerce continue to drive air freight demand, investments such as SFO’s automated cargo terminal are likely to play a crucial role in ensuring airports can meet future logistics and supply chain requirements efficiently and sustainably.
𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐓𝐮𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 CARGOCONNECT 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐮𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬!
Hong Kong International Airport (HKIA) is strengthening its role as a key aviation and logistics gateway to Belt and Road markets through two new cooperation agreements with MNG Airlines and Uzbekistan-focused investment firm Harvest Epoch Strategic (International) Investment Limited. The agreements were signed during the Belt and Road Summit and are aimed at expanding air connectivity, operational collaboration and airport development. Expanding Hong Kong-Türkiye Air Cargo Connectivity Airport Authority Hong Kong (AAHK) and MNG Airlines have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to deepen cooperation across several areas, including direct air connectivity, operational efficiency, service quality and the exchange of management and operational expertise. The agreement was signed by Vivian Cheung, Chief Executive Officer (CEO), AAHK, and Ali Sedat ÖZKAZANÇ, CEO, MNG Airlines, in the presence of Nicolas Ho, Commissioner for Belt and Road. The partnership also covers sustainable aviation development and talent building, including training programmes delivered through the Hong Kong International Aviation Academy. MNG Airlines, headquartered at Istanbul Airport, is Turkey’s pioneer privately owned cargo airline and operates freighter services to more than 60 destinations across Europe, Asia and North America. The carrier currently operates eight to 10 freighter flights every week between Turkey and Hong Kong and is looking to increase frequencies as trade demand between the two markets grows. Highlighting HKIA’s expanding Belt and Road network, Vivian Cheung said, “As of March 2026, HKIA is connected to 78 destination airports in 41 countries in Belt and Road regions. We are pleased to further deepen HKIA’s aviation ties with Belt and Road countries, reinforcing our role as an international aviation hub.” Supporting Uzbekistan’s Aviation Hub Development In a parallel move, Hong Kong International Airport Consultancy Limited (HKIA Consultancy) has entered into a cooperation agreement with Harvest Epoch Strategic (International) Investment Limited to support the modernisation and management enhancement of Navoi International Airport in Uzbekistan. The agreement was signed by Simon Li, CEO of HKIA Consultancy, and Yip Koon Shing, Chief Strategic Officer of Harvest Epoch. Representatives from the Belt and Road Office, Navoi International Airport and Harvest Epoch were present at the signing ceremony. Under the partnership, HKIA Consultancy will bring its airport management and operational expertise to support the development of Navoi International Airport. The collaboration is expected to enhance the airport’s technical capabilities, operational efficiency and overall development as a strategic logistics hub along the Belt and Road corridor. Together, the two agreements underscore HKIA’s broader strategy of extending its aviation expertise and strengthening cargo and trade links across Belt and Road markets. They also reinforce Hong Kong’s position as an international air cargo hub connecting businesses and supply chains across Asia, Europe and Central Asia. 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐓𝐮𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 CARGOCONNECT 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐮𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬!
Emirates SkyCargo has expanded its freighter network in India with the introduction of new weekly freighter services to Bengaluru, Chennai and Hyderabad, strengthening cargo connectivity from three major commercial and manufacturing centres to international markets. The expansion takes the carrier’s total number of weekly freighter flights in India to seven, supplementing the capacity available through its 167 weekly passenger services. The move comes as demand for reliable international air freight capacity continues to grow alongside India’s expanding manufacturing and export ecosystem. Emirates SkyCargo transported more than 153,000 tonnes of Indian exports during FY 2025/26, covering a broad mix of commodities including pharmaceuticals, perishables, high-tech electronics, engineering and automotive components, and fashion goods. Bengaluru, Chennai and Hyderabad are important gateways for India’s technology, manufacturing, pharmaceutical and engineering industries. By deploying dedicated freighter capacity at these locations, Emirates SkyCargo is providing exporters with additional cargo capacity and direct access to its wider global network through Dubai. Badr Abbas, Divisional Senior Vice President, Emirates SkyCargo, said: “India is a strategic market for Emirates SkyCargo. With a fast-growing economy, the country is strengthening its position” as a hub for manufacturing and production. He added that the carrier is focused on helping Indian exporters connect efficiently with international customers and global supply chains. India’s growing perishables and pharmaceutical trade is also contributing to demand for specialised air cargo solutions. Emirates SkyCargo currently transports more than 650 tonnes of pharmaceuticals and over 600 tonnes of fresh food and other perishables from India every week via Dubai. Between April and June 2026, the carrier transported close to 2,900 tonnes of Indian mangoes to international customers. The expansion also aligns with the strengthening India-UAE trade relationship. Emirates SkyCargo moved more than 28,000 tonnes of exports from India to the UAE during FY 2025/26, representing a 24% year-on-year increase. The growth comes amid expanding bilateral trade supported by the Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), which took effect in May 2022. Beyond its airport gateways, Emirates SkyCargo is also extending its reach into inland markets through its road feeder network. More than 4,500 tonnes of import and export cargo were transported through its trucking connectivity across Indian states over the past 12 months, enabling customers outside the airline’s direct airport network to access its international cargo services. The latest freighter expansion reinforces Emirates SkyCargo’s role in supporting India’s export growth while providing additional capacity for time-sensitive and high-value cargo moving between India and global markets. 𝐒𝐭𝐚𝐲 𝐓𝐮𝐧𝐞𝐝 𝐭𝐨 CARGOCONNECT 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐥𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬𝐭 𝐮𝐩𝐝𝐚𝐭𝐞𝐬!
New Delhi | September 5, 2026 India and Belgium are looking to strengthen cooperation in civil aviation, with discussions focusing on direct air connectivity, pharmaceutical air cargo and advanced air mobility. Union Civil Aviation Minister Ram Mohan Naidu held discussions with Belgian Prime Minister Bart De Wever during his official visit to India. The talks explored options for improving direct air links between the two countries, which could support passenger travel, business activity and trade. A key area of cooperation is air cargo for the high-value pharmaceutical sector. Stronger cargo connectivity could help facilitate the movement of pharmaceutical products between India and Europe while supporting more efficient international supply chains. The two sides also discussed advanced air mobility, highlighting potential opportunities for cooperation in emerging aviation technologies. The discussions come as India and Belgium seek to expand their broader economic relationship. The two countries have also expressed an ambition to double bilateral trade over the next five years, creating additional opportunities for aviation and logistics cooperation. What it means for aviation and logistics Stronger India–Belgium air connectivity could create new opportunities for passenger services, pharmaceutical logistics and international cargo movement. For the logistics industry, improved air links could strengthen India's access to European markets, particularly for time-sensitive and high-value shipments. The focus on advanced air mobility also signals growing interest in next-generation aviatiohttp://www.cargoconnect.co.inn technologies as part of the evolving India–Belgium partnership. Key takeaway: India and Belgium are exploring stronger direct air connectivity, pharmaceutical cargo links and advanced air mobility, potentially opening new opportunities for trade, passenger travel and aviation logistics between India and Europe. Follow CARGOCONNECT for more such updates
