Cargo handler Worldwide Flight Services (WFS) will expand operations at London Heathrow Airport after winning a tender to lease a new 11,000 square metre air cargo warehouse, reports London's Air Cargo News.

The facility, located in the Southampton Road cargo area, will have capacity to handle more than 160,000 tonnes annually and is scheduled to open in 2027. The contract runs for 20 years.

SATS-owned WFS plans to install a four-level pallet and container handling system with 220 positions and two elevating transfer vehicles. The warehouse will include dedicated areas for valuable, pharmaceutical, perishable, express, AVI and dangerous goods, as well as outsize cargo such as cars and aero engines.

WFS said the expansion reflects rising demand and Heathrow's strategic role in UK and global trade. The new facility will support growth for existing customers and provide capacity for additional airlines.

Heathrow handled 1.6 million tonnes of cargo in 2024, up 10 per cent year on year, valued at GBP215.6 billion (US$291.07 billion). The airport serves 230 destinations in 85 countries and carries over 72 per cent of UK air cargo by value.

WFS volumes at Heathrow rose 28 per cent in the first half of 2025 compared with H1 2024, driven by contract wins and organic growth.

Chris Beale, managing director UK at WFS, said the new lease underlines the company's long-term commitment to Heathrow and its airline customers.

WFS currently operates eight facilities at Heathrow, covering nearly 44,000 square metres and handling more than 350,000 tonnes annually for 12 major airlines, including new clients Air India and Riyadh Air.